By Vickie Holt
Originally from West Virginia, Mary and Jeremy Ridenour relocated to the area in order to pursue careers as Veterinary Technicians at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine in Blacksburg. Hailing specifically from Beckley, Mary and her two sisters lived in a beautiful, historic house that their parents had restored. Meanwhile, about three hours north along I-19 and I-79, Jeremy was born and raised in Fellowsville. Jeremy’ s young life was spent on a hundred-and-twenty-acre farm that his family had worked for generations.
One thing their early lives had in common was that both sets of parents loved collecting and antiques. And so it was that antique surroundings and traditions would be the backdrop against which both Mary and Jeremy would enter the world and find one another.
It had been a difficult decision to move away from their families, but both felt the choice of accepting positions at the College of Veterinary Medicine had been a good one. Jeremy continues to work there full time as a supervisor, but after working ten years in the small animal intensive care unit, Mary felt it was time to take her life in a new direction.
The couple had adopted two sons, and though Mary greatly appreciated her experience with both the amazing animals and her supportive colleagues, she felt it was time to take a step back and focus more on her young family.
To help with the new order of her life, the couple decided to fulfill a long-term goal they’d been discussing for years. Both Mary and Jeremy love antiques, and they had dreamed about opening an antique store one day. “One day,” however, has so often meant “never” in the lives of others. “If you wait for the perfect time,” says Jeremy, “it’ll never happen.”
Blake Alexander Primitives, Antiques, and More opened on April 20, 2021. Located at 1917 Union Valley Road in Riner, the store’s name comes from the middle names of the Ridenours’ two sons, Fynn Alexander and Wyatt Blake. The names were chosen to honor the boys’ grandfathers.
Situated in the Floyd-adjacent, Montgomery County, the modest storefront began its existence as an antique store back in the late 1980’s. Since then, it has been a storage facility for a flooring company, and the offices for a real estate company. Now, the building has returned to its roots, once again housing a collection of memories from yesteryear.
Blake Alexander’s was founded on a passion for family collections and heirlooms. Mary and Jeremy both come by their love of collecting honestly, each having inherited it from their parents. This is evidenced in Mary’s impressive collection of Raggedy Ann and Andy memorabilia, as well as Jeremy’s collection of old tools and farm implements.
This shared admiration for all things antique has led to more than a few family journeys to visit the dozens of antique and collectible stores scattered around Virginia and West Virginia, as well as throughout the Mid-Atlantic.
Family time for the Ridenours has always been top priority. Now, that special together-time also includes searching as a family for the rare items that can make their store a unique destination for those seeking special treasures to check off their wish list.
“You never know what will cross your path,” says Jeremy, “and with each piece, there is an opportunity to learn.”
Jeremy explains that it’s difficult to know anything about something you’ve never seen before. When they find something unusual in another antique store, however, there is often someone there to tell them all about it. Likewise, when local folks bring things by Blake Alexander’s, they are happy to tell the tale of what the object is, how it was used, what era it was from, and how much it meant to their parents or grandparents.
“Wow! That really takes me back!” is a sentiment uttered by both customers and store owners almost every day.
Jeremy tells a story of a retired fire chief from Radford visiting the store one day. The man immediately homed in on a pair of antique fire extinguishers. Not only was the man able to tell the Ridenours all about the extinguishers and how they were used, but he also returned to the store with several pieces from his own extensive collection of fire memorabilia! Those items now make up a beautiful display at Blake Alexander’s.
Though the Ridenours source from other antique shops to select the special items for their store, many of the antiques come from customers who visit and say they have something perfect. A unique item the couple must see. It happens on almost a daily basis, and in this way, they have seen things they never thought would have ever been in their possession.
Through all the conversations with the expert owners of precious antique treasures, Mary and Jeremy have continued to broaden their knowledge of all things antique. In addition to the items they come by organically, the Ridenours also get requests for specific antiques or primitives. This drives them to further expand their skillsets and knowledge while also producing sincerely satisfied customers.
Mary and Jeremy thoroughly enjoy discussing the antiques with their patrons, and they take great pride in putting quality products into the hands and homes of others who will cherish them for years. Having the odd piece, the conversation-starting piece, or even a simple piece displayed in a must-have manner is a great source of pride at the store.
A specialty vision at Blake Alexander’s is to embrace the concept of incorporating antique items into everyday home and outdoor décor. This use of antique items for everyday décor is partly behind the Ridenour’s desire to open Blake Alexander Primitives, Antiques, and More. They want to share that same joy and style with others.
Though the Ridenours and their customers share a love of antiques, Mary and Jeremy also enjoy mixing the old with the new. They like adding modern pieces to accent the antique decor that so often invokes fond, childhood memories.
To this end, support for local businesses and artisans has been incorporated into Blake Alexander’s. The store proudly showcases a wide range of local products such as handmade cutting boards, wine racks, jewelry, raw honey, metal art, and various crafts. The Ridenours have been amazed by, surprised by, and thoroughly pleased with the true talents that abound in the area. They tell us they will continue looking for and partnering with local artisans whose wares can complement their store. They enjoy being part of a small community, and they spend as much time as possible visiting local destinations and supporting local businesses along the way.
Mary and Jeremy have lived on a small hobby farm in Riner for the past seven years and they have instilled in their sons the same love of animals that has always been within their own hearts. The Ridenour farm is now home to a collection of chickens, turkeys, ducks, goats, dogs, cats, and a cow.
The addition of Fynn and Wyatt to their lives has planted the couple’s roots even deeper in Riner and affirmed a desire to follow their dream – to seize the opportunity and develop a family run business to share with their boys. Fynn and Wyatt have already begun immersing themselves in the toys, tools, and one-of-a-kind objects from eras far before their time.
Blake Alexander – Primitives, Antiques, and More
Mary and Jeremy Ridenour • 540-382-8095
1917 Union Valley Road, Riner VA 24149
www.BlakeAlexanderDesign.com
www.facebook.com/BlakeAlexanderDesign