Dealer Spotlight – Woody’s Antiques Case #62
From a Creek Bank Discovery to a Lifetime of Collecting: Meet Warren & Alice of Woody’s Antiques (Case #62)
Every antique has a story—but sometimes the collector’s story is just as fascinating as the treasures they find.
For Warren and Alice, owners of Woody’s Antiques at Case #62 in Antique World Mall, their journey into the world of antiques began not in a shop, but in a quiet California creek more than five decades ago.
One Bottle Changed Everything
In 1968, twelve-year-old Warren was exploring a creek behind his parents’ home in Saratoga, California, when he noticed something unusual protruding from the creek bank. Curious, he pulled it free to discover an antique bottle buried beneath the soil.
That simple moment sparked a lifelong passion.
Soon after, Warren joined the San Jose Bottle Club, where experienced collectors introduced him to the rich history of antique bottles, primitive Americana, and the excitement of uncovering pieces of the past. What started as a childhood curiosity quickly grew into a serious appreciation for American history through the objects people once used every day.
A Shared Passion
In 1975, Warren met Alice while attending West Valley College. Their shared appreciation for history and adventure quickly became the foundation of both their relationship and their collecting journey.
Together they explored Gold Rush-era bottle dumps throughout San Francisco, searching for forgotten relics hidden beneath the ground. They also developed a love for early decorated stoneware and began furnishing their first apartment with authentic early American furniture and antiques they had discovered themselves.
For Warren and Alice, collecting wasn’t simply decorating—it was preserving history and giving forgotten treasures a second life.
Digging Into California’s Gold Rush History
Over the years, the couple uncovered some truly remarkable artifacts.
Among their favorite discoveries were an 1860 San Francisco-minted $3 gold coin and a beautiful cobalt blue Dr. Wynkoop’s Sarsaparilla bottle dating to 1848—pieces that represent an exciting chapter in California’s Gold Rush history.
Their passion even led them to work with Archeo Tech, helping recover Gold Rush artifacts from construction sites before they were lost forever. Many of these recovered pieces found their way into local museum collections, helping preserve California’s early history for future generations.
It’s experiences like these that make every item in their collection more than just an antique—it becomes part of a larger historical story.
Still Chasing History
Today, Warren and Alice are retired, but retirement hasn’t slowed their enthusiasm for the hunt.
Estate sales, antique shops, flea markets, and hidden treasures still call their names. Every outing holds the possibility of discovering another unique piece of America’s past, and that excitement remains as strong today as it was when Warren found his very first bottle.
Their collection continues to grow through years of knowledge, patience, and an appreciation for quality craftsmanship and historical significance.
Visit Woody’s Antiques at Case #62
When you stop by Case #62 at Antique World Mall, you’ll find more than antiques—you’ll find pieces selected by collectors with decades of experience and a genuine love for preserving history.
From primitive Americana and early bottles to unique relics and carefully chosen antique treasures, every item has been handpicked with the same enthusiasm that began beside a California creek over fifty years ago.
Whether you’re an experienced collector, a history enthusiast, or simply someone who enjoys discovering beautiful pieces with stories to tell, be sure to visit Woody’s Antiques, Case #62 during your next trip to Antique World Mall.
You never know what piece of history might be waiting to become part of your own story.
Visit Antique World Mall
With more than 160 dealers and thousands of antiques, collectibles, vintage treasures, home décor pieces, and one-of-a-kind finds, Antique World Mall is Idaho’s destination for antique lovers and treasure hunters alike.
Next time you’re exploring the mall, make sure to stop by Woody’s Antiques at Case #62 and discover a collection built from a lifetime of curiosity, adventure, and a passion for preserving America’s past.