Allentown Preservation League Salvage Warehouse
1518-20 West Walnut St., Second Floor, Allentown, PA 18102
Hours: Thursday 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday (except holidays) 9 a.m. to noon *Cash or check only, www.allentownpreservation.org
The APL Warehouse is a nice little store that seems to have a bit of everything. They often post new merchandise on craigslist.com (search “1518 West Walnut”). The prices are reasonable and if you join the APL ($10), you’re eligible for discount of 10%. Donations of architectural salvage are gladly accepted.
Artifacts Bank
705-707 North 5th St., Reading, PA 19601, Phone: 610-375-7860, Hours: Monday 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., www.centrepark.org/the-artifacts-bank
A larger version of the APL Warehouse, Artifacts Bank offers a nice selection of salvage goods at reasonable prices. Proceeds benefit the Centre Park Historic District.
Architectural Antiques
3080 Bedminster Rd. (Route 113), Perkasie, PA 18944, Hours: Thursday and Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., www.oldhomeparts.com & www.facebook.com/Architectural-Antiques-231969366858125
A huge selection of antique hardware! Most is on display, but some is organized in filing cabinets near the main entrance. If you’re looking for something specific, be sure to ask the proprietor, Wayne, to point you in the right direction. Architectural Antiques also stocks plenty of antique doors, cabinets, mantles, stair parts, plumbing fixtures, and lighting. A fun place to visit even if you’re just browsing.
Craigslist – www.craigslist.com
Craigslist can be a great resource for architectural salvage. Fantastic finds such as a c.1850 crystal chandelier for $125 are not unusual. However, browsing the listings can be daunting, but you can save time by setting up personalized searches with apps such as “CPlus Pro” for your desktop or “Postings” from Trixiesoft or “cPro” by Escargot Studios for mobile devices. These apps can even alert you when an item is posted that matches your search terms. As with most online activities, you never really know who you’re dealing with so use caution. Never meet with a seller alone and try to meet in a public place.
Olde Good Things – Scranton Warehouse
400 Gilligan St., Scranton, PA 18508, 888-233-9678, Hours: weekdays 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and weekends 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., www.thearchitecturologists.com/scranton
If you’re looking for something as specific as four-paneled chestnut doors with inside stop-chamfered rails and stiles, the Olde Good Things warehouse will probably have it. With over 100,000 square feet of architectural salvage, they have just about everything. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather as the warehouse is not heated or cooled. And, be prepared to pay top dollar.
Restore*
3016 East Thompson St., Philadelphia, PA, 19134, 215-634-3474
Wednesday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., www.re-store-online.com
Two floors of full of fantastic salvage finds. Merchandise changes quickly. Be sure to visit their website to sign up for email alerts.
*Not affiliated with Habitat for Humanity’s “ReStore.”
