Highlights From the Store’s First 10 Years
This year, we’re celebrating a decade of selling unique items both old and new. Including a large inventory featuring antiques, handmade décor and more, Past & Present Home Gallery has become a well-known local business dedicated to providing a memorable customer experience.
To commemorate our 10th anniversary year, we’re looking back at a few of our greatest highlights—both as a business and as a friendly, well-organized environment for local visitors and tourists alike.
Jeff and Lynelle Lanoue are the proud owners of antique store Past & Present Home Gallery, which celebrates it’s 10th anniversary this year.
The Beginning of Past & Present
Long before Past & Present was founded, Jeff Lanoue worked as a furniture restorer. Looking to showcase his work, both he and his wife Lynelle envisioned a store that would feature multitudes of items such as antiques and handcrafted pieces created by local craftsmen. Inspired by this concept of old, new, and everything in between, the name ‘Past & Present’ was ideal for the store.
First opening in September of 2011, we began in a humble 2,400 sq ft area. Within three years expansion was possible and our 2,400 sq ft turned into to 15,000.
The Man Cave
The Diva Den
Soon after expanding, we incorporated themed areas. The Man Cave, located in the lower level, was first implemented in 2014. This masculine-oriented space resides in what was once an old vault used to store furs for a fur company. Following the successful introduction of The Man Cave, The Diva Den was added for our women shoppers the following year.
Each of these retail spaces cater directly toward their audience, and are just one of the many ways that we have transformed the act of shopping into an experience.
A Prestigious Award Helped Increase Our Brand
In 2020, Past & Present was named ‘Customer Experience Champion’—an award presented by the Minnesota Retailers Association.
One of the biggest highlights for us within the last 10 years was being chosen for the 2020 Customer Experience Champion award. This honor, presented by the Minnesota Retailers Association (MnRA), recognizes not only Past & Present’s overall success, but specifically the connections we share while providing excellent service that creates a memorable and one-of-a-kind experience for our customers.
As the award solidifies our name in the local business community, social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and even our website add to our success.
“We strive to continue establishing Past & Present as a destination stop for people to get their retail therapy.”
The website, as well as our online social profiles, include detailed videos showcasing the many different items one can find at Past & Present. In addition to these videos are high quality photos, and our blog which takes readers into the history of certain pieces, and provides information for upcoming events, contests, and more.
10 Items in Honor of 10 Years
Over the years, a great many antiques and collectibles have passed through the store. As we are frequently rotating our inventory and updating displays, there’s always something new and interesting to be found at Past & Present.
Some of the more notable treasures that have either been sold or are currently for sale include:
1. Several Sideboards dating back to the mid 1800’s
2. Fully restored by Jeff for a customer, an authentic antique Peekaboo Clock with movement from 1796 and an 1806 clock case.
3. Very rare general store thread cabinet from the Red Owl Store in Kensington, MN
This Antique Ribbon Cabinet, originally built between 1903 and 1932, came from Red Owl in Kensington, Minnesota and can be used for showcasing a variety of items including yarn, collections, or even make a great wine rack!
4. Studio Portrait Camera from the late 1800’s-early 1900’s
This antique wooden studio camera, made by the Ilex Optical Company in the early 1900s, sits atop a base made by the Folmer Corporation and Century Camera Company. A rare find!
5. Symphonion music box with working song discs
Complete with 18 metal discs that feature raised bumps to aid the music box in playing each song, the Imperial Symphonion at Past & Present still works over a century later!
This mahogany antique music box was made in the late 1800s and still works today!
6. A set of Jail Doors
7. Rotating hardware bolt bin from the early 1900’s
This 20th century antique bolt and screw cabinet has 72 drawers within its eight-sided design. It rotates on an octagonal base around a vertical axis from the bottom.
8. A Top Hat likely worn by Warren G. Harding
Based on the positions President Warren G. Harding held and his numerous travel engagements, it cannot be ruled out that this top hat could have been worn by him on other occassions.
9. Vintage and very rare bubblegum machine
10. Very old pantograph stencil set
“We have a very large selection, old to new and everything in between,” says Lynelle. “Our inventory changes daily and stays current with trends in a fast changing market.”
Celebrating 10 years with 10% off store-wide for 10 days!
In honor of their 10th year in business, Past & Present Home Gallery is giving 10% off their inventory store wide from October 1st through the 10th.
Hoping to celebrate another 10 years, we’re celebrating this decade of years in the business by hosting a 10% discount for 10 days storewide. The kick off will be Friday, October 1st with the Alexandria Chamber Wake Up here at the store.
