The Daily O’Collegian

Jake Duncan/O’Collegian

Old is cool at Fat Dad’s. The store is located at 724 Eastgate St. Look for the Fat Dad’s sign on 6th Street, turn right and look for this rusty Chevrolet.

Linens, timers and beds — oh my! Features writer Melissa Oxford explored what antique store Fat Dad’s has to offer Stillwater shoppers.

From vinyl records to custom knives, wooden shoes to Bavarian ashtrays, Fat Dad’s is a treasure chest for antique hunters.

James Cook, a sociology junior, has ran the shop on weekends for the last 11 years.

Fat Dad’s began as a hobby and interest in pottery, Cook said.

“I enjoy it, and I try to stay away from pressures of normal business,” Cook said.

A few bought, sold and traded items later, and the store is filled wall-to-wall with antiques from nearly every decade in the 20th century.

The aroma of eclectic charm hits you the moment you park in front of the faded cement-block warehouse.

A mishmash of objects, including a rusting Chevrolet station wagon, a swing set with newfound purpose and a huddle of potted petunias, sit in front of the door.

Inside, a pressed glassware, tooled-leather purses, chandeliers, record players, bottle caps, European souvenirs and other miscellaneous items, including a jukebox, are just a few of the items you can buy.

The store’s large vinyl record collection is one thing that makes Fat Dad’s different from other shops.

A room in the middle of the shop is devoted to aged-but-good music paraphernalia.

Local bands often buy records from Fat Dad’s, Cook said.

Dan and Rosemary Blackburn of Perkins, Okla. are regular customers.

“It’s wonderful [because] every time you come, you find something different; and [Cook] is a wonderful person to do business with,” Rosemary Blackburn said.

Although Rosemary Blackburn likes the way every piece she buys stands out in her home décor, Dan Blackburn likes the prices.

Antiques in Cook’s shop range from 10 cents to $500, and bargaining is always welcome.

Most of the items come from garage sales, estate auctions and flea markets and also from people who bring them in.

Fat Dad’s sells on consignment as well.

The shop has four vendors, and Cook encourages artists and crafters to sell their creations out of his shop.

Fat Dad’s offers more than just antiques.

Sometimes there’s even live music.

People bring in instruments and start playing them, Cook said.

Political chats and “free advice and counseling services” are available as well, he said.

Whether you are looking for a new conversation piece for the coffee table or a unique knickknack, plenty of antiques at Fat Dad’s have enough personality to give your home the perfect retro touch.