Lake residents open antique store in Marion
Nadine and Delmar Iseli, residents of Marion County Lake, have joined with Jami Williams of Marion in opening an antique shop at 162 W. Main in Marion.
The couple operated "Country Sentiments" in Kechi since 1991, where they managed a complex of seven shops.
They bought a home at Marion County Lake almost two years ago and made it their full-time residence in March. They decided to move the shop to Marion about a month ago.
It features antique furniture and glassware. Delmar makes bird houses and benches and does furniture refinishing.
Various brands of candles are for sale along with items made by Williams' mother.
The store will be open Saturday but will not open permanently until Oct. 1. Business hours will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
During holidays, Nadine will be available to make up special-order gift baskets. She also is interested in buying antiques. She will do appraisals for insurance purposes.
People sometimes bring in items she is not familiar with, and she has to do research to learn about them.
"You never stop learning," she said. She has learned how to distinguish between reproductions and the real thing.
Nadine was an officer in the chamber of commerce at Kechi and she plans to continue her involvement at Marion.
"I look to be an active member in this community," she said.
She serves with Margo Yates on the board of directors of Prairie People, an area organization of representatives from small towns who help each other promote tourism. Yates is president and Nadine is treasurer.
Delmar is employed full-time as a dispatcher for Metro Xpress Truck Line in Wichita.
The couple had two children. A son is deceased, and a daughter lives in Sedgwick.
The Iselis have five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Jennie, an 11-year-old granddaughter, has spent a lot of time with her grandma in the shop. She plans to help at the Marion shop whenever possible, Nadine said.
