Main Street home to two new businesses
Kay Navrat and her husband Fred Housman are establishing two new businesses at the corner of Fourth and Main in Marion.
Central Park Antiques will be operated by Navrat and will feature "furniture primitives and treasures." Over the years, Navrat has collected sturdy tables, chairs, rocking chairs, and chests of all sizes, as well as antique pictures, paintings, and many other historical items.
One unique item is a bathtub made of tin and rimmed with wood. Another high-dollar item is a set of a children's table and two chairs, a work of art done in a cowboy theme.
"I've always liked historic things," Navrat said. "I hope to have good turnover and keep the selection fresh."
The Golf Shop is located in a small room at the back of the antique store. Housman is a certified golf club designer and has been making clubs for five years.
"It's not a hobby with me. I'm an official club-maker," he said. "I love doing it."
Using various tools, he customizes golf clubs to fit the person and has customers all over the United States.
"I can make a set of clubs as good as or better than the best off-the-shelf products for half the price," he said.
He also does club repair, such as re-shafting, re-gripping, and re-grooving.
The couple came to Marion from Santa Fe, N.M., but Navrat is a native of Marion. Both are retired and enjoy living in Marion.
"Everybody is friendly and supportive," Housman said. He especially enjoys waving at people and seeing them wave back.
Housman said he will be available at the store after Memorial Day. "I'm always available," he said.
Navrat plans to open the antique store on June 4. Regular business hours for both stores will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
The phone number for both businesses is 620-382-3220.
