06/19/2026
Hey Kids, It’s Friday!
Cornelius Visits Village, Vintage, Antiques & Collectibles
Today, Cornelius Harnett and the volunteers at the Alleghany Historical Museum wanted to thank one of the people who helped make their current exhibit possible, Terry Choate: The Man Behind the Music. Part of the exhibit includes personal memorabilia and a collection of record albums from another Alleghany County native son and Nashville Country Music star, Del Reeves.
Cornelius set out on foot to visit Mr. Allen and thank him. He had heard that Mr. Allen was the owner and operator of Village Vintage, Antiques & Collectibles in the Trojan Village Shopping Center, located on the other end of town from the museum.
Cornelius enjoyed the long walk. Beautiful flowers were blooming all along Main Street. Some were planted in big blue pots and were being watered by a man wearing a hat. A lady was pulling weeds from a flowerbed at the courthouse. Cornelius thought to himself, “It is nice to be in a place where citizens try to keep it clean and beautiful by tending to the plants.” He was also glad that the town sidewalk reached all the way to his destination.
At the end of the sidewalk, Cornelius saw Trojan Village. He crossed the street and looked for Mr. Allen’s shop. There were several businesses in the shopping center, but soon he found Village Vintage, Antiques & Collectibles among the other stores.
When Cornelius entered the shop, he saw lots of interesting items. The store was full from floor to ceiling with everything you could imagine and more! Cornelius was afraid he might break something if he wasn’t careful, so he made sure to walk slowly through the store.
There was a giant hand-painted wooden horse on a shelf to the right as he walked in. Everywhere he looked there were glass and ceramic items. To the left was a glass counter with a register. On the wall behind the counter hung several musical instruments and photographs.
Just then Mr. Allen appeared from the back room.
He smiled and said, “Hello Cornelius! Welcome to my shop. Is there something special you are looking for today?”
Cornelius told Mr. Allen that he had come to visit him and wanted to thank him on behalf of the Alleghany Historical Genealogical Society for loaning his collection of Del Reeves records for the Terry Choate exhibit. He also thanked him for donating two large crates of vintage Del Reeves T-shirts to help raise money for the expenses of operating the museum.
Cornelius explained that visitors to the museum had really enjoyed seeing the collection and that several people commented they did not realize Del Reeves had recorded so many albums.
Mr. Allen said he was happy to help the museum. He shared that he knew and liked both Terry Choate and Del Reeves.
Then he showed Cornelius the photographs hanging on the wall beside the guitars. There was a picture of Mr. Allen with Del Reeves and another with J.D. Higgins.
Mr. Allen told Cornelius that his shop has been open for five years and that there are many rare and unique items for sale. He said he enjoys searching for interesting treasures to bring into the shop and likes chatting with visitors.
Cornelius asked Mr. Allen how long he had lived in Sparta.
Mr. Allen explained that he first came to Sparta in 1980 to open and manage a different store called the Ben Franklin Variety Store. It was a large store located in Trojan Village Shopping Center. The store remained open until 1988 and then closed for two years. Later, Mr. Allen was able to reopen it as an independent operator. He said it stayed open for another eight years before finally closing.
Mr. Allen said he enjoyed managing the variety store and that on special occasions he would dress up as Ben Franklin. Children enjoyed seeing him in costume at the store and during the town parade.
Cornelius also learned that Mr. Allen has been involved with many civic organizations in Alleghany County, including the Sparta Lions Club, which helps people in the community.
Cornelius thought to himself:
“Not only does Mr. Allen have lots of interesting treasures in his shop—he himself is interesting and a treasure to his community.”
Cornelius thanked Mr. Allen again for the tour and for helping the museum. Then he walked back to the museum to help greet visitors.
History Fun Fact:
Cornelius learned that the Trojan Village Shopping Center, where Mr. Allen has his shop, was designed and built by local businessman, D.W. Miles in 1977. It was the first shopping center in Alleghany County.
D.W. dedicated his life to making Alleghany County a better place for its citizens. For 50 years he hosted the June Jamboree and served truckloads of watermelons. He received the highest civilian honor for service to the community, The Order of the Long Leaf Pine. In addition governors granted multiple awards for volunteer services. He was the first president and founding member of the Alleghany Home Builders Association, founder of the Blue Ridge Bank, and founder of the Miles Job Fund. He started the Take a Break from the Interstate initiative. He was Merchant of the Year at the Alleghany Chamber of Commerce. He also designed and built the stage at Crouse Park for all to enjoy for generations to come.
Have a great weekend!
