Rose Hill Antiques

Antiques and Collectibles

5066 Route 209

Accord, New York 12404

Telephone: (845) 626-7155

 Antique Barn Under New Management
By Jane Brown

“More is better,” murmurs John McMahon as he pushes aside a nineteenth century armoire to make space for a truckload of painted old farm furniture. “There’s more where this came from,” he exclaims and you don’t know if he’s bragging or complaining. A large illuminated glass display cabinet waits patiently to be tucked into a prominent position and boxes of unique collectibles scream to be unpacked and arranged on the waiting shelves.

McMahon is the handsome new proprietor of the popular antiquing destination store that was formerly called “Reds.” With the new name “Rose Hill Antiques,” he has put a new face on an old favorite. A huge inventory, a wide variety of items, and a broad range of prices attest to McMahon’s slogan for the shop when he says, “We’ve got something for everybody.” Browsers will see juxtapositions that include the soft glow of hand-rubbed mahogany challenging the charm of well-worn paint, the sparkle of Austrian crystal chandelier fobs snubbing the old wooden toys, and the glint of Murano glass competing with a Turkish flat-weave rug. Parents quiz children on what some old implement might have been used for and strangers tell each other, “My grandmother had one of these.” Busy fingers turn things over, pull out drawers, and tap on faux surfaces. Every item is scrutinized, admired, and eventually adopted into a loving home.

Rose Hill Antiques, located right on Route 209 in Accord, is ten miles south of Kingston and ten miles north of Ellenville. The shop is open Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The shop’s generous 1500 square foot space is divided into six nicely-arranged rooms. Seven disparate dealers continually replenish stock and McMahon’s helpful presence makes it all work together. Occasionally you will hear shoppers call to one another that they are lost, or to come see something. Newcomers frequently register surprise and exclaim that they had no idea this amazing place was here or that they had just heard about it from a friend. Long-standing customers come back frequently and immediately ask, “What’s new?”

This interview was interrupted when a dealer suddenly backed her SUV right up to the door. A wrought iron patio set was peeking out and a customer rushed up to take a look. Amid oohs and aahs, a deal was struck while the motor was still running. The dealer drove the customer and her new acquisition over to her cabin in Kerhonkson. They both returned rather triumphantly about half an hour later.

McMahon brings over thirty years of antiquing experience to the enterprise. As an IBM employee for 37 years, he collected and dealt in antiques as a sideline and hobby. Upon his retirement three years ago, he turned a hobby into a second career. McMahon, his wife, Arlene, and their three sons fell in love with Ulster County and moved here from Dutchess County about thirty years ago. Prior to taking over the shop, he had rented dealer space and provided consignments in his current location a well as various shops in Highland, Milton, Gardiner, and Hyde Park. 

McMahon buys antiques, collectibles and used furniture. Whether it’s a single item or the contents of a house, he is always willing to help customers find a buyer. He says, “If I can’t take it, I’ll probably know someone who can. We have a big network.” 

The McMahons are history buffs—especially Civil War history. They attend round-tables and re-enactments and like to study family genealogy. McMahon was in the Navy in the early 1960’s. He was selected to be part of the military entourage that escorted President John F. Kennedy’s coffin when it arrived at Andrews Air Force Base that tragic day in November 1962. When asked if his personal role in a very historical event might have contributed to his passionate interest in history, and things pertaining to history, such as “antiques,” he responded diplomatically with a tilt of his head, a sincere smile, and a thoughtful, “Could be.” 

For additional information visit these Web sites busyrochester.com and rosehillantiques.com, call the store at 845-626-7155, or come to the store and take home your own piece of history.

Send E-mail to Rose Hill Antiques with questions or comments.

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