FROM THE GLOUCESTER COUNTY TIMES
Thursday, June 15, 2006
By Ashley Randazzo
arandazzo@sjnewsco.com
CLAYTON -- A federal block grant is being used to renovate Delsea Drive businesses with new facades.
The Den of Antiquity is the latest building to be given a facelift.
"We're trying to attract new business in town," said Ted Taylor, borough administrator.
"We're hoping to encourage other people to do renovations and beautify the downtown to give an economic boost to the business district."
Taylor said the facade program goes cooperatively with another grant the borough received for new trees, street lights and sidewalks, most of which is done.
Larry Wiseburn and his son Scott own the Den of Antiquity, which stands next to Dancing by Denise, a studio that was restored several years ago.
The Wiseburns bought "David's Men Shop" in 1960. They first ran "Snack at Jack's" in the space before transforming it into an antique shop in 1965.
Wiseburn and his sister, Pat, took over the store when their mother passed away in 2000 -- three years before Pat passed away from cancer.
"This is excellent," said Wiseburn. "These guys (Short and Son's Construction from Newfield) are doing a great job. I can't say enough about them. It's all thanks to the grant through the county."
The federal funds are administered through the Gloucester County Department of Economic Development.
"You never know what you're going to run into with these old buildings," Wiseburn said. "They're basically tearing the whole front off (the building)."
One of many antiques the Wiseburns have from the Clayton area is the original wall menu from Snack at Jack's, but Wiseburn said it's not for sale.
"It's hard for these little towns because there's so much competition from bigger towns," Wiseburn said. "They're all competing for the county money because there's only so much to go around.
Having his house directly in the back of the store makes it easy for the retired union electrician to observe the construction progress -- Scott Wiseburn also lives upstairs in one of two apartments with his family.
Prior to construction, the Wiseburns used the connecting building space for storage. When the work is done in August, the storage side will be called Treasures, an antique gift shop.
Larry said they also plan to have the roof redone and the Den of Antiquity sign on the front of the store will be reconditioned.