The Greenhouse Hopes to Bring New Excitement to Antiques, Collectibles

Two experienced Smithtown antique dealers are hoping to cultivate a new wave of interest in collectibles in historic St. James. 

The Greenhouse Antiques & Collectibles celebrated its grand opening on Friday on North Country Road in Saint James. Co-owners Charles Munch and Lou Apadula pulling together a combination of retail, wholesale, consignment antiques and live auctions under one historic roof. 

With more than 40 years experience in antiques and collectibles, Munch said he's been a collector since he was a boy growing up post-World War II, before it was popular. 

"Today, collectors have to be smart and know their craft. It's important job for them, as its been financially rough the last few years," Munch said.  

Luckily, television shows including Antiques Roadshow, American Pickers and Gallery 67 have brought a renewed interest in collectibles and antiques, according to Apadula. 

"All of the shows get the youth of America into what people collected and its history," Apadula said. 

A quick glimpse around The Greenhouse offers a crash-course in history, from a 1800s handheld compass and phonographs to military jackets, World War II helmets and knives. There's various classic Coca-Cola and Pepsi pieces offer a slice of Americana while black-and-white postcards of Long Island offer a local feel. 

Munch and Apadula rent display and floor space to more than 50 associates who have put some of their finest antiques and collectibles on display to potential customers. The Greenhouse also purchase and sells items on consignment. 

"Every day something new comes through that door. Every piece has a history," Apadula said. 

THe only thing that doesn't have a long history is the relationship between Apadula and Munch. The two co-owners met recently when Munch walked into Apadula's previous antique furniture shop in Smithtown to buy a stamp he had, struck up a conversation and 10 weeks later - convinced him to go into business together. 

"If it every applied, it was a leap of faith," Munch said. "That's what we're operating on a leap of faith. I had a vision because I knew I wanted to do antiques, Lou didn't have the vision but he's a workaholic and good with money." 

In the future, Munch hopes to begin running live public auctions out of The Greenhouse while recalling days running large public auctions with his family and in New York City. 

"It's a thrilling thing to do, it's a lot of fun. That's what I'm looking forward to is the auction part of the business," he said. 

We'll keep an eye on what's coming to The Greenhouse.