Vicki and Jerry Cooley met while bidding for treasures, and at Born in a Barn, they have treasures waiting to meet you.
Their shop offers a diverse assortment of antiques, collectibles, furniture, handmade decor, and tasty treats, making it a place where there is something for everyone. They have a trove of prized inventory, but they consider their customers their greatest treasure. Vicki and Jerry thoroughly enjoy engaging with all visitors from near and far.
Peachy Keen Coffee is conveniently located for shoppers and guests on the property of Born in a Barn, run by the Cooleys’ daughter, Melissa, and son-in-law, Chad Keen. This popular wagon venue is open on Saturday mornings and serves a variety of coffee beverages and cookies. One almond-flavored drink is called the Vicki Lee, which Melissa describes on the menu as “named after my mama because that’s her favorite.”
Coming up on October 19 is the Born in a Barn Bean Blast. As a gesture of customer appreciation, there will be free ham and beans (cooked over an open fire in a big kettle) along with chili, cornbread and apple cider for all guests to enjoy. Vicki and Jerry encourage you to come early and stay late. This annual event is not only a way of saying thank you to customers, but also a significant day for community support. Almost everything in the store will be 20% off. Bins for clothing donations will be available, and your patronage as a customer and contributions of items are greatly appreciated. Born in a Barn and Peachy Keen Coffee have become well-known for their many charitable and fundraising endeavors. One can understand why Vicki, Jerry, Melissa and Chad are cherished community members.
The name of Vicki and Jerry’s shop originates from Jerry’s handiwork with remnants from a barn. In 1976, Jerry used his share of lumber from an old family farm building to begin making barnwood cabinets to sell at festivals. He then added antiques to his selection of merchandise and often found himself bidding against Vicki, who also sold at festivals. “One of the reasons we got married was so we would quit bidding against each other,” Jerry says jokingly.
After their joyous union in marriage, they continued as a business team at antique malls, flea markets, and estate sales before deciding to open a shop of their own. When a rental property they owned became vacant, they united again to remodel it into a storefront home for Born in a Barn. Their current advertisement reads, “Not only do we have antiques…we have old stuff, new stuff, barn stars, candles, costume jewelry, furniture, collectibles, vintage toys, Fannie May candy, jellies, fresh honey, and don’t forget some plain-old, downright ugly stuff too!”
This popular business is in its 19th year of operation. It is also an honored member of the Indiana Antique Trail. Along with the main store in Knox, the Cooleys have three booths at Twice Treasured in Plymouth. They carry an assortment of chocolates including Fannie May candies during the holiday seasons. Vicki shares that she once had a late visitor to the store craving the special Fannie May chocolates. The mother-to-be was thrilled to be allowed to make an after-hours purchase to satisfy her longing. Among other sought-after delicacies that Born in a Barn carries are Dutch Country Kettles homemade jams. Pickled beets are a special item available as well.
Many friends will be assisting with the upcoming October 19th Bean Blast, and they join the community in looking forward to this fun, endearing show of customer appreciation and contribution to a worthy cause. Vicki and Jerry share that they strive to leave a good impression on each person who visits their store and their little community, which they so love, with its beautiful parks and lakes. When asked what they value most about Born in a Barn, they quickly agree that it’s the people they meet. All customers are greeted with the warmth of friendship, and if you have not visited yet, Vicki and Jerry, along with their treasures, hope to meet you soon.
Born in a Barn is located at 302 North Heaton Street in Knox, and is open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.