The Potomac Highlands Dispatch - the online newspaper

Past & Present looks to be a part of Queen City's future
Antiques and flea market shop opened Tuesday on Queen City Drive

By Kevin Spradlin
The Potomac Highlands Dispatch
Cumberland, March 4 - The proprietor is in.

Susan Shackelford opened the door of Past & Present Antiques & Flea Market at 326 Queen City Drive on March 1. The building is located in the heart of downtown Cumberland, conveniently situated between Roy Rogers and Taco Bell.

Shackelford said it's always been her dream to have her own shop where she can work on restored, recycled and repurposed furniture and other antiques and items. She provides the details. Her boyfriend, Doug Carpenter, does all of the woodworking onsite.

In addition to what the couple makes and restores, area artists already have become a part of what Past & Present has to offer.

Shackelford said she was passively looking for the ideal location for some time but 326 Queen City Drive found her. About three months ago, Carpenter did some contracting work for building owner Ray Johnson. Shackelford said Johnson had the building listed for sale and had considered alternative uses for the three-story building. After a couple of conversations and a site visit, "I decided just to go for it," Shackelford said.

"It's the perfect location," Shackelford said, noting that Johnson claimed that "'I have a great building'" for Shackelford's idea.

"And it is," she said.

While Shackelford has access to all three levels, the showroom is on the second floor and accessible by the building's front door. There are 14 parking spaces off Queen City Drive plus another providing handicapped accessibility.

"We've got good quality stuff here to offer," Shackelford said.

Shackelford said she's been working with antiques for about eight years and sees a need to help people find quality furniture products at an affordable price. Originals or remakes born at her shop fit that bill, she said.