Meeting Jane Riegger...

To be a dealer in The Heirloom Cupboard first you had to be interviewed by Jane Riegger. She was the owner (along with her husband). Jane was a very intimidating woman. Her reputation preceded her. Around Medina, people either really liked her or they really didn't! Most respected her. Her family had owned the Longacre Furniture Store on the Square for many years. They were a prominent Medina family. She was no nonsense, a retired school teacher from Medina City schools. Her husband, Bob, was a retired Vice President of the Old Phoenix Bank on the Square. They made an attractive, distinguished couple.



When Pam took me to the the Heirloom to meet Jane I was in a panic. I know nothing of the business. What was she going to do, give me a test? Quiz me on the value of specific antiques? What I knew about the value of things was from a 1985 Schroeder's price guide. How pathetic was that! Good old Pam promised she would teach me everything.

Jane Riegger shook my hand, and asked where she knew me from. I said from coming in the shop most likely. She asked if I had gone to Medina schools? I said," No... Buckeye." She said, "Hum." She then looked me square in the face for a full minute. I didn't looked away. It seemed like forever to me. Then she said, "Let me find you a key. You can move in upstairs next to Pam's section. Nancy Slaymaker is moving out you can have her spot. You can work Nancy's days on the calendar. Four days a month is required and pay your rent on the first of the month."

You could have knocked me over with a feather. I held out my hand and a old brass key to The Heirloom Cupboard was placed in it. I don't remember if I said anything or not. But as I was going up the stairs to view my new spot, Jane called after me, "...and Shirley, September will be your month to do the display in the front right window.

I climbed the rest of the stairs two at a time.

I moved in on the 5th of July 1993. I knew that this was going to be a new direction in my life.