Pappy and Ray's Antique's & More
By KATHLEEN MCKEVITT

A piece of what started in Blairsville in 1979 as a flea market has jumped into town on 59 Wellborn Street in Blairsville. Harry Cox was called Pappy by his daughter and the name stuck - - from a flea market, to Pappy's on the River on 129/19, and now, with partner, Ray Graphman and an antique store with flair in the downtown area.

Ray Graphman and Harry (Pappy) Cox are searching for, and finding true primitive antiques and loading up their new store with them. "We're concentrating on the real thing, and at least as old as us," says Graphman. "No lookalikes or wannabees here, but authentic pieces, from tools to tables," says Pappy.

Pappy Cox sold the original Pappy's complex five years ago, and this year, "got bored," found a partner and started collecting antiques from Indiana, on old farms. The team is planning to load up from New Jersey, Iowa, Tennessee, and will head to Pennsylvania next.

The only non-antique pieces come from another local store, Sleepy Hollow, north of Blairsville on route 76, that "just fit" with what we're selling" according to Cox.

Graphman was a warehouse distribution manager with Disney enterprises before he retired.

The team is looking for true Hoosier cabinets, original tools and anything else from high chairs to wagons. They're staying away from taking consignments so they can offer the best prices without external consultations, and both look forward to finding especially unique pieces for unique people and situations.

The store is located just off the city square and is open every day but Sundays from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Call 706-835-4311 for information.