Sneak peek: New business to open its doors in Columbia

Items offered at Kelman & Swartz include potbelly stoves, pedal cars, figurines, table & chairs, a klieg light, and even parts of the front end of a Shawnee fire truck.

A new Columbia business, Kelman and Swartz Brass & Bronze Trading, LLC, will soon open its doors to the public, offering refurbished metal items such as potbelly stoves, pedal cars and figurines, among others. Co-owner Tim Swartz of Columbia, says he has searched high and low in homes, barns, and recycling yards to find the items, which he believes deserve a second chance. To that end, he has had many items restored or refurbished by the process of powder coating or other means.

Swartz says there are no price tags on items, because he wants customers to decide what the items are worth to them. Although many pieces do require a minimum price, he wants customers to walk out feeling good about what they purchased. Swartz classifies his business not as a thrift shop or antique store but rather as a way to keep history alive.

Kelman & Swartz, located at North 3rd and Poplar, will have a soft opening on Friday and Saturday of Easter weekend.

Part of the inventory includes pedal cars and tractors as shown in this sidewalk display at North 3rd & Poplar: