SPENCERPORT, N.Y. — On West Ridge Road in Spencerport, there is a place that holds past and future memories, advertised to the traffic racing by. In reception, a large personal collection of antiques is on display, some going back to the 1930’s, 40’s and 50’s.
Liberty Hollow is a haven of antiques, merchandise and collectibles. These are just some of the items that are stacked floor to ceiling in the 15,000 square feet of space. The atmosphere crackles with old memories, and antique pieces everywhere, hidden and in plain sight. Certain sections of the store are dedicated to sports merchandise, signed memorabilia, books, baby clothes and seasonal decorations.
This store has been in the family for three generations, with owner Ed Young driving 120 miles every day of the week to manage the store.
“My grandfather was a carpenter and everybody in my family was a woodworker, so I learned from my family when I was a little kid and I’m 82 now, I’ve become an expert and passed it on,” Young said.
Young manages the store, works alongside vendors and clients, and transforms broken things found at curbsides into something to treasure forever.
One thing that stands out to Liberty Hollow is the increasing number of young people passing through its doors.
“The college kids come in here, they buy a piece of furniture and it’s real wood, it’s not something they throw away at the end of the season, it’s something they can keep,” Young said.
SUNY Brockport student Mia Lamanna stumbled upon the store one day and continues to return.
The antique industry made over $4.5 billion in 2024 after increasing over the last decade. For college students, this is an environmentally friendly and cost-effective way to buy what they need for their dorms or houses. According to the National Retail Federation, total college spending is expected to hit $86.6 million this year.
Part of what makes Liberty Hollow succeed is its vendors. A vendor can help antique store owners and potential customers connect and unite in their common love for objects of the past, as well as be a platform to promote and acknowledge famous pieces.
Vendor Laura Chinappi has been at Liberty Hollow for the past 21 years and knows her way around.
“There’s a whole new generation of people coming into the habit of saving the old pieces, utilizing things and furnishing,” Chinappi said.
As a vendor, Chinappi knows the maintenance of work relationships, especially in a place like Liberty Hollow.
“I only work twice a month, but I’m always coming in to check on my Buffalo Bills booth and see how everybody is doing, it’s definitely a family,” Chinappi said.
For Liberty Hollow, the future is optimistic, with past generations seeing loyal customers in and out every day, united in the search for more memories and leaving with more than they could ever imagine.
