A Link to the Past

Founding Family Antiques has thousands of pieces that can spark old memories and create new ones

Story and photos by Rick Stedman

I had been inside the Founding Family Antiques for less than a minute when a particular piece suddenly discovered me.

Sitting on a shelf with a discounted price tag was a connection to my past: a colorful beer stein commemorating the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, Canada. I attended the games with my old Army buddy Steve Schultz. Sadly, I never brought one keepsake home from that memorable trip—until now.

Discoveries like that draw treasure hunters back for more. That’s why Founding Family Antiques in Eatonville has been so successful since opening its doors in 1963.

In the Early Years

Founding Family Antiques traces its beginnings to Terry and Sharon Van Eaton. After their wedding in 1961, Terry’s post- ROTC Army assignment took the pair to Chambersburg, Pennsylvania—widely regarded as the antique capital of the country. Immersed in antique shops, estate auctions and a culture steeped in Early American history, Terry developed a deep appreciation for antiques that quickly became a shared passion with Sharon.

When Terry’s Army service concluded, the couple returned to Eatonville to take over the family Chevrolet dealership. In 1963, they opened Founding Family Antiques as a hobby.

Terry and Sharon quickly discovered how to incorporate antiquing into their family life.

“My parents often used their vacations to shop for antiques, especially Early American primitives, which were their passion,” says their daughter and Founding Family co-manager Susan Van Eaton.

In the 1960s and ’70s, the couple, sometimes with one or two of their children in tow, would begin their annual East Coast buying trips by flying to the Midwest. There, Terry would pick up a commercial vehicle directly from a General Motors truck factory—usually one he had pre-sold to a customer back in the Pacific Northwest. Once they reached Chambersburg, they would visit their favorite dealers. On their route back, and if they still had room in the vehicle, they would stop and shop from Ohio to South Dakota.

“Over the years, they made these trips in an assortment of vehicles, including a dump truck, a milk truck, a camper, a school bus and several step vans,” Susan says.

Treasures Galore

It seems like every visitor has a story about antiques, and many enjoy the treasure hunt when visiting an antique shop. Founding Family Antiques has a 5,000-square-foot building with thousands of treasures to explore. From books to paintings and everything imaginable, this antique shop offers a little bit of everything.

Over the years Terry and Sharon bought many interesting and unique items.

“Though it’s not for sale at this time, we still have the original Eatonville jail door, which was located in the old Town Hall,” Susan says.

One of Terry’s prized finds was discovered close to home in Ashford: a wooden model of the first train to go through Elbe and on to Mount Rainier National Park. The 8-foot- long train is 18 inches tall and includes the engine, coal car and a boxcar. A master woodcarver who made his living carving carousel horses crafted the masterpiece.

Though Terry died in July 2024, the Founding Family legacy continues under the stewardship of the couple’s daughters— Joy Van Eaton Nelson and Susan—who grew up tagging along on buying trips and learning the trade from behind the counter. Now co-managing the shop, they bring fresh energy, professional experience and a modern understanding of today’s collectors.

After six decades, Founding Family Antiques’ heart remains the same: a place where history is preserved, stories are shared and the past finds new life in the present.

Founding Family Antiques is at 41918 Lynch Creek Road E., Eatonville. It is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday, or by appointment. For more information, call 360-832-4611 or visit foundingfamilyantiques.com