Rick and Debbie Lepley of Waynesville developed their love of America’s historic past and antiques while living in southern California.

“There are actually a lot of antique stories in California,” Debbie said. “You can travel all over the state and always find them.”

Debbie, who is originally from Centerville, said her husband’s job took them from California to living out of the country, where they both became interested in international antiques as well. After Rick retired, they decided to move back to Ohio and settled in Waynesville.

What the business does: The Waynesville Antique Mall has more than 40 dealers that all rent space in the mall.

“We tell folks we are ‘recycling America’s historic past,’ so we try to make sure that only antiques are sold in the mall,” Debbie said. Potential vendors can apply for a space by filling out paperwork. At this point, the mall is nearly full and there is a wait list, according to Debbie.

The eclectic mall features everything from military memorabilia to lamp parts to pictures and art.

“If you don’t find what you are looking for, we can find it for you,” Debbie said.

How the business started: The Lepleys purchased the business in February 2012 from its former owner who decided to retire. Prior to becoming an antique mall, the business housed both a grocery store and a bowling alley.

“It’s been an antique mall for many, many years,” Debbie said, adding that many of the vendors have also been selling their wares in the mall for years. “We have one vendor, Kim, who has been around for a long time and everyone knows her. She has a very eclectic space and if you don’t see something you want, you can ask her and she can find it.”

Lepley’s daughter, Lauren acts as general manager and one employee, Crystal Kerr, is the daughter of the former owner. “Crystal is very knowledgeable too. It’s great that she’s still here,” Debbie said.

Recent developments: Shortly before Christmas, the Lepleys opened the upstairs bookstore, after noticing a lot of men were sitting on benches outside waiting for their wives to finish shopping.

“We decided to do the upstairs bookstore like a ‘man cave,’ and there are a lot of books that will appeal to men,” Debbie said. “We have books on military, American history, Ohio history and a lot of biographies. The store isn’t exclusively for men, though. It’s a great place for anyone to sit and read.”

Contact: Located at 69 S. Main Street. Open every day from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Phone is (513) 897-6937.  Website is waynesvilleantiquemall.com.