By Kristine Kern
Review Staff Writer
When Ron and Judy Petersen bought the building next to Kanranzi Creek on south Broadway in Ellsworth their plan was to have some extra storage and a shop where Ron could do some of his woodworking and refinishing. Since the couple purchased the building in mid-May the plan has evolved and has become “Empty Pockets”, a business venture the Petersen’s would never have imagined.
Judy and Ron have always enjoyed going to auctions and buying pieces to refurbish or repurpose or just rescue a treasure from the garbage. As the couple began working in the old building the idea grew to have a little shop in front to sell some of the pieces they have bought, saved or refurbished. As they started adding items the retail portion of the shop grew and Ron’s woodworking area shrunk. Luckily the building which began its long history in Ellsworth as a car dealership then a hardware store and several other reincarnations has room for the Petersen’s growing shop.
This is a side project for the Petersen’s or something they look forward to being able to spend more time at when they retire. Judy works as a nurse at Adrian Country Cottages and Ron works at Sudenga in George, IA so regular shop hours for Empty Pockets were difficult to set. In a small town there is always someone willing to help, Leslie Klein has stepped in and been a creative whirlwind for the couple. She is there most days and has many decorative pieces she has made or refinished herself there. Her artistic flair can be seen throughout the shop and she is the one that sets up the beautiful displays outside the store.
As these three have worked to set up Empty Pockets their vision of what they wanted it to be has continued to evolve. Judy comments “we see this place becoming a community hub or gathering place, we don’t want to just sell items we want to host events and be a place for the community to meet.” In fact the day we met to do this story Judy, Leslie and Ron were hosting a group of residents from Parkview Manor for tea and cake. The residents enjoyed looking at the antiques and reminiscing over pieces throughout the store. The store hosted the ice cream social over the Ellsworth celebration which Judy and Ron hope to continue to do. Judy has a variety of coffee cups on hand for the group of coffee drinkers that come in several mornings a week, the coffee is always on for visitors. Judy and Ron hope this is just the beginning of the role that Empty Pockets will play in town. They have been talking about setting up a Pinochle night during the winter, they welcome input from the community. The busy couple will have some of their items at the Ellsworth Holiday Bazaar at the Ellsworth School on October 7th. Despite his shrinking woodshop Ron has been busy making angels, birdhouses, toy boxes and much more while Judy has been trying to keep up with painting the items and getting some of her repurposed glass candle holders made.
Judy and Ron don’t know what changes will come as the story continues to grow and change but Judy says, “the Lord is leading us.” They are grateful to the Ellsworth community, Judy comments, “we have had so much support from the community even people dropping off pieces or calling about sales. They want to see us succeed too.” If you are in Ellsworth stop in Empty Pockets on South Broadway, next to Kanaranzi Creek or across from the Cafe, they have so many pieces that hold memories for many from years past and decorative pieces that are one of a kind.
SEPT 6
EMPTY POCKETS
