Residents Can Preview Future Beverly Business
By CARRA HIGGINS, Staff Writer
POSTED: November 30, 2007

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The Old Fashioned Beverly Christmas will give area residents a chance to preview vintage clothing and the shop Sue Mulac plans to open in February.

The future Beverly Books and Antiques in the IOOF Lodge building in Beverly is home to clothing from the 1920s to the 1970s. Unique dresses, hats and jackets can be purchased this Saturday from the future business.

Some of the clothing available belonged to Mulac and her daughter. Mulac said she has not always had an interest in clothing, but her daughter piqued that interest. After becoming interested, she acquired her own collection of vintage clothing that includes pieces from the Civil War era.

Future plans for the business includes making and selling vintage clothing reproductions.

“There are no patterns available for vintage clothing," Mulac said. “We just replicate the pieces we have."

Saturday's Vintage Clothing Show and Sale is only a preview of what is to come. Mulac explained that her vision for the the shop includes the sale of books, clothing and antiques.

“I also want to showcase local artists, authors and craftsmen," added Mulac.

With a background in art and journalism, Mulac said she would like to get local students involved in art and writing. She also said she sees an after school program in her business so children can hear stories and learn about history.

“I want the shop to be interactive," she said. “I want people to bring in items and share their stories."

Visions for more business in Beverly run in the Mulac family. Mulac's husband, Carl, plans to open a print shop in the Randolph Enterprise building.

The working print shop will also be a museum so people can learn about the history of printing Sue Mulac said. Carl Mulac will be at the Vintage Clothing Sale Saturday to answer questions people have about printing and its history.

The Mulac's 19-year-old son, Tom, has plans for a blacksmith shop. He will also participate in the Old Fashioned Christmas Saturday.

Roses made of iron and reproductions of antique handles and hinges are some of the items he creates.

“The iron roses sometimes even smell like roses," Sue Mulac said. “Tom will spray a rose fragrance on the iron and people are surprised."

Mulac has only been in town for a week and a half, but said she is excited to be part of the Beverly area and its history.

Friends Tom Downs and Deb Ferrell were already living in Beverly and talked Mulac and her husband into visiting.

“We weren't thinking of moving," she said.

However, after seeing Beverly, the historic buildings and meeting local people the Mulacs decided to move from the Chicago area.

Sue Mulac said she is excited about this weekend's Old Fashioned Beverly Christmas.

“We just want to introduce ourselves to everybody and have fun," she said.

Before Beverly Books and Antiques opens in February, Mulac said she would open the store by appointment for those who are interested. For an appointment call 635-0345 or 635-0359.