Frank and Janine Stone have re-opened Cornerstone Antiques in downtown Vinton. Their first official day of business, a “soft opening,” was on December 14.
The Stones first opened the shop in April 1989 and remained in business until 2002. The antique store is located on West Lee at the corner of Walnut Avenue, across the street from the Vinton Farmers’ Market.
The Stones have given their shop a facelift thanks to the Vinton Façade grant program, adding a new porch and ramp.
Janine Stone describes their merchandise as “eclectic” antiques and collectibles currently sold by three dealers. They have Face jugs, china, linens, railroad memorabilia, paintings, jewelry, toys, clothing, and much more.
Their assistants are Vicent and Ilawyn Beckner and Cindy Boitnott.
Aside from being antique dealers, the Stones are well-known and beloved educators in the Vinton area. Frank Stone served as principal of Roland E. Cook, Herman L. Horn (East Vinton), and W.E. Cundiff (Hardy Road) Elementary Schools. Janine taught math throughout Roanoke County, completing her career at William Byrd High School. They celebrated their 60th anniversary this past summer.
The Stones say they have always been antiques enthusiasts. They ran a novelty shop on Bent Mountain when they were educators at the elementary school there early in their careers. Teachers were not paid in the summers at that time, so they opened the shop for supplemental income.
They also currently maintain a booth at Olde Mill Primitives in Stewartsville.
Their hours of operation in Vinton are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.