04/12/2025
In the mid 90’s, when I was building homes in the area, I took in a 1950 Desoto as partial payment on a job. Little did I know then, it would change our lives forever. The car led to collecting auto memorabilia. Dee and I enjoyed going to antique malls and shows in the area and discovered an unexpected passion. When the tract of land that used to be Wonder Waters Water Park came up for auction, on the way out the door, I jokingly said to Dee, “If you go down and buy that land, I’ll build you an antique mall!”. She didn’t take it as a joke and in October of 1997, we opened the doors to customers where we had 46 booths and 12 showcases. It didn’t take long and we had a need to add on… twice. There was never a day where it was “work”. We had turned a hobby into a passion and that passion into a living. We made so many incredible friends over the years. We got to see the faces of thousands of customers light up when they would find that special treasure.
Our kids, eventually our grandkids, and our handful of incredible employees worked together as a family. But the most special thing of all, is that Dee and I got to do it together. It’s not too common that someone gets to work alongside their best friend. With all of this, it has been the best years of my life. Just a couple of weeks before Dee passed away last September, she and I began the process of selling the mall. Today, on what would be Dee’s 73rd birthday, that process was completed. While she might not have been here to see the outcome, she can certainly see it where she’s at. I have no doubt that she (and I) are thrilled that Sid and Ashley Wyatt will be taking over as the owners of Twin Lakes Antique Mall. My prayer will be that they are able to build some of those same incredible moments that we have experienced over the years, but also make new ones. I have no doubt that they will be successful as they make this place their own.
Thank you all for your love and support over the last 28 years. Continue to give that same support to Sid and Ashley and to all of the staff. We have no doubt that they will continue to make it, “A mall so nice, you’ll want to stay a while.”m
God bless you all,
Ed Hanes