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She Sells Antique Treasures by the Seashore

Owner Joanne Kennedy Craig won't sell the gold-framed shadow box with glass shelves that she made just to display her fine collection of perfume bottles. Priced from $4 to $400, these vials, including Lalique examples, are a popular attraction.
Among many paintings displayed this 1890 French example in its original gold frame is valued at $4,800 though Craig has been unable to determine its artist's signature.
Along with gold framed paintings, silver items are also popular such as cigarette or card cases and evening bags displayed here.
A collection of men's pocket watches, most from the 30s and 40s, always attracts attention.
Whether they come to buy or browse, folks who visit Joanne's Antiques may be surprised to find an unexpected treasure trove in the sleepy little town of Seal Beach, Calif. Strategically located between Long Beach and Huntington Beach, the 95-year-old Orange County city of 26,000 attracts both tourists and local coast residents who appreciate the antique goodies found along historic Main Street.

It's been 40 years since Joanne Kennedy Craig left her Brooklyn home and 28 years she spent married to her Texas-born husband, John. She became a widow almost two years ago but staunchly maintains the truth of the song, "The Second Time Around" is the best. Joanne eagerly and early on began acquiring estate jewelry, old world furniture and Victorian art while John's passion centered on old books and dealing in paper goods. She recalls, "He could talk to you for hours about children's books." Many called him the "Johnny Carson of Long Beach," because of his career as a sports announcer and talk show host.

Craig says, "How we got started is probably how everyone else gets started. I was an avid collector of everything so my husband said we should start selling a few things . . . We got a small space in an antique mall about 14 years ago and things just grew from there. We just loved the business and decided to open our own shop," which is presently located in one of Main Street's oldest buildings.

Over 150 Bakelite and Lucite jewelry pieces are on hand, ranging from $10 to $400.


Joanne's Antiques has a widely-varied inventory and includes a storage unit "full of treasures that I rotate." In addition to estate jewelry and "name" pieces such as Haskell and Weiss, high-end antiques abound. They include paintings, crystal, glass, furniture, lighting fixtures, antique mirrors, pottery and a host of miscellaneous items such as beaded bags, inkwells, canes, books and old silver items including grape scissors and saltcellars. A large men's section offers jewelry such as: cuff links, rings, cigarette lighters as well as pipes and fishing gear.

The owner emphasizes no reproductions are ever stocked. Also, no merchandise is accepted on consignment. She is frequently seen as a vendor at the Long Beach Veterans Stadium where she has occupied a booth for many years. She also maintains a space in Temecula, California.

Craig credits "two wonderful people who help me out: Judy and Ed Priest. They owned an antique mall for years and have been assisting me since my husband died."

Among Craig's many friends, Wendy Slaight, says she "can't praise Joanne enough . . . There's a treasure to be found in every nook and cranny. Everything in this antique boutique is carefully selected by her. Her spectacular taste is represented throughout the store."


Located at 213 Main Street, Seal Beach, CA 90740, Joanne's Antiques is open Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. The phone number is (562) 431-8432.







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