The Persimmon Tree

Step into the cool confines of The Persimmon Tree at 213 Main Street and it is literally taking a step into history. The love of those historical objects comes to life for Jim Moody and his sister Lynn Moody Ryle. Inside the Persimmon Tree you’ll find a beautiful pie safe here, an oak secretary there, all adorned with pictures in ornate frames, glassware, and vases. Jim Moody has picked up many of these heirlooms at auctions and flea markets. One of those heirlooms currently in the shop is a Family Bible dating back to the early 1800's. There are also dozens of photographs, carte de vistas, stereoscopic photos, and even a few old daguerrotypes. The Persimmon Tree has a good variety of items for different tastes at reasonable prices. And Jim Moody also is interested in purchasing good quality antiques as well.

There are also new gift items available at The Persimmon Tree: homemade soaps and lotions from a local business, Willow Creek Falls, greeting cards, sachets, and baby items among them.

When Jim retired from Purdue University, he wanted to come back to his home area and open a small business dealing in something that had always interested him. He and his sister started with a few antiques and now they have quite a store full. Old books and documents are of most interest to them, and to many of those who come to visit the shop. Jim has helped many people with family genealogies and will even take names and phone numbers for later contact if he runs across something of interest or relecvance to that family.

Jim says he never feels like he is working at a job because of his love for what he does. His biggest surprise, he says, was how easy it was for him to start his business. He had a dream and has pursued it since leaving West Lafayette. Now celebrating their 5th anniversary, he can't think of anything he would rather do.

The hours of the store are: 10:30 to 4:30 daily, closed Sunday and Wednesday. You are most assuredly invited to stop in anytime and relax by browsing the inventory. It may be a small shop, but it is run by a brother and sister with big hearts!