Hewitt Linda Bayer has been a collector since she was a child. Dolls and doll houses were her specialty as a youngster but her sphere of interest has grown over the years, encompassing just about anything with a past. “I’ve been collecting antiques all my life. My father said I was born with one in each hand. I just love anything old, anything with a history,” Bayer said. When Bayer eyes up an antique or collectible, her thoughts run to who owned this before? What child played with this toy, who enjoyed this art work? The history of the antique intrigues her and with her new business venture, Red Sled Antiques, etc, an antique consignment shop, she’ll probably have to keep the brakes on herself or she’ll be buying up the inventory. Together with Lorraine Jameson and antique expert Neil DeAnngelis, the three proprietors of Red Sled Antiques look forward to sharing their treasures and knowledge with the people of West Milford. Located at 2019 Greenwood Lake Turnpike in the A&P shopping plaza, the shop can take you back in time. Bright and cheerful, with deep red walls and colorful yellow shelving, the articles on consignment are charmingly arrayed. Over there is a beautiful old china cabinet, then there’s the vintage table with the tea settings, there’s art work and glassware, rocking chairs, baskets, lamps and one of Bayer’s favorites, vintage movie theatre seats. Their dream come true Bayer, Jameson and DeAnngelis have talked about this idea for a long time and now it has finally come to fruition. “It’s a dream for the three of us,” she said. Bayer said that at one time an antique had to be 100 years old or more but now it can be around 50-60 years old. Some items may be classified as vintage rather than antique. Some are called collectibles. While the three owners go on antique hunting expeditions they are hoping that once word gets around about their consignment shop people will bring the treasures to them for sale. When an article is brought to the store, the proprietors look it over and decide if it’s a good fit for their shop. Then they do some research on the article and determine its going price. Since each transaction is different, Bayer suggests calling or stopping by to discuss the terms of the agreement. Bayer said this is currently the only antique shop in West Milford and she believes it will have a good following. With their friends toting in their valuables and the word getting around even before opening day, people have been calling day and night. Sharing their knowledge Being steeped in antiques fits these three proprietors well. It’s their passion and they hope to pass on the fun and interest to others. Being surrounded by antiques, working side by side with good friends and making new ones every day, Bayer is a contented woman. “I like to live every minute. I believe in 'seize the day’,” Bayer said. Although some of Bayer’s minutes may come from the past, what’s old is new to someone else and there may just be that perfect piece to complement someone’s home or particular interest now sitting on those pretty shelves, waiting to write its continuing history. The store hours for Red Sled Antiques are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Alternate hours may be arranged by appointment. Call Jameson at 973-896-9161 for more information.