I met Ken at the Stormville Antiques Fair earlier in the year and thought it was probably worth the trip out to Suffolk County to visit his shop. My friends, I was not mistaken.

The first thing I noticed upon walking in was that Ken was wearing a Vaccaro’s Scrap Metal T-shirt. I asked if it was the same Vaccaro’s on 15th Street in Park Slope. Turns out that Ken is a Brooklyn native. We’re everywhere (sometimes even in Brooklyn)!

Ken started collecting at 8 years of age. He was big into pre civil war era guns and then later, Cigar Store Indians (or Cigar Store Native Americans for the politically correct). His family was in the demolition business and that’s how he got his start in salvage some 30 years ago. He is also involved in environmental hazmat (did alot of work at the WTC) and adult ed.

What you’ll find: The main building is an antiques store. There’s a “dungeon” and a barn out back that houses the architectural salvage. I bought a bunch of hardware….some really great things at low prices. I didn’t have much room in my car for large items. He has some sinks, iron railing for $50 per section, light fixtures (one 1920’s fixture came out of a Brooklyn bordello).

Prices: Ken says he’s not in the business to hang on to this stuff, so his prices are very low. If you’re looking for furniture, he’s got dressers and tables that make the Salvation Army seem expensive. My friend bought an antique dresser for $60 (which is why I couldn’t fit anything else in the car).

Give yourself plenty of time to get there (LI traffic!) and look around (There is so much to look at!) and most important, take time to listen to Ken’s stories (He likes to talk!) because he’s an interesting guy.

Junk To Jems: 445 Little East Neck Road, West Babylon. 631-661-0111 Call first!!