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Janice (White) Check was born on January 21, 1936, in Boscobel, Wisconsin. She came by her love for collecting honestly -- her mother, Dorothy, loved and collected over 4,000 dolls! Jan started Check's Antiques in the family garage in 1968, and what started as a hobby soon became a true business. Jan and her husband, Bob, built the first true home for Check's Antiques (with help from Jan's Dad and brother) in 1971. During the 1980s they added a second building exclusively for furniture. 

 

In the capable hands of Jan, Check's Antiques became more than just a business. Her love for Prairie du Chien memorabilia (including a collection of over 300 antique Prairie du Chien postcards) and her warm personality made Jan and Check's a true community fixture. In 1988 Check's acquired a 5-foot tall replica of a "Sleepy Eye" pitcher that adorns the yard in front of the store to this day. It is not only eyecatching, it's a reminder of one of Jan's favorite lines of collectibles.

 

Jan passed her love for collecting on to many of her family members, and today her daughter Ronna owns and runs the store. Jan's granddaughter, Jana (who is an antiquer herself!), said of her grandmother, "Antique dealers are preservers of history and that is exactly what Grandma did...she instilled in all of us the value and usefulness of old things." Although Jan and Bob are no longer with us, when you visit Check's Antiques the love and care they took to establish their business will still warm your heart, and you will be sure to find a treasure that helps bring that warmth into your own home!

 

Come visit us soon!  -- The Check Family

It all started with Grandma Check,
a true "Preserver of History"

Bob & Jan become Mr. and Mrs. Check

Bob & Jan become Mr. and Mrs. Check

November 17, 1954.

A Unique Find.

A Unique Find.

Jan with a copper still, a reminder of Prairie du Chien's vibrant prohibition days. Picture taken in 1970.

Building Check's Antiques.

Building Check's Antiques.

Jan's dad and her brother, Jack, pouring the shop's foundation.

Early Business Card.

Early Business Card.

1970 Version.

Early Days.

Early Days.

The shop in June, 1974.

Playing the Part.

Playing the Part.

Jan dressed in vintage finery for the 1976 Bicentennial Celebration. Pictured with an antique spinning wheel in front of the shop.

20th Anniversary.

20th Anniversary.

August 24, 1988 - Check's Antiques turns 20 and celebrates with the Mayor of Prairie du Chien and a ribbon cutting for the 2nd building.

Ultimate Collectible.

Ultimate Collectible.

A 5-foot "Sleepy Eye" pitcher, acquired from the Minnesota Sleepy Eye manufacturer and proudly displayed in the front yard of the shop. Sleepy Eye products were a favorite collectible of Jan's.

30th Anniversary.

30th Anniversary.

Jan and Bob, August, 1998. Check's Antiques turns 30!

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