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From Peabody Gazzette Bulletin, July 18, 2001

Tumbleweed is across the bridge and around the curve

The perfect setting for a country antique store can be found just "across the bridge and around the curve" south of Peabody. Francis and Marilyn Payne have moved their business, Tumblewood Antiques, into a new building behind their sprawling old stone house at the edge of Mayesville, Peabody's only suburb.

The Paynes moved to Peabody 11 years ago from Wichita. They purchased the stone house south of town that was part of a creamery business at the turn of the century. Both Francis and Marilyn have been antique enthusiasts since the early days of their marriage. With their children grown, the Paynes were itching to find the perfect house for all their treasures out of the hustle and bustle of the city.

They bought the old Downtowner building on the corner of First and Walnut shortly after moving to Peabody and began buying and selling antiques in earnest. Marilyn had a special love of quilts and old fabric and soon became known amongst area collectors as a fair dealer with a generous quilt inventory.

"I credit my mother and grandmother for my love of textiles and fabric," she said. "My grandmother bought me a little sewing machine when I was a child. I used to sew doll clothes for my friends for a nickel or dime apiece. My mother was a seamstress. I would sit by her machine as she was sewing and wait for scraps. I loved fabric and the challenge of creating something from whatever was available. I just love working with textiles."

Over the years she has built a reputation for having one of the best-loved quilt collections on the Kansas retail market. She gently hand-washes those that need some extra care and has become adept at restoring "needy" quilts using only vintage fabrics. Complimentary linens, doilies, and vintage clothing also are in stock.

The Paynes also have an eye for primitives, country collectibles, and pine and early handmade furniture. Unusual cupboards and old painted pieces also are favorites. They maintain a steady clientele of repeat customers and say that "word of mouth" is one of their best advertising tools.

After 10 years in Peabody's downtown, the Paynes opted to move their shop to their own acreage in January. They built a shop behind the house and last weekend had their official grand opening.

"It's convenient here," said Marilyn, "because we spend a lot of time working in the yard and gardens. If people drive in, I can always see them. Maintaining a building downtown and being there with the doors open when I had things I would rather be doing here just wasn't working anymore. If I was there I felt guilty, if I was here I felt guilty. Having the shop here is an obvious solution."

The Paynes have traveled to antique shows all over the Midwest, setting up booths to sell their treasures. "We still want to do some shows because we love to travel and we have so many friends and good customers in other states," Marilyn added. "And we like to visit our children who are somewhat scattered."

Marilyn also sells quilts and linens on the Internet and has attracted worldwide customers. She and her daughter maintain a website for Tumbleweed Antiques.

"Francis and I are happy with the new shop," she said. "We both love working on the house and the grounds. Francis likes the vegetable garden and being involved with the Doyle Valley Farmer's Market. Now we have the freedom to do those extra things."

Tumblewood Antiques is open more or less by chance or appointment. The Paynes advise calling first to be sure that someone will be around. "Or you can e-mail me 'tmblweed@southwind.net'," added Marilyn.

Strolling through the herbs and perennials, wagon seats, baskets of harvested onions, and the crocks and buckets of blooming annuals is a treat in its own right. Finding the unique and the unusual amongst the quilts, cupboards, camisoles, tables, and rockers is the best part of shopping at Tumbleweed Antiques.