Picking Pickers

The Phillip Morris bellhop "mascot" was
picked in the first episode of American
Pickers.  4/20/2019  dwm photo

I've been a fan of American Pickers (History Channel - first blog 7/18/2013) a long time.  Its the story of Mike and Frank as they travel the country looking for objects that tell American history.

The show aired its first episode in 2010.  Last month, the 278th episode, part of its 20th season, was shown.

There are "greatest picks" episodes that tie similar picks or locations together, but the bread and butter episodes show Danielle locating potential homes or businesses to visit with Mike and Frank showing up to do the picking.

In most hour-long episodes - there are three locations with quick histories on the purchased items and comments from buyers and sellers.

A recent trip near their hometown - Frank Fritz is from Davenport while Mike Wolfe calls Bettendorf, Iowa home - led to a side trip to see Wolfe's store called Antique Archaeology.

An Elvis pinball machine for sale.
4//20/19  dwm photo

The biggest thing I learned is that Mike and Frank pick together, but aren't co-owners of the LeClaire store.  Frank has a store of his own in Savanna, Illinois called Frank Fritz Finds.

The two have known each other a long time, graduating from Bettendorf High School in 1982.

The show is Wolfe's.  That's why it revolves around his stores in Iowa and Nashville.

Picker Mike Wolfe loves motorcycles - especially old ones
like this Indian.  4/20/2019 dwm photo

Antique Archaeology has two small stores a block off the main road and just up the hill from the Mississippi River.

Each store has items you may have seen in an episode - like the Phillip Morris bellhop or a sign in the shape of eyeglasses.

There is a nearly equal amount of souvenirs like hats, t-shirts, and pins available; which is good since most picked items are more expensive.

Mike's store has a lot of items
from the show.
4/20/2019   dwm photo

It was a fun visit.

I walked out with an Antique Archaeology hat and two pins.

There were a couple cool things in the store I liked.  An old wood door covered with license plates and a vintage Breyers Ice Cream sign.

For fans of the show - the two stores on the property are like museums.

If we knew the location of Frank's store on this trip - we would have found it, too.

If you love the show - you'll like the shop.  If you've not seen it, the stores are enjoyable anyway.  Area businesses trade off their local piece of reality television; we easily saw a dozen antique shops in town.

A newer, old-looking store with a vintage car out front has
more Pickers merchandise.  4/20/2019  (dwm)

While Frank, Mike, and Danielle are considered local celebrities - you can learn more about another native son, Buffalo Bill Cody. 

A museum telling his story is downtown next to the Riverboat Twilight.

You can make it a full weekend with other stops in the Quad Cities - home to its own famous folk and an iconic Green and Yellow tractor company.

Take the trip, see the sights, and make the pick.