American Pickers Visit Washington

By Kit Zinser

We will call him Jack A.  A little old soul who loved school, respected his teachers, and had many friends who excelled as he did in the third grade.  No teacher could ask for more.   However, his one foible was a very popular television series.  And he couldn’t bear missing any of the episodes.

American Pickers debuted on the History Channel in 2010.  Based in Le Claire, Iowa, antique and collectible pickers Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz hit the back roads of America seeking “gold in rust.”  “Making a living selling and telling the history of America” was their chosen mantra. 

The former Herbst Hardware and Furniture Store brought American Pickers to the square in little old Washington.  The Herbst store was an icon on the square opening in the 1940’s.  It closed in the 1970s, unfortunately.  The store housed all types of hardware and paint.  The home furnishings department was connected by an interior door - furniture, bedding, dishes, silverware, carpeting, drapes, and gifts.  Many senior girls bought their hope chests from Herbst.  Young families furnished their mid-century homes with stylish sofas, chairs, dining room sets, table-size TV sets, and console TVs.   You wouldn’t meet a friendlier group than the Herbst family.  Jeanne Herbst reached out to American Pickers in 2012. On September 14, 2012, a breathtakingly beautiful day with a hint of fall, stars Mike and Frank rolled into Washington in their white van with the Antique Archaeologists logo on the side. 

The square was crowded with excited onlookers who took pictures of the van, the pickers, and anything else related to this show's production. The episode was dubbed “Deuce Digging.”

Jeanne greeted Frank and Mike warmly.  Into the old store they went.  The guys now had access to history. According to the present owner, Mike and Frank were pleased with their acquisitions, and if you were to visit the store in Le Claire, you might see an item or two from Washington, IL. Before departing, Mike took Jeanne aside and offered a thought on what she must do with the newly cleared upper level.  That thought resonated in her creative mind for a short time.  You can see the fruits of her labor if you are lucky enough to secure a reservation in her upscale Airbnb. The results rival anything you might find in Architectural Digest or House Beautiful. It was truly a singular accomplishment.

In addition to visiting the Herbst reserve, Mike and Frank scooted out to the old Roper farmstead for some reconnaissance.  Mrs. Roper had an eye for collectibles and didn’t stop at one-of-a-kind.  Bill and Jo Roper had to erect a huge steel frame building to accommodate her treasures. Again, success is on both sides of the coin.

Back to Jack and that warm September school day.  Taking roll that morning, I think I saw a note about a dentist visit that luckily coincided with the American Pickers visit.  When he returned to school the next day, Jack had an even bigger smile than he normally sported, and I am guessing it wasn’t because of the pesky dentist.  A super visionary kid…