Meet Martha & Charles

Charles and Martha are natives of Tennessee and Kentucky, but have called Havelock home for the past 50 years.  They moved here as a young couple when Charles was stationed at Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station as an aircraft maintenance specialist.  Charles and Martha raised a family of seven and were active in their church and community.  Charles is now retired from the Marine Corp and Martha is retired from her civilian job on the Air Station.  Together they have expanded their hobby into a successful store that serves as an outlet for their love of things from ages past.  Come on in to the store and let them share some of their expertise with you!

 

 

Sun Journal - By Melanie Hammons - Advertising Staff Writer - Circa 1995

 

The person who walks into Martha's Favorite Things hasn't wandered into just any antique store.  He or she has stepped into a building that is itself an antique, and like the many collectibles within, one which bears witness to the durability of heirlooms.

    

"The center section of this building, from the steps on back, was constructed in 1885," said Martha Davis.  "It was a general store that sold everything, and as you can tell from the rugged appearance of these steps, many feet have walked across this floor over the years."

 

The front part of the building is newer, said Charles Davis, Martha Davis' husband and the business' co-owner.  "This front section was built in the 1940's, and may have been used as a dining room or restaurant for travelers," said Charles.

 

Like the building that houses them, the antiques at Martha's Favorite Things are a testimony to the beauty and endurance of things of yesteryear.  There is literally something for everyone's individual tastes, no matter what one's age.  Those who adore dolls, for instance, will find plenty of them at Martha's Favorite Things.  There are Little Golden Books and other children's toys as well.

 

Many antique-seekers are on the lookout for specific articles, such as wooden rocking horses, cradles and ship models.  All can be found at Martha's Favorite Things.

 

Some folks like to collect fine old kitchen implements.  There's quite a variety of these at Martha's Favorite Things, ranging from old tea kettles to tin cookie-cutter implements.  Don't overlook the old canning jars either.

 

Other people desire to purchase something that will really take them back to a nostalgic era of days gone by.  They need to investigate the Coca-Cola poster art, antique jewelry, and old butter churn.

 

Paintings, old china, cut glass and antique furniture are items that draw many antique shoppers.  Those who haven't seen what Martha's Favorite Things stocks, are in for a real treat.  One room is filled entirely with antique furniture.  Shoppers can choose from antique clocks, chairs, tables and more.

 

Martha's Favorite Things has another claim to fame that other antique stores could wish to have.  Remember the times you've said to yourself, "I could have kicked myself for saying (doing) that,"?  Well mounted outside the store is the famous kicking machine of days gone by.

 

Legend has it that the late actress/comedienne Lucille Ball, ball player Babe Ruth and President Harry Truman all made stops here to see the kicking machine," said Charles Davis. "Whether it actually was them, we probably will never know.  But the kicking machine is still here for anyone to see."

 

Martha Davis says the antique business started out as a hobby for her.  "I bought so many collectibles over the years, there was not enough room at the house to contain them all," she said.  "But it is something I have wanted to do for 30 or 40 years now.  I'm glad I am finally now realizing my lifelong dream."

 

Martha's Favorite Things should be on every antique shopper's list of  stores to visit.  The great selection of antiques and collectibles to be had there are reason enough for that.  But even if visitors come just to look at the old building or the kicking machine, they're sure to draw an old fashioned welcome from Charles and Martha Davis and their daughter Amy.  Their warmth and courtesy are another reminder of the nice things that can still be had from days gone by.

 

Martha's Favorite Things is located about halfway between Havelock and New Bern at 6241 Hwy. 70 East.  Business hours are 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 - 6 p.m. on Sunday.  For more information call 637-8030. "Ya'll com now, Ya' hear?"