I’ve actually never set foot in or really even noticed this small antique store on Clement between 31st and 32nd Avenue, so I was intrigued to read about it in the SF Chronicle. According to the article, the 40 year old Garden Spot Antiques is closing after the elderly owner, James Rodriguez, was found dead in the store.
While a recluse by nature, Rodriguez had endeared himself to neighbors with his kindness expressed in many ways. He was known for his reluctance to sell items from his antique collection. When customers ventured into the store, he often refused to part with an item selected for purchase.
According to Rodriguez’s will, all of the items in the store are to be sold with proceeds going to San Francisco General Hospital. The liquidation is being handled by The Hoover Gallery, who will open the store Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 11am to 3pm for shoppers (or by appointment at other hours by calling Stefan Ziegler, Mr. Hoover’s associate at (650) 440-0163).
There are some beautiful (and pricey) pieces listed in the SF Chronicle article including a Directoire (1794 -1805) Console and Mirror in fruitwood, a William and Mary (1688-1702) slant top desk, and 19th Century American Work Table (sewing table). Some of the photos below; more over on sfgate.com.
If you never got a chance to stop in the Garden Spot or may have had your eye on a special item, be sure to stop in the store at 3029 Clement Street.
Sarah B.
A shame, this.
Me and my wife visited this shop when we first moved into the neighborhood about three years ago.
We didn’t have any money then (and even less now) but I recall a pretty positive experience in his store. He seemed to be the sort of eccentric old codger who keeps a storefront open merely to keep busy–or so I seem to recall him saying himself.
RIP, sir. Unfortunately I’ll not be claiming anything from the “rubble”, here…
I walk by this store on my way to work and would see Mr. Rodriguez outside or sitting in a chair in the doorway. He always had a smile for his neighbors and would call out to the little kids on the block. Though I never spoke to him or went inside his shop, I was sad when I saw the little memorial set up outside his door. I think it’s funny he never really wanted to sell stuff–a true collector!
Memories from this older George Washington Student, the store use to be Little Woman’s 2+2 Store where we’d go to buy a deli sandwich for lunch. Salami and Cheese on a french roll with a Hostess Banana cake and Delaware Punch!
Mr. Rodriguez outstayed Little Woman and it seems he left his mark on the community too!