Reeves, MiniMall one-of-a-kind

Woolworth’s Five & Dime meets grandma’s attic and antique heaven in the MinuteMan MiniMall on Route 3. Bursting with unique collectibles, books, toys, glassware, crafts, jewelry and much more, the sprawling store is truly one of a kind.

So is its proprietor Ed Reeves, 77, of Culpeper, who celebrated 17 years in business this month with pony rides, bluegrass music and cake from Knakal’s Bakery.

Friendly and outgoing, he recounted the beginning as if it were yesterday.

“They said we’d never last. They said we’d never have anything,” Reeves said, leaning in close. “But I think we fooled them because we been here 17 years!”

MinuteMan MiniMall began in 1992 with four booths of merchandise and has since grown to 160. Its customers hail from all 50 states and more than 20 foreign countries, said Reeves. Of the original vendors, 26 remain.

Vendor Fred Burris of Clements, Md., has been selling his beer items — mugs and such — for six years at the MiniMall. He visits every other weekend for the atmosphere; otherwise, Reeves and his staff, including his son and daughter, handle the sales.

He also closely manages his huge train collection, unlocking a door and leading a recent visitor into a secret room replete with railroad memorabilia. Reeves, who once worked on a printing press in Orange County, said his father bought him his first train in 1932 “when I was 6 months old.”

He’s been collecting ever since, but don’t ask him how many items are in his collection, because he doesn’t know.

Back on the floor, Reeves turned corners in the elaborate maze of goods like he had the place memorized, moving into a small break room that showcased a table full of food for customers celebrating the anniversary.

“I’ve been coming here for a long time,” said customer Mary Hoagland of Warrenton, a former Culpeper resident who still comes back for “antiquing” at the MiniMall. “It’s friendly here. A very homey atmosphere.”

At a glance
The Culpeper MinuteMan MiniMall is open Monday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays noon to 5. It is located in the town of Culpeper at 746 Germanna Hwy. This month, owner Ed Reeves celebrated the business’s 17th anniversary.