Photo by Trip Burns
During a historic home renovation in Raymond, the owner brought Anthony Jones, the director of the project, reclaimed items including wood flooring and archways. Jones loved the opportunity to work with such unique pieces, and the owner of the home informed Jones that the items came from Old House Depot. He told Jones to head there for inspiration.
After visiting the depot, Jones decided to work there on Saturdays to take a break from historic renovations.
"I was originally fascinated by all of the reclaimed home pieces that are here," Jones says.
He didn't expect that, within two months, it would become a full-time carpentry job. That was almost four years ago.
Old House Depot is a warehouse with a plethora of reclaimed and recycled home decor—shutters, doors, door knobs, windows, bathtubs and even kitchen sinks—the place is packed with vintage items for sale.
If customers need help bringing a project to life, that's where Jones enters the picture. Jones' 10 years of carpentry experience in custom cabinet making, trim work and full renovations has prepared him well to interact with the customers at Old House Depot and help bring their visions to life.
"Most of the work I do is from specs from customers. It can be a simple idea that they share with me in conversation while looking at the stock in the warehouse or a picture with measurements and dimensions," Jones says. "Old wood is a hot topic, and I use all reclaimed materials in the creations (I craft for customers) including farm tables, headboards, picture frames and entertainment centers. I love seeing a project start with raw materials and also vintage materials and ending with a vision from one of our customers."
Jones loves Jackson and the abundance of creative people who live here and support Old House Depot. While he was growing up in Richland, Jones frequently visited Jackson, especially the Fondren area, where his father lived. He still has much love and admiration for the capital city's people.
"The businesses and residents in Belhaven and Fondren have been very supportive of me and Old House Depot. Interacting with the customers and hearing their vision for a piece—and being able to build their vision—is very rewarding," Jones says.
Old House Depot is unconventional. "I never know day-to-day what will happen," Jones says. "Being a small business, everyone pitches in. One day I could be working on a custom piece and (then) have to assist with daily sales. Sometimes I may even have to get out of here and go on a pick."
Jones, 36, lives in Florence with his wife, Shara, and sons Zachary, 2, and Amoz, 8.
For more information about Old House Depot (639 Monroe St., 601-592-6200), visit oldhousedepot.com.
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