Coopers Mills, Maine: Elmer's Barn of Junk and Dead Things

I was disappointed that Elmer's didn't come anywhere close to its hype. Outside is great with junk, but inside it has become a basic country antiques mall, albeit with some unusual items for sale. Only a couple dead things spotted. OK, but nothing special and definitely not worth driving out to the boondocks to visit.

Great place. Three floors of terrific junk -- without the exorbitant price tags of antique shops.

I just loved this place! And Elmer, too! He's a quiet guy in a shy kind of way, but he'll give you an answer if you ask a question. No big sales pitches. This place is jammed full of treasures -- some overpriced and some real deals. There were three, maybe four floors, just packed. It was like being on a treasure hunt. You had to move things to see everything that was stuffed behind them. Sometimes you had to squeeze between or step over something to get to another treasure. I ended up finding parts to repair some of my antiques. Then I found some more really cool things and I had no idea what I would do with them, but I just couldn't leave them behind. If you don't like old things, or dust, stay away. But if you want to find unique items and don't mind working a little for them, then you'll be pleased.

This is a not-to-be-missed antique and oddities collection near Augusta, ME. Elmer is on the taciturn side, so be prepared to wait for his answers to your questions.

The barn has several levels crammed with all manner of worldy goods (and some that appear 'other worldly'...). You'll find tools you don't recognize, books, crockery, bric a brac, household and kitchen items, memorabilia, collectibles, hand made items, curiosities. There seems to be no end to the spaces and hideaways where you can browse. Need chairs? Doors? Shutters? They're there and organized by the dozens. Bottles? Old veggie tins? Lace? It's all there, sometimes in huge quantities or complete with contents.

Elmer doesn't haunt you the way some shops do, you're free to meander for hours -- and it took us two hours just to get once around. You can not love old things and leave here empty-handed!

Elmer's Barn is a wonderful place to visit and browse. I have been there many times with my sister, and we always come away with "treasures." Down on the main floor of the barn, presides Elmer himself, a wonderful old Maine country man full of information for the seeker of the unusual.

On the upper floor presides his wonderful daughter Ivanna, who is so helpful in finding things you are looking for, and sometimes those you aren't. This floor contains individual spaces for consignees to put in their "stuff" and sell it for a commission.

If you've not been there, this is an experience. If you don't like it, you shouldn't go and be negative afterward about it. Elmer's has been a long time tradition in this town and so is Elmer. We love him.