Heidi’s Hidden Gems: The Original Treasure Mart
Welcome to a blog series by yours truly where I help you discover businesses, experiences, food and restaurants you need to know about! Join me in this series where I’ll give you all of the details to experience these hidden gems in Kokomo!
For this week’s Heidi’s Hidden Gem, I went to a treasure hunter’s paradise. With 60,000 square feet of antiques, collectibles, boutique items and so much more, The Original Treasure Mart has exactly what you need, even if you don’t know what it is yet.
1201 E. Vaile Ave., Kokomo
TKP Photo | Heidi Pruitt
During the late 1800s, The Gas Boom brought an economic boom to Indiana. The Diamond Plate Glass Company, which now houses The Original Treasure Mart, was a crucial part of Kokomo’s development.
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In 1887, Monroe Seiberling saw an opportunity in Howard County when architectural advances in Chicago caused a demand for larger windows on buildings. With free gas provided by the City of Kokomo and a railroad straight to Chicago, the possibilities were endless.
TKP Photo | Heidi Pruitt
Following the untimely national economic depression of 1893, the decrease in the demand for plate glass and the drying up of local gas fields, Diamond Plate was purchased by Pittsburg Plate Glass.
From when the glass factory closed in 1930, to 1970, the building housed various factories until it debuted as The Original Treasure Mart in 1975.
This four-story building houses booths from individuals who are able to curate and price their selection to their own liking. Making each trip to The OG Treasure Mart something fresh and exciting!
Not everything inside of this 60,000 square foor building is old, either! Recently, there has been an influx of boutique-style booths with new clothing, decor, accessories and gifts!
Do you have a Kokomo Hidden Gem that you think I should know about? Comment down below, and I’ll check it out!