In the heart of historic downtown Oregon City, Oregon, sits a family owned antique and collectibles store called Coin Corner & Hobbies.
It’s lively roots in Oregon City were planted in the 1960s by Gerald and Elleanora Wickwire, who started their business in 1962. Now, their granddaughter, Leanna, and their grandson Toby, co-own and operate Coin Corner and Hobbies together.
For Women’s History Month, we visited with Leanna to hear more about one of Oregon City’s most eclectic stores.
Leanna started dusting the shelves of Coin Corner when she was kid, but outside of 7th Street her world revolves around her growing family by spending time with her husband, children and loving on her two grandbabies, who are all an integral part of their 4th generational family business!
What is your WHY for doing what you do everyday?
“I like to see people happy. Love to see them smile & bring them back to the memories of their childhood toys, etc.”
What lesson(s) have you learned through your time as a woman in business?
“Don’t take no for an answer. You have to be a little more stubborn because there is always that person who wants to talk to the “Man in charge”.
Prepare yourself for an adventure when you step into Coin Corner and Hobbies; at first, you might notice the beautiful mural that wraps inside the store, created by their talented friend Jorge “Clone” Terrell, but then you’ll move through a rich history of preserving moments.
You really could spend hours here looking at everything they have to offer, and get flushed with memories seeing an old board game or childhood toy.
Infact, one of Leanna’s favorite moments at the store is when they get 70 & 80’s girl toys, saying “it just takes me back to my childhood.”
Visit often because something new hits their shelves everyday, and bring a bag, it’s likely you won’t be able to leave empty handed.
What motivates and inspires you?
“Seeing people happy, continuing to build what our grandparents started and to have a family legacy.”
Do you have a life motto?
“You can’t do it if you don’t try! Go for it!”
Would you be surprised to learn that at one point you may have been able to go in for a bite to eat while also shopping for awesome vintage goods? Well believe it! Her grandmother Elleanora “Ellie” Wickwire, had a vision for Coin Corner, which was Ellie’s Deli & Hobby Shop.
Leanna made sure to hold a space for that dream and mentions during our visit that she enjoys making her brother lunch in their small kitchen space inside which hangs a handmade “Ellie’s Deli’ sign on the wall.
Now, you won’t find sandwiches here but you will be surprised at not only what you learn, but also the memories you’ll step back into when you see the wide range of vintage and eclectic items that make this shop so unique.
Shoppers of this eclectic store agree, one reviewer online saying that “all the cool vintage toys and collectables take you back to being a kid again.”
What’s a piece of advice for other aspiring women wanting to start a business or thinking about making money doing something they love?
“Go for it! Reach high & don’t give up even if you feel like you need to. Just do it and don’t think too long about it!”
What lesson(s) have you learned through your time as a woman in business?
“Don’t take no for an answer. You have to be a little more stubborn because there is always that person who wants to talk to the ‘Man in charge’.”
As a business who went through, and is still growing through the COVID-19 pandemic, but also wildfires, ice, and non-business related life, what is one thing you’ve learned?
To remind yourself to “just keep going.”
How has this past year impacted your business and how is it doing now?
“We were lucky that we could still work selling on eBay. That kept us afloat and allowed for us to pay our employees. Business is picking up and people have started getting back into collecting again.”
Whether you’re into trains, adding to your coin collection, or are bored stuck at home, they have it all. You’ll find posters, records, antiques, toys, and more.
Coin Corner and Hobbies has been selling on eBay for over twenty years, and they ship all over the world. If you’re not able to stop in locally, you can still find what your heart desires online through their eBay store.
What can the community do to further support you?
Leanna mentions how appreciative it is when the community “shops small and supports local,” and in addition, they “love when the community shares their experience” and enjoys hearing from you on Facebook and interacting with folks online.
Keep talking, sharing, posting photos of your finds, because they really enjoy seeing them.
How to get connected and support Coin Corner & Hobbies
You can connect with them online on Facebook and Instagram to start sharing your awesome finds both new and old! Further, you can find some items at their eBay store Coin Corner and Hobbies. They can’t wait to help you out!
You can find Coin Corner and Hobbies at 215 7th St, Oregon City, OR 97045, right by the Municipal Elevator, you won’t miss it, especially when you see Darth Vader welcoming you in!
If you’re a woman in business in Downtown Oregon City, we’d love to shine a spotlight and learn more about you and your business, and your gift to our community members and the visitors of Oregon City.
Written and photographed by Ashleyann Burnett with Simple Shot Photography, a volunteer with Downtown Oregon City Association.
All online links for Coin Corner and Hobbies:
Like their Page on Facebook: coincornerpdx
Follow on Instagram: @coin_corner
Check out their eBay store for worldwide shipping: Coin Corner and Hobbies
Here’s what Ashleyann had to say about her experience visiting with Leanna. “Leanna, Toby and the team at Coin Corner leave you feeling more like a friend than a stranger. They are all very knowledgeable in what they do, while providing a unique experience for each person that walks through their door. I’ve been a visitor for years, and I always find something new to see! It felt like an honor being able to talk with Leanna and hear about her grandparents’ legacy.”