Ruff Acres History!

Our antique shop is located on a 10 acre property located on North Main Street in Russell, Pa. In the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, Russell  was located between two very active economic areas: Warren, Pa. and Jamestown, NY. In fact, there was a trolley that ran from Warren to Jamestown with one of the trolley stops being right here on this property. This little valley along the peaceful banks of the Conewango Creek was referred to as Ruff Acres. It is a quiet, tranquil setting with two ponds, full of natural vegetation and a myriad of birds that frequent the area. On a daily basis you can see Eagles patrolling the waters of the Conewango and the fields close by, as well as Ducks, Geese, Herons, Kingfish and other birds. The willows and cattails along the bank of the pond provide shelter and a safe haven for nesting. There is a small orchard with about 80 fruit trees, including  apples, peaches and pears. The shop itself is a converted barn, complete with the original flooring and barn boards.  The property has been family owned since 1953. Nick and Joann Nosel opened their antique shop in the early 1970’s on a part-time basis, but the business grew into a full time job demanding the addition of an Amish-built pole building in 1984. Nick unfortunately passed away in 2004, with the shop being closed and the building emptied. Nick’s daughter, Karen, and her husband, Tim, renovated and reopened the shop in 2007. This picturesque setting is the home for our 4200 square foot showroom. In the future we are planning Victorian Gardens and other landscape improvements, as well as a bed and breakfast.

At Ruff Acres Fine Art and Antiques we feature the best craftsmanship in home furnishings from the eighteenth to the twentieth century.  In the shop you will find Antique Furniture from the Queen Anne style (1740-1760) through the Arts and Crafts style (1910-1925), with many pieces by noted cabinetmakers.   Antique silver, pewter, porcelain and glass are used to embellish the furniture.  The shop has glass by noted manufacturers such as Fenton, Orrefors, Cambridge, Westmoreland and Tiffany.  Karen loves decorating and uses the large quantity of porcelains as the Victorians did to garnish china cabinets, etageres and table tops.  Hard paste porcelains prevail in the shop with a large collection of RS Prussia, Limoges and Nippon pieces.  The walls are adorned with an assortment of beautifully framed prints, water colors, and oil paintings - many by listed artists.  The beautiful cherry flooring in the main room shows off antique handmade Persian rugs, which are also used in other areas of the shop. Linens decorated with needlepoint and handmade tablecloths and bedspreads are also available.  The shop has many types of antique lighting available: oil lamps, converted gas lights, early electric lights with reverse painted shades, slag glass shades and chandeliers,  as well as a large collection of Gone with the Wind lamps.

Tim and Karen Robbins invite you to their heaven on earth, bring a book, a picnic lunch, set by the pond and enjoy a peaceful day … away.