It was 1998 and Scott Carlbon was growing tired of his government job at the New Jersey State Capitol. Having made his home in Burlington City, in 1994, like many, he fell in love with its historic 1624 waterfront charm and wanted to give back. A falling down arched wooden trussed building, in the process of local condemnation, hidden behind some dilapidated storefronts, was not good for people utilizing the Post Office across High Street (Rt. 541) or good for local property values. At that time, High Street was at a low. The Lyceum next door was not the restored and the thriving arts venue it is now; it was in awful shape. There were many empty storefronts. But, there was a movement by local residents, becoming small business owners and investing in the town we love. We all had our projects and got to work over the years, stated Carlbon. Having restored old barns as a child and into early adulthood, it didnt seem so daunting, so Carlbon and the former owner agreed to a second mortgage, and he hired a local architect, an engineer, and a revered carpenter to work on what he describes as his Aegean Stables period, referencing the Greek legend of Homer. Getting the building up to code wasnt easy, and, aside from bank financing and cashing out his pensions, like other small business owners did, Carlbon persevered through the sweat and stresses of the project. It took three arduous years (and several recessions since) to turn the Burlington Antiques and Art Emporium into the thriving venue it has become, housing the 80-plus vendors it has today. We opened just before the 9-11 terrorist bombing, and, after three recessions, its still drawing new customers and many who have returned here since the beginning, exclaimed Carlbon. I became worried about Amazon and eBay, internet sales taking over our retail in 2007, but now we find people of all ages are still looking for an in-person shopping experience while at the same time wanting unique vintage and antique items. Carlbon also said the internet has drawn more customers, with Mapquest/GPS and word of mouth advertising on social media. While there have been no shortage of challenges over the years, the Burlington Antiques and Art Emporium is still drawing hundreds of people from out of town to do business here seven days a week. Philips Fine Furniture up the street has survived even longer, and there have been other businesses popping up in town over the years. In a historic district where small businesses have struggled long before the American Revolution, Carlbon remains optimistic. We welcome them with open arms, said Carlbon. The goal was always to make this a weekend or day-trip destination place. The Burlington Antiques and Art Emporium seems like its own community under one historically large, vast arched wooden roof. The vendors are each unique and enjoy sharing their knowledge about the items, large and small, they sell. It is considered a co-op, and the vendors work together to get back what they put into it. I thank God for the people over the years who have contributed to the emporiums success, Carlbon reminisces. While we have lost many dear friends and knowledgeable mentors, we each continue to grow in ways I never imagined and pick up new vendors and customers who add to our momentum! Some people describe the venue as a giant upside down Ark (like Noahs). Maybe instead of animals, its quality antiques, architectural salvage, clothing, jewelry and art surviving the great flood of time preserved by the people who see their value to enlighten someones home, business or wardrobe. In an effort to begin celebrating 25 years, the emporium is holding a 20 percent off storewide sale during the month of July. It is located at 424 High St. in Burlington, N.J. To learn more, visit www.AntiquesNJ.com.