Hidden Hill Antiques and Art moves to Third Street

With 31 years of experience in the field under his belt, Ron Martinez is no stranger to the world of antiques, nor is he a newcomer to Marysville, since his Hidden Hill Antiques and Art shop was located in the Sunnyside neighborhood for six years before its recent move to 1515 Third Street.

By Kirk Boxleitner • October 6, 2009 3:17 pm
Some of Ron Martinez's pieces at Hidden Hill Antiques and Art are as old as his 1750s Colonial era desk.
Some of Ron Martinez's pieces at Hidden Hill Antiques and Art are as old as his 1750s Colonial era desk.

MARYSVILLE — With 31 years of experience in the field under his belt, Ron Martinez is no stranger to the world of antiques, nor is he a newcomer to Marysville, since his Hidden Hill Antiques and Art shop was located in the Sunnyside neighborhood for six years before its recent move to 1515 Third Street.

Martinez not only deals in antiques, art and other collectables, but also offers qualified appraisals and professional estate sale management. His wares range in age from 1750s Colonial era pieces to 1950s Americana, with his favorites including 1820s “woodsy country primitive” and later Victorian era furniture.

“Our selection goes from country to castle,” said Martinez, who also boasted of the breadth of his toy dealership, which includes a variety of “transportation toys” such as cars, trucks and planes, as well as an assortment of turn-of-the-century pop-up books. His store likewise stocks more jewelry and housewares, including porcelain, pottery and glassware, than the physical confines of the shop can hold.

“We’re busting at the seams,” said Martinez, who takes pride in traveling across the country and around the world to bring back “suitcases full” of goods. “I’m passionate about this. Every day, some item turns 100 years old, so you’re constantly learning and studying new things. It’s life in motion. Everything in this shop is researchable and appears in a book. There’s no guesswork as to its value.”

Martinez praised the “colorful eccentricity” of many of his fellow collectors, and cited his interactions with them as one of his joys in doing his job. As a former three-term president of the Washington State Antique Dealers Association, he shares their “love” of the trade and works to be “fully involved” in it, by restoring antique furniture and rewiring older lighting and other appliances.

“I wandered around for so many years, hoping to find that one perfect little antique store,” Martinez said. “I couldn’t find it, so I decided to make it myself.”

Call 360-659-0100 or log onto www.hiddenhill.net for more information.