Story and photos by Glenn C. Silva
One of Fairhaven’s most visible businesses is closing its doors. Located on Route 6, What A Find! Consignment has sold used furniture for 15 years, run by owners Lief and Linda Johannessen. The building has been a furniture store for decades.
Built in 1951 by Linda’s dad, Leach Furniture was operated until the building was leased out to Modern Galleries. When Modern Galleries moved out in October of 2008 Leif and Linda tried to lease out the space for a year, but had trouble finding a tenant.
During that time Linda had jokingly said: “If we can’t lease out the space we might as well run a furniture consignment store.”
Little did she know that’s exactly what was going to happen, and in October of 2009 What a Find! Consignment Furniture began.
“Over the years a lot of interesting things have come and gone through this place.” said Linda.
Reputedly, a chair from Walter Cronkite’s house on Nantucket was sold but there was no authenticity and didn’t affect the price of the chair.
“But it makes a good story,” Linda said. “There was also a merry-go-round table that was a fun piece, too. People come back in all the time and say how perfect the piece was.”
So, what was the deciding factor to sell?
“Well, a close friend passed away this past January and it really opened my eyes,” said Linda. “Leif is 74 and I’m 70. It was just time to retire. The building has always been a furniture store and has always been in the family. It’s bittersweet, but it’s time.
“I’ll miss putting the furniture together and staging the rooms,” she added. “I like bringing pieces together that have come from different homes and making it look good.”
There is no set date for the last day. They plan on being open for another couple of weeks; meanwhile, the new owners are already busy at work outside the property.
The new owner, Farland Corporation, an engineering firm, will be taking ownership of the 15,00 sq foot building with four businesses under the roof.
Leif and Linda are looking at enjoying the holidays in their new-found retirement after 13 years at What a Find!, and will be spending their winters in Norman, NC.
Linda said she will miss the people.
Beth David contributed to this story
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