Putnam county resident Max Blackmore has been buying and selling antiques for about 65 years. In 2000, he and his wife Darlen opened an antique store on the south side of the courthouse square in Greencastle. His wife was waiting for him to come up with a name for the store and after pondering for some time, he decided it would be called Darlen’s Collection. Darlen managed the store in those early years until she passed in 2010. Now Max spends his afternoons minding the collection and talking with visitors, including DePauw students that frequently stop by for a chat. Photo: Max Blackmore
Inside Darlen’s Collection you’ll find an abundance of glass in many forms including art glass, candy bowls, plates, vases and figurines. Max Specializes in works of the Fenton Glass Company, but you’ll also find many paintings, old lithographs and stained glass, as well as pocket knives, old signs and jewelry. You won’t find Darlen’s Collection on the internet and there’s no phone number. If you stop by in person, you’ll find Max patiently waiting to share his knowledge and collection with new visitors. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday about 11 am (when Max arrives at the shop) until at least 4 pm, sometimes later. The store is closed Sunday and Monday; Max is out ‘picking’ new items for the collection on Mondays. You’ll find Darlen’s Collection at 6 West Washington Street, south side of the square in downtown Greencastle.
