BRADNER — There is a Pesky Squirrel in the village but instead of nuts, this one stockpiles treasures.
Judy and Don Roth are the owners of the new store at 206 N. Main St. in Bradner. The business was named
after a pet Judy Roth had as a youngster while living in the house that now is home to their store. She
remembers the pet squirrel she had in the home with her parents Harry and Wilma “Billie” Hopkinson.
Judy Roth accurately describes the quaint shop as eclectic. That does seem to be appropriate for a place
that houses many clown figures, antique furniture, a built-in fountain inside the front entrance and a
mannequin named “Susan, the bathtub girl” who has a permanent place in a decorative bubble bath.
After the Roths had children, their sons used to think the tub was for swimming and looked forward to
their visits to the indoor pool. Don Roth said it is large enough even adults can float in it.
The working fountain at the front entrance was built by hand by Billie Hopkinson. Don Roth is currently
looking to find some “pesky” leaks in the fountain.
They also sell essential oils, diffusers, shea butter, African black soap and Unicorn Spit Gel Stain.
They also will soon stock Swan Creek candles. Oh yes, there are also numerous squirrels tucked away
amongst all the other treasures. The store’s logo features a squirrel whose bushy tail comprises the “s”
in pesky and squirrel.
Judy Roth said they are only one of two vendors in Ohio for the Unicorn Spit Gel Stain. This stain can be
used on any surface including masonite, glass, wood and metal. It is designed to provide a galaxy-like
look. Using the unicorn stain, Judy Roth will hold classes on using it with the students of any age
ending up with a piece of art for themselves. She hopes to do more of that as well as having a personal
piece of art to take home.
If it sounds like a permanent flea market, that’s understandable as the couple showed much of this and
similar merchandise as they traveled here and there to sell their wares at the flea markets, where they
would often have as many as four or five spaces.
Judy Roth said there were two major reasons why they have cut back on the markets and now will focus on
the store. First, as they are getting older, they no longer enjoy all the setting up and tearing down
for each show, and second, she said, “I love to shop and often we would end up acquiring more than we
sold. It just became a bit too much for us.”
They will still do a couple of flea markets throughout the year. After all, there is not enough room in
the Squirrel for everything.
“Our basement was full, our attic was full, our garage was full, and opening the store helped only
slightly with the overcrowding,” Judy Roth said.
“I always talked about having my own place and after my mother died, my brother (Gary Hopkinson) and I
got this house. He didn’t have a real interest so I bought him out.”
The couple are both enthusiastic about the store, which opened just before Christmas.
“We have some unusual things in our shop; there’s a little bit of everything,” she said.
Judy Roth said she does not consider their shop an “antique store” as much of the merchandise is not
antique and the Roths carry old and new furniture.
The focus of the clowns seen inside the shop comes from the couple’s history. Judy as “Cheerful” and Don
as “Chum” will still occasionally step into makeup for a performance. They have played private parties
as well as in traveling circus shows. Chum stepped into the role after Cheerful’s friend and former
clown partner, Tearful, stepped away from the act. Cheerful and Tearful were pretty active when they
began clowning around in 1975.
Aside from their personal collections, the couple said they have bought out entire estates to add to
their vast assortment of goods.
Hours for the shop are Tuesdays through Thursdays from noon to 6 p.m. They are also open Fridays and
Saturdays twice a month on the first and third weeks of the month, also from noon to 6 p.m.
For more information call the store at 419-800-1031.
“Feel free to stop by if you see the lights on,” Judy Roth said.
