When Jeanine Thill opened Oldays Antiques and Collectibles at 639 Main St on Aug. 10, 1996, she only leased the building for six months because she wasn't sure if running a business was something she really wanted to do. Twelve years later, she will reluctantly close the doors for the last time on July 31 because of poor health.

Growing up in a military family, moving was a constant fact of life when she was young.

"Whenever we'd move my mom was one of those people who was like, 'leave it all behind,'" Thill said. "I think that's where something clicked with me about collecting things."

Thill started collecting Beatles memorabilia as a teenager and discovered antiques while prowling garage sales for bargains in her 20s, eventually accumulating so much stuff that her husband encouraged her to open Oldays.

A sign near Oldays' front door reads, "If you like it buy it. You'll only regret what you don't buy."

Surveying the thousands of vintage items lining her shop, those could just as well be Thill's personal credo as words of advice to shoppers.

A stroll through Oldays is a journey back in time. Near the front is a hundred year-old Barley Twist bench. Against the other wall is a lead-lined oak ice chest from the 1800s. Not far away is another time traveler from the 19th century, a dresser constructed out of tiger oak with tongue and groove joints - not flimsy particleboard held together by glue or nails like much of the modern furniture found in today's big box stores.

"I love the old things," Thill said. "I'd rather have old things than new things because the newer stuff falls apart."

Stories her brother would tell her about spending time on their grandparent's farm near Molalla inspired the name of her store.

"I was enthralled by the old way of doing things he would tell me about. I loved to hear him talking about milking cows and the way they did things on the farm in the old days," she said.

Some items like the $8,000 antique hutch or the $900 handpainted oil lamp appeal to the collector with a fat checkbook, but even the less affluent will find hundreds of vintage items priced for only a few dollars at Oldays.

"I know there are people who don't have a lot of money who still like the old things," Thill said. "I try to cater to everybody."

With just two weeks left before she needs to vacate the building, which she bought after that first six-month lease, Thill has marked down all of her treasures 50 percent. Larger items, such as the early 19th

century tilt top gaming table and display cases are being sold to the highest bidder.

If her health improves, Thill muses that she might once again conduct estate sales or perhaps pass on her knowledge to others through classes.

"The best part of having the business was the friends I've made, and being around the things I love - the old things," she said. "I really appreciate the family and friends who have been trying to help me out. I've had people I've never met come in when they heard I have to close and say they're praying for me."

Oldays will be open Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. until July 31. For more information about items up for bid call Thill at Oldays, 258-8266, or at home, 451-3428.