Edie’s Antiques

Edie’s Backwoods Antiques

403 Main St, Steelville, MO 65565

                               By: Haven Albin and Lilly Troutt

     The history of Edie’s Antiques, now called Backwoods Antiques, is a long one. The land itself was included in the 80 acres of land purchased from the government by Simeon Frost in September of 1838. The original building was most likely built sometime between then and May of 1853. It is still a part of the original building today. The property was sold a few times before being sold for $50 to Catherine Maxwell. About 6 years later Catherine died and her heirs sold the one acre that the house was sitting on to Joseph Maxwell for $140.00. 

      More than 6 years later, Joseph and his wife sold the property where they lived and resided to A.J. Seay for $500. In about 12 ½ years, the value of the property had increased from $50 to $500. 

     The value kept increasing and was sold numerous times, until May 1970. 

     List of people it was sold to:

• November 1906 - Henry Smith - $650 
• January 1914 - R.Y. Tompkins - $1,100 (March 1934 - Stayed in family until his son passed away and G. C. Beckham Attorney-at-Law is appointed administrator of the estate.
• March 1934 - Elmer E. Clinton - $1,000.50
• November 1939 - Chris and Minnie Enke
• August 1957 - James and Laura King
• September 1961 - Edward and Mary Sharp 

     Edward and Mary Sharp sold the property to Fred and Edith Derda. Fred Derda was a chiropractor from St.  Louis. They had a farm in Butts, Mo.

     Dr. Derda was semi-retired at the time and used the house on the property for his chiropractic office. Edith sold antiques from there house and barn at the farm. When Dr. Derda retired completely, Edith moved her business to the house and called it Edie’s Backwoods Antiques.

     The original house in 1970 was a two story house with about 6 rooms (four downstairs, 2 upstairs). It also had a front and side porch. As Edie’s business grew, the house did too. She made approximately six additions over the years. She was a good antiques dealer and sold lots of antiques to people all over the USA and Canada.

     In February 2014 Judy and Wayne Baumstark bought the store and business from Edith Derda. They have sold antiques at Edie’s Backwoods Antiques ever since.