Twenty-five years ago, Esther Glick of Manheim Township left her career in real estate and dove into the world of antiquing. Esther had always enjoyed scouring local auctions for unique treasures and vintage items, but she had never tried to make it a career. Undaunted, Esther embarked on this new chapter of her life, laying the foundation of what would become an empire of antiques.

Esther operates the Antique Village of Strasburg, an emporium of artifacts and curiosities located at 227 Hartman Bridge Road in Ronks. Esther's property includes a storefront and two large warehouses, and each building is chock full of merchandise that has taken Esther decades to accumulate.

On most days, you can find Esther at the front desk of the main storefront. The building is a maze of long, glass display cases and shelves that store anything from ceramic dishes to vinyl records to knick-knacks from the early 20th century. When Esther isn't ringing up sales, she's on the hunt for new treasures at auctions in the local area and as far away as upstate New York.

After 25 years, Esther has no plans to leave the realm of antiquing any time soon. "This is my world. This is what I do," Esther said. "Even though I'm 75 years old, I will keep going because I absolutely love it."

While Esther is away, a close-knit staff of friends and fellow antique enthusiasts hold down the fort. Esther's friend and right-hand man Gary Glick, who is typically stationed in one of the two barns at the rear of the property, ringing up sales and keeping the buildings in tip-top shape. Gary may not always understand the items Esther brings back to the Antique Village, but he said he trusts her intuition. "Sometimes I shake my head and say, 'What were you thinking?' But it'll sell," Gary added. "It always seems like there's someone out there for everything." Gary began working at Antique Village roughly 10 years ago after he retired from his job as a painting contractor.

"I feel like I am successful because I have the staff that I do. They are exceptional," Esther said. "I can step away from here and go to an auction for a day because I know I'm covered, and it's a really good feeling. It took me years to get that."

In addition to scouring auctions, Esther works with nearly 50 antiques dealers to procure new items for her inventory. Antique Village's impressive stock is also a result of Esther's quality standards for acquisitions. "A five-dollar item takes up the same amount of space as a thirty-dollar item," Esther said. "If you don't have good stuff, you're not going to sell good stuff.

To celebrate Antique Village's 25th anniversary, the store will hold a sale on Columbus Day weekend, Friday, Oct. 11, through Monday, Oct. 14. Items will be available to purchase at a discounted price under a large tent in the front yard during the store's regular hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.