CLARKS GROVE — Off the beaten path, just outside of Clarks Grove, sits a little antique shop that stands in memory of the owner’s mother.

“My mother always liked antiques and this was her dream — to have a shop someday,” Debra Salthe said.

Her mother, Joanne Delger, died several years ago, but the thought of fulfilling her mother’s wish lives on in Salthe.

“My husband’s kind of a go-getter, and I mentioned it to him more than once that I thought it would be fun to start a little antique shop, and all of a sudden, one day I came home and he’s building it,” she said.

Her husband, Glen, had cleaned out a space in his shop on their property at 30202 780th Ave. in Clarks Grove.

It was then that Once in a Blue Moon Antiques was born.

Once she filled up the space stocked with items she already had from years of antiquing, he cleared out most of the building to allow her to have more space.

Salthe said she goes to different auctions and estate sales to find items she feels customers will gravitate to. Some of the items are ready to put on the showroom floor, while others may need repair, but she hopes they all will find new owners.

Having the shop so close to her home has its advantages. While she advertises that she’s open on Thursdays, she’ll open up the shop whenever people stop by, and she’s even willing to take appointments.

The downside is that the business doesn’t get visibility in its current location. She hopes to widen her customer base as word of her antique shop spreads.

Salthe not only hopes the public will stop by and see what she has in stock, but also that they will let her know if they’re looking for something in particular. She’s more than happy to scout around for an item if someone doesn’t find what they are looking for in her shop.

She believes her prices are sensible, but admits they are negotiable.

Those who would like more information about the business or would like to schedule an appointment may call Salthe at 507-256-7650.