Great River Antiques and Uniques opens in Guttenberg
Jacque Hager recently opened Great River Antiques and Uniques at 1418 S. Hwy. 52, in Guttenberg. The shop sells antiques, vintage items and decor. (Press photo by Audrey Posten)
By Audrey Posten
Great River Antiques and Uniques is open at 1418 S. Hwy. 52, in Guttenberg. Owner Jacque Hager had a soft opening for the new business Labor Day weekend and will celebrate the grand opening Friday through Sunday, Sept. 19 to 21, to coincide with Guttenberg’s GermanFest.
Hager has been a long-time collector, starting around 32 years ago when she began accompanying her father-in-law to auctions. After filling her former New Vienna home with antiques, her husband bought an auto body building that also stored vintage treasures.
During that time, friends encouraged Hager to start her own business. But the set-up wasn’t right, and she wasn’t ready to retire. Instead, she had a booth at the antique mall in Monticello for a short while, then a glass case filled with goods at the antique mall in Dyersville.
“It’s been a dream of mine for 25 years,” Hager said, “but I worked too many hours and I couldn’t devote the time I wanted to it.”
Fast forward to 2025 and Hager, who now lives in Guttenberg, is retired and ready to take on the adventure.
Great River Antiques and Uniques is in a building owned by Hager’s brother, Jeff Olson, next to Guttenberg Veterinary Clinic. Hager originally thought she’d rent one section of the 2,600-square-foot space, until she learned the building was open inside, with multiple rooms.
“When I came in here, I went, ‘I’m going to take the whole thing. I could do themed rooms and add new decor,’” she recalled. “I’ve always been passionate about decor and antiques, so it works out well to do the two together.”
Hager credited a “wonderful group of friends” and her mom for helping her prepare the space. Items include antiques, vintage finds and decor, set up in themed rooms like “train/tractor/toy,” “advertising” and “outdoors.” The “garage” room is filled with license plates and vehicle-related pieces. Even the building’s kitchen and bathroom are decorated.
Other unique pieces include an old drafting table, weaving machine, vintage scales, a chandelier and vintage clothing and other textiles. There are funny greeting cards and dish towels, as well as candles and fall decor. Christmas decor has also made its way into the shop—with more to come.
According to Hager, many items have been collected over the years at auctions and estate sales. But some are family heirlooms, including her husband’s childhood toys and goods collected by her father-in-law.
“So much of the stuff was in our house in New Vienna. Then it was just boxed up and put in boxes at the shop. When we opened it up here, it was kind of fun to see it again. Now, I want someone else to enjoy it,” Hager said.
She believes Great River Antiques and Uniques has something for everyone. It may even take several trips through the rooms to see all the items.
“I tried to make sure and have stuff for men as well, because you don’t want them to just come in and be bored,” she quipped.
Business hours will be Wednesday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., then Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hager said she will be open some Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as well. For the grand opening weekend, Great River Antiques and Uniques will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday.
Hager is appreciative of those who have already shopped. Visitors have come from Dubuque, Waterloo, Waukon and Minnesota.
“Then I’ve had some locals, of course, which is awesome, because you need that support to stay open,” she said. “Being right here [on Highway 52], and with the antique network, I’m hoping that will get more people to town.”
Ultimately, Hager continued, “that’s what you want: people to come to town to support all the businesses, not just me. Guttenberg has a lot to offer. There are so many cute shops downtown, great restaurants, and this whole area is just so beautiful.”
Hager hopes her new “fun venture” will fill a need in the community.
“So many people have said that Guttenberg needed antiques. It needed the antique and vintage items,” she said.
