ADRIAN — The Whistlin’ Woodpecker isn’t an easy name to forget. Owners Kenny and Lindsey Lindsay are hoping the quirky name will draw both vendors and customers into their new business venture on U.S. 12 in Clinton. 

The Lindsays bought the former U.S. 12 Vintage Market in December. The “lock, stock and barrel” sale meant that the Lindsays would keep the vendors who already had booths. They also added new vendors, so that the 40 booths in the market are full of merchandise for sale. 

Kenny has extensive background in the vintage and antiques business. He partnered in Town & Country Antiques in Livonia for 25 years. He is also a certified appraiser through the state of Michigan for both insurance companies and private homeowners. 

He is also a professional auctioneer and, in 2022, became one of the youngest professional auctioneer inducted into the Michigan Auctioneers Association Hall of Fame.

The Lindsays see ownership of The Whistlin’ Woodpecker as “more of a challenge, if anything.”

“I wanted to revive the small town retail,” Kenny said. 

“When I came in here, I just saw a lot of different things that we could revive and revamp and I thought it would make a big difference,” he added. “It brings new life to a longtime location.”

New lighting makes the store brighter and the merchandise easier to see. On the outside, the row of American flags along the front of the business make it easy to find. The Lindsays want to bring in more antiques and specialty items, like vintage clothing and sports memorabilia. The market currently has 40 small business dealers and there is a waiting list of vendors who want to rent a booth. 

“It brings new life to a longtime location,” Kenny said.

Lindsey described the merchandise as “newer home decor mixed in with older antiques and vintage things.” The merchandise in the store changes almost daily. 

“It’s a great gift-giving solution that’s unique,” she said. 

The Lindsays are hoping that the upgrades and other changes they’ve made will attract business to The Whistlin’ Woodpecker.

“I want to make it a destination location along U.S. 12,” Kenny said.

“It’s great for rainy days,” he continued. “It’s a great place to stop in and have some fun.” 

Employees Pam Springer and Lois Seager stayed on when the Lindsays purchased the vintage market. 

The Whistlin’ Woodpecker Vintage Market is located at 2751 W. Michigan Ave. in Clinton. More information is available on Facebook, or by calling 517-701-1005. Summer hours start on Memorial Day.