Some of the “treasures” that can be found at the Cat’s Meow, a new antique store in Mount Ayr.
By Abigail Barnes
Dr. Keith and Jamie Miller recently opened The Cats Meow Antiques and More after being in the food service business for eighteen years.
Miller decided to step away from the food and drink business to try something new. The building they bought used to be a church, and has been renovated into The Cat’s Meow.
It is filled with bright colors and kindness. The store showcases Keith’s collection of antiques, classic items and several new items.
While you are shopping, do not be startled if you come across a cat Jamie rescued from behind her coffee shop and named Fluffy.
In addition to many antiques, retro, vintage and primitive items, cards and candles can be found inside.
These pieces are not just to look at, they can be bought to give to loved ones, family, or to be kept for yourself. Miller finds her new store to be very relaxing and she loves it there.
The store has items for birthdays, holidays, furniture, signs and more. The Cat’s Meow is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday. On Saturday, the store opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 4 p.m. The Cat’s Meow is also open the first Sunday of each month from 1 to 4 p.m.
Prior to renovating the old church, Miller transitioned the original Farmer’s Creamery building into Country by Design, which later became Jamie’s Coffee Mill.
In 1927, the building was purchased by Jesse Anderson and George Tennant. They turned the Creamery into a store that would mix and grind feed, called the Mount Ayr Mill and Feed Company. In 1936 the Mount Ayr Mill and Feed Company began selling blocks of ice.
In the mid 1950’ s Anderson’s son, Max Anderson, bought the Mill and Feed Company from his father. Anderson began to sell bulk feed and mobile milling.
On November 15, 2006 Dr. Keith and Jamie Miller bought the building and opened Country by Design which operated as a gift shop.
The name changed to Jamie’s Coffee Mill and Deli in 2009 and then 12 years later, it was changed to The Mill when she stopped serving lunch. Jamie moved on from The Mill, and a new business called HTH Outdoors Mamma and Papa Bear Coffee Bar now operates from that location.
Miller then moved across town to begin renovating the old church building, and now invites shoppers to visit at The Cat’s Meow Antiques and More located at 401 South Lincoln Street in Mount Ayr.
You can also find more information about their store on facebook.