Shane Knight and Knight and Co. Exchange Sporting Goods and Collectibles may not have ended up in Boonville if it wasn’t for his daughter, Courtney.
Courtney transferred to Boonville her freshman year. Her involvement in the school and community meant Shane started spending more and more time in Boonville.
Shane had a brick and mortar location in Evansville, right next to his other business venture, Two Bit Bandit. The two businesses were located right next to Showplace East.
“It was so expensive,” Shane said. “The machines were breaking down. I asked (my landlord) to help out with rent, but she wouldn’t.”
He had a buyer lined up to take over the Bandit, but it fell through at the last moment. So, he auctioned off what he had and scrambled to find a new home for his antique and collectible business. He happened across the old Flower Shop in Boonville, which is just a short walk from the high school.
It took some work, but he’s got the interior of the building completely remodeled and has made huge improvements to the outside.
“We put a roof on it,” he said. “And we own it. No more paying rent.”
Shane said he’s been collecting since he was a kid. He isn’t sure when his hobby turned into a career. It was the thrill of the hunt that led him to take the leap.
“I love looking for things that are hard to find,” he said.
Shane said he hopes to play to the men of town, though he is considering adding a little more femininity to his store. He’s playing to the man caves of the city.
“The ladies have plenty of places to shop in town,” he said.
Shane loves local treasures. He has several pieces of Boonville’s history, including several graduation programs from the early 1900s. He has memorabilia from Lincoln Lanes and Holland Dairy. He has items from long-forgotten businesses.
Shane said he loves old whiskey containers. He also has an extensive collection of advertising and old beer cans. He even owns a Batmobile — a coin operated one.
The entire store looks like a museum. The only difference is everything is for sale.
“I love local history,” he said. “Some of these places, you don’t even know they existed.”
Of course, his collection spills over to his home. Shane’s wife, Laura, is keeping it under control, though.
“If I bring something in the house, I have to take something out,” Shane joked.
Before owning Two-Bit Bandit and Knight and Co. Exchange, Shane owned and operated the Worm Ranch in Evansville. His family still runs it.
He’s also worked in car sales and for the railroad. He was actually thrown from a train car near Boonville. He was thrown when two trains collided.
“I was fine. Just some bumps and bruises.”
The reception has been warm for Shane and Knight and Co. Exchange, despite the chilly weather outside. He’s already got regulars who come just to shoot pool with him.
“It’s been good,” he said.
Knight and Co. Exchange is located at 518 W. Locust Street and is open Tuesday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m. and weekends by appointment. Shane said he is always looking for new items. To schedule an appointment or for more information, call 812-305-0411.
-Emily May, Emily@BoonvilleView.com