The McAlester Antique Mall, located at 2701 N Main Street in McAlester, Oklahoma, has a rich and storied history that reflects the passion and dedication of its owner-operators, David Smith and Eddie Gray.

The story begins with Harold and Twilia Gray, who had spent many years in the antique business, cultivating a deep love for history and collectibles. Their retirement plan was not to slow down but to pursue their hobby with fervor, leading them to open the Old Town Antique Mall, situated across the street from the current location of the McAlester Antique Mall. The Old Town Antique Mall became a beloved local establishment, known for its vast array of unique antiques and the welcoming atmosphere Harold and Twilia fostered.

As the years went on, Harold and Twilia decided they were ready to retire once more and pass the torch to the next generation. Their youngest son, Eddie Gray, along with his partner David Smith, had been living in Kansas City, Missouri, but the opportunity to take over the family business was too compelling to pass up. In 2002, the couple relocated to McAlester to begin their journey as business owners.

Under their stewardship, the Old Town Antique Mall thrived. In 2007, David made the bold decision to leave his job in McAlester and join Eddie full-time in running the business. With their combined energy and fresh ideas, they decided to expand their offerings by opening a small restaurant within the mall, the Whistle Stop Bistro, which quickly became a local favorite. With its cozy 45-seat dining area, the bistro was so popular that David and Eddie soon expanded it to accommodate 130 diners, making it one of the most sought-after lunch spots in town.

Meanwhile, Twilia, ever the entrepreneur, felt the pull of the antique business once more. She opened a new store across the street, naming it “J.J. McAlester Antiques.” All the vendors from Old Town Antique Mall moved to this new location, which eventually became known as the McAlester Antique Mall.

David and Eddie, with a keen sense for business, ventured into the events industry, purchasing a former church in downtown McAlester and transforming it into “The Grand Event Center.” The event center was a success, but the demands of running it proved to be all-consuming. After a few years, they decided to sell “The Grand” and return to a more balanced life, each taking on new roles—Eddie with McAlester Tourism and later as Marketing Coordinator for the Southeast Oklahoma Library System, and David as a representative of State Beauty Supply and later as a Small Business Advisor with the Choctaw Nation.

As time passed, Twilia and Eddie’s sister Brenda, who had joined her mother in running J.J. McAlester Antiques, began to consider stepping back from the daily operations. They approached David and Eddie about taking over the business once again. The couple agreed, and in honor of the store’s legacy and their fresh vision, they renamed it the McAlester Antique Mall.

Today, David and Eddie continue to manage the McAlester Antique Mall while excelling in their respective careers. The store, with its rich history and commitment to quality, was recognized in 2023 as one of the top seven antique stores in Oklahoma. Boasting over 40 dealers, the McAlester Antique Mall is a treasure trove of antiques and collectibles, meticulously curated to ensure that at least 80% of the items are true antiques, with no new clothing or market items allowed. The mall remains a beloved destination for collectors and history enthusiasts alike, a testament to the enduring passion and dedication of its owners.