Authentic Texan
By J. Carol Richards
A genuine appreciation for the arts brought together a freelance photojournalist and a fashion photographer, prompting them to delve into the retail world of antiques. A love of history and an appreciation of beautiful things led Elizabeth Shafiroff and her fiancé Richard to begin collecting unique and unusual items. As photographers, their innate attention to detail allowed them to discern between unique pieces and commonplace items usually found in most antique stores. Because Richard’s parents were fifth-generation Texans, the move to Texas with their four rescue dogs was inevitable.
Richard and Elizabeth share a deep love for hand-crafted historical items, prompting Elizabeth to say, “I never knew that there was so much available in that world.” Friends began encouraging them because of their growing collection and the fact that they had so much to share to open a place where others could appreciate the experience. Camp Bubba Antiques, named after a cherished rescue dog, Bubba, “Began when we decided to take our eclectic tastes, love for the West, and the past and start a small shop in Johnson City, Texas.”
For Elizabeth and Richard, Camp Bubba Antiques is “More than just a shop; it’s a journey through history. It is a family-owned business dedicated to curating an exceptional collection of antique and vintage pieces.
Our passion for history and craftsmanship drives us to offer handpicked items that span various eras and styles, from elegant furniture and exquisite jewelry to rare collectibles and charming décor, each telling its own story.”
Customers describe Camp Bubba with phrases like wow, beautiful things, and reasonable pricing. The goal is to locate and display distinctively different and exclusive pieces reminiscent of their history from various eras like Western, French, and modern that will encourage and inspire you to step into a bygone time, if only for a moment. It is a treasure hunt that yields its secrets as you glimpse into antiquity and past lifestyles.
As a seasoned antique shopper, you will appreciate the well-illuminated displays of historic and vintage items ranging from a green antique revolving hardware cabinet to a mid-century ice bucket resembling a deep-sea diver’s helmet. There are hand-made tables like a provincial butcher block from the South of France, a timeless Chesterfield sofa, and other unusual and quality hand-crafted pieces of furniture. Kachina dolls, Navajo tapestries, and sterling silver turquoise celebrate Western heritage, along with Good & Well Company candles that bring the warmth of nature into clean candles with a selection of spice and woodsy scents and a distinctly different selection of incense.
Camp Bubba Antiques is a delightful and captivating experience that requires multiple visits to take in the diversity of stock that changes as Elizabeth continues to unearth more treasures. The hours are Thursday through Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm, with later hours for holidays. Check the website, Facebook, and Instagram to see more of the unique items in the store and for current hours.
Camp Bubba Antiques, 209 E Main St. Suite F, Johnson City, Texas 803-225-3065
