What began as a beloved large- and small-animal veterinary business continues to serve the Whitesboro community in a new way – as a family-run antique mall.
The Schares Family Farm Antique Mall is an unassuming building off the highway whose history is as rich as the items found inside.
In 1964, veterinarian Bill “Doc” Schares and his wife Bobbie purchased land off Hwy. 377 and created the Whitesboro Veterinary Clinic. As the first veterinarian in the area, Doc Schares treated all kinds of animals from snakes to ostriches, but was primarily known for his work with cattle.
For 60 years, the clinic wasn’t just a place for caring for animals; it was a piece of the Schares family farm (where Bill and Bobbie raised six kids and had at least a dozen others living with them at times). It was also a large part of the community. But two years ago, at the age of 84, Doc Schares decided it was time to retire. In the years leading up to this decision, his children had all discussed what he would do next and what would become of the clinic once their dad eventually decided to step down from veterinary work. They knew they wanted to create something that would honor his legacy while also benefiting the community. Bill and his son Billy seriously discussed the idea of opening an antique store.
“Growing up, one of my favorite things to do with my dad was go antiquing,” Billy said. “Every trip or vacation we went on, we loved to stop at every antique or junk store we could find.”
And so it was decided that the Whitesboro Veterinary Clinic would be transformed into the Schares Family Farm Antique Mall. Cattle pens have been reconstructed into vendor booths and the building re-opened in June with 2,000 square feet of retail space at the front of the clinic. The space currently hosts about two dozen vendors with another 3,000 square feet finished and ready for more vendors to move in. Both indoor and outdoor booth space is available.
“We filled up immediately and are still going strong,” Billy said.
Shoppers can find items both new and old as the store sells anything from rustic antiques and vintage items to refinished furniture and home décor. As much as the community has shared their excitement for the new business, nobody is happier with the outcome than the Schares family.
“I get to take something my dad built with so much care and turn it into something we both feel deeply passionate about,” Billy said. “I’m thrilled we were able to reopen the old vet clinic as Schares Family Farm Antique Mall — a place filled with history, charm and the kind of treasures we used to search for together. It means the world to me to breathe new life into this building, while still honoring everything it stood for. Our family is excited to see it become a space where the past is celebrated and stories live on.”
The Schares Family Farm Antique Mall is located at 1028 Hwy. 377 N and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. To inquire about becoming a vendor, call Billy Schares at 903-816-2716.