In the heart of Heber City, Utah, Anna Weidell is weaving a tapestry of European history through her unique collection at Anna’s European Antiques. With an impressive assortment of artifacts that tell tales from centuries past, Weidell invites locals and visitors alike to explore her warehouse filled with treasures that extend far beyond mere decoration. Each item in her collection has a story, offering a glimpse into the lives and cultures of those who came before us. Among the most captivating pieces is a box of dyed straw, crafted by French prisoners of war during the Napoleonic Wars. This seemingly simple item is imbued with the history of resilience and creativity amidst hardship. Weidell also showcases a hollowed-out military cartridge from World War II, ingeniously transformed into an engraved vase, and a leather bucket used by French villagers for firefighting in the late 18th century. Such items are not just collectibles; they are portals to the past, sparking curiosity and conversation. Weidell’s journey into the world of antiques began during a transformative backpacking trip through Europe in college, where she fell in love with the culture and history of England, France, Spain, and Italy. This initial spark grew into a passion, leading her to work as an au pair in France and later teaching English in Spain. After years in California working for Hewlett Packard, she and her husband, Jeff, began annual trips to Europe, which fueled her desire to collect unique artifacts from various markets. "Every time I visit a market, I make a list of items I want to find, and inevitably, I end up with none of them," Weidell chuckles, recalling her recent trip to England where she unexpectedly returned with an assortment of brass and oak fly fishing reels and a collection of lawn bowling balls. Her approach to collecting is both whimsical and strategic; she believes if three of something are good, then a larger quantity must be even better. Among her favorites are rustic breadboards, which she views as symbols of family and tradition. "They were part of daily life, representing meals shared and memories created," Weidell explains. This emotional connection to the items she collects makes it bittersweet when she finds new homes for them. "For me, it’s one of many, but for others, it might be their only cherished piece," she reflects. After moving to Heber City in 2021, Weidell realized her dream of opening a store dedicated to her collection. With encouragement from a friend, she established Anna’s European Antiques in 2023, operating on a pop-up model that allows for flexibility and enjoyment in her retirement. The store opens by appointment or on select days, with a commitment to providing a personal experience for each visitor. In 2025 alone, the shop operated for approximately 30 days, allowing Weidell to manage her inventory while still enjoying her time in the community. Her sourcing trips can be labor-intensive. "At a 2,500-vendor market in Newark, England, it’s a lot of schlepping suitcases through fields to find the perfect pieces," Weidell shares. She often faces challenges when transporting larger items, resorting to shipping them back home, a process she admits is complex and requires detailed planning. Anna’s European Antiques is not just a store; it’s a community hub where stories come alive. Families, students, and curious visitors come to explore the warehouse, treating it as a living museum. Weidell enjoys sharing her extensive knowledge with her guests, often delighting in the questions posed by young visitors. "Little girls love to ask, ‘What’s the oldest pen you have?’ and I show them a box of sterling silver pencils used for bridge games in the 1920s," she says, highlighting the joy of engaging with her audience. Weidell’s philosophy is to allow people to appreciate and interact with history in a tangible way. She is not bothered by window shoppers or children exploring; rather, she sees it as an opportunity to share the love of antiquities. "Part of the idea of this place is to let people enjoy it," she states firmly. The next opportunity to visit Anna’s European Antiques is set for January 2-3, where locals can immerse themselves in the rich history encapsulated within each piece. As Weidell continues to curate her collection, she remains dedicated to connecting people with the stories behind the objects, breathing life into the past one artifact at a time.