Support the woman who started Binghamton’s Antique row

Written by Mimi Davis

Anita has spent a lifetime building a career, a community, a business, and a home. Now, at 96, she faces new challenges. 

Born in 1930, Anita survived Nazi persecution alongside her mother during some of the darkest days in Frankfurt, Germany. In 1948, she came to the United States, taught herself English, and became an American citizen.

She was determined to build herself a life and spent decades working for it.

She began by mixing paint at Philadelphia Sales. From there, she went on to spend 17 years at Grants department store, rising to credit manager, before serving another four years as a credit manager for Spiegel’s. Later, she joined the collections department for The Binghamton Press. 

Around 1972, Anita stepped into a new role. She opened the China Closet, an antique store that started the 'antique row' on Binghamton's Clinton Street.

For 30 years, her store connected her with generations of customers, collectors, families, and other businesses, creating a long lasting impact on the Binghamton community, before retiring in 2001. 

Anita’s husband passed away over a decade ago, and since then she has lived independently in their home until being hospitalized after a bad fall. Soon she will be released from the hospital and in need of continuous assistance with mobility, personal care, and nighttime safety.

Her family is working to secure long-term care for her, and the costs are significant.  

Those who remember Anita, China Closet, or are moved by her story are encouraged to donate to her fundraiser. 

About The author

MImi is a Broadcast and Digital Journalism student at Syracuse university. She is thrilled to Join the cny women’s network as a social media and broadcast intern.

At the CNY Women’s Network, Mimi is working to highlight members and their work across social media and digital platforms.

she is driven by her passion for storytelling and content creation that connects people across various communities.