Our Story

Finding Inspiration in Every Turn

When two good things unite you know something great is bound to happen. The story of The Gossip and Uptown Treasures began far before the doors opened at the old JC Penneys Building in Holton, KS. It starts with small-town natives finding a dream and making it happen. It’s two lifetimes of finding treasures in the unexpected, curating inspiration for home and discovering beauty at every turn.

For Abra (Uptown Treasures), the passion for decorating and treasure hunting never let go. At the age of 21, she started Uptown Treasures. On the Holton square, it became a staple for home decorations and the hard-to-find items that fits just right.

Down the street, in 2013, Carolyn (The Gossip) spotted a building that inspired a dream deep within her soul. Small-town proud with an obsessive need to design and make her surroundings beautiful, Carolyn saw an opportunity. She wanted to make something old and neglected, new and alive. Carolyn and her husband bought the old printery building, in operation from 1929. The Gossip’s name is derived from the name of that building. After much restoration, the doors opened in 2015. The store contained an eclectic mix of old and new home goods and decorative items. It became not only a place to shop but a place to belong.

Fast forward to today… The Gossip and Uptown Treasures is filled with curated furniture, decorated design elements, seasonal florals, and that one-of-a-kind eclectic find. The secret is out! Come and find what all the gossip is about and find your next treasure.

Meet The Girls

Meet The Gossip Owner, Carolyn McKee

I have lived in Holton for most of my life. My husband, Kerwin, and I worked and raised our family here. We love the small-town atmosphere where life is a bit slower and everyone knows your name. I have always had an obsessive need to design and to make my surroundings beautiful. After my children left home, I opened The Gossip to fulfill this desire.

My husband and I bought an old printery, in operation from 1929 until we purchased it in 2013. The Gossip name derives from the name of that building. After much restoration, we opened the doors in 2015. The store contained an eclectic mix of old and new home goods and decorative items.

Meet Uptown Treasures Owner, Abra Wheeler

I am Abra Wheeler, owner of Uptown Treasures in Holton. I have always had a passion for decorating and treasure hunting. At the age of 21, I jumped at the opportunity to own my own business, Uptown Treasures. Since first opening, it has been a wild ride with four storefront relocations. In 2021, I joined forces with Carolyn McKee to house both our businesses at one location.

Meet employee, Carol

I was born and raised in Holton, KS. I left home at 17 and didn't come back to live until after 40 years. During that time, I taught special education in Colorado, which is also where I met my husband and where my two children were born. My husband and I lived in China for one year, where we taught English to universtiy students.

It has been such a pleasure to work at The Gossip. The store has a peaceful ambiance. I love the friendliness of both my boss, coworkers, and customers.

The store is a beautiful place to visit. It is so well laid out and tastefully decorated.