Cool School Antique Mall: In a Class of Their Own

Step to the head of the class—because shopping at Cool School Antique Mall is always in style. This vintage-filled former schoolhouse isn’t just a lesson in local history—it’s recess for antique lovers. With hallways lined with treasures and stories in every corner, Cool School earns straight A’s for charm, character, and curiosity.

We sat down with manager Tammy Woller and owner Bruce Denis —the dynamic duo behind this uniquely restored antique destination in Bristol, Wisconsin—to get the full report on how a century-old classroom became a collector’s playground. From Art Deco penguins to pink donkeys, they’ve turned this once-quiet school into a bustling hall of hidden gems. Among the most unusual or surprising items someone has brought to sell at the mall? A Buffalo Head and a store prop of Jolly Green Giant!

So grab your hall pass and let’s dive into the history, highlights, and heart behind this “cool” community treasure.

History in the Halls

What’s the story behind the founding of Cool School Antique Mall? While looking for a place to store many treasures - like a warehouse - this building was found. After some time, while owning the building, they rented it to another antique mall and were a vendor themselves. When that business closed, they wanted to keep it open with the vendors. People thought of the place as a “cool school” with it being original architecture, so they decided to keep it original and call it Cool School Antique Mall.

Visit Kenosha: What is the significance of the name "Cool School Antique Mall"?

Cool School Antique Mall: Cool Stuff, Cool Building, and something for everyone.

Vendors, Variety, and the Vintage Vibe

Visit Kenosha: How do you curate the items available in the mall?

Cool School Antique Mall: Our mall is vendor based; we have around 50 vendors that carry something for everyone. We jury our vendors’ applications and try not to over duplicate products, leaving more wide selection and variety for our customers. New product comes in weekly. Our success is from the vendors we have in the mall. 

Visit Kenosha: Can you share any memorable stories or unique items that have been featured in the mall?

Cool School Antique Mall: So many wow and one-of-a-kind items. Silver Plated Napier Art Deco Penguin Cocktail Shaker (purchased and sent to London). Life size bronze golf statue, exotic lamps, animal hides, taxidermy animals, large vintage mirror.

Visit Kenosha: What role does the local community play in the success of the mall?

Cool School Antique Mall: Many regular customers are our neighbors and we sponsor a Kenosha CYC t-ball team.

Visit Kenosha: Can you provide some background on the history of the building? When was it constructed, and how long did it function as a school?

Cool School Antique Mall: The original building was built in 1925 as a two room schoolhouse. It was the Woodworth School; housed all grades. As years developed, it was a grade school till 1981 in the Bristol School District. The original section of the school was built from a catalog order for the brick building. In the 60’s, they added a north wing to the school creating 4 more classrooms. We do belong to the Bristol WI Historical Society and it's deemed a historical site.

Visit Kenosha: How have you preserved the historical aspects of the building while adapting it for the mall's needs?

Cool School Antique Mall: Keeping the original floors, woodwork, and chalk boards. We have a few pictures of our schoolhouse when it was still a school.

Visit Kenosha: How does the unique setting of a former school enhance the shopping experience for your customers?

Cool School Antique Mall: Customers think it’s so “Cool” that the school is 100 years old and was a school till 1981.

Visit Kenosha: Have you uncovered any interesting stories or historical facts about the building during your time here?

Cool School Antique Mall: Everyone asks about being haunted. No, we are not haunted. Never encountered anything.

Visit Kenosha: What advice would you give to others looking to repurpose historic buildings for new business ventures?

Cool School Antique Mall: Be prepared for the unknown.

Visit Kenosha: What draws people to antiques in today’s fast-paced, modern world?

Cool School Antique Mall: The thrill of the hunt and many younger generations like to re-purpose/reuse.

Visit Kenosha: Can you share any tips for someone looking to start their own antique collection?

Cool School Antique Mall: Buy what they like and form their collections out of passion.

Visit Kenosha: What makes an antique valuable, and how do you determine its worth?

Cool School Antique Mall: Antiques value is based on supply and demand. Bruce has over 50 years of experience. Our vendors determine their prices in their booths.

Visit Kenosha: What advice would you give to someone looking to sell antiques or join as a vendor at your mall?

Cool School Antique Mall: Look deeply into the store, visit several times during open hours to get the feeling of the store. Time is involved with research, pricing, and displays.

Visit Kenosha: Are there any success stories of collectors or vendors discovering hidden gems at the mall?

Cool School Antique Mall: Statement pieces, a dresser belonging to Helen Brach – heiress to the Brach candy family fortune.

Visit Kenosha: How do you educate customers who are new to antiques about their value and history?

Cool School Antique Mall: Our vendors list a small description of the item with any known dates or history. Everyone wants the story behind a special piece.

Visit Kenosha: How do you handle antiques that may have damage or wear? Are there creative ways to repurpose or restore them?

Cool School Antique Mall: These items are priced accordingly and make a great project piece for customers.

Visit Kenosha: Have you had any antiques at the mall with ties to local or regional history?

Cool School Antique Mall: Yes. Bristol Milk Bottles, Milk Crates from past milk farms, Bank Bags from Kenosha banks, Sparko soda bottles, and Snap-on collectibles.

Visit Kenosha: How do antiques connect us to the past, and why do you think people are so drawn to their stories?

Cool School Antique Mall: Many customers say that shopping in the mall brings back childhood memories of items they had or their grandma/grandpa had. “I used to have one.”

Visit Kenosha: What role do you think antique malls play in preserving history for future generations?

Cool School Antique Mall: Keeping the memories from their past from disappearing.
 

A Local Landmark—Just Look for the Pink Donkey

Cool School Antique Mall: Many folks take pictures during their travels and share over the Internet via Facebook, TikTok, or Instagram: Just look for the “Pink Donkey”.

The pink donkey was just a goofy find and stayed at the school from the previous store that rented from Bruce. When Bruce opened Cool School, it was a great fit and a landmark for our customers. Many folks only know our store as the Pink Donkey Store.

At Cool School Antique Mall, every visit is like a field trip through time—filled with discoveries, nostalgia, and just the right amount of quirk. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply love a good story behind an old object, this former schoolhouse-turned-antique haven is ready to teach you a thing or two about the thrill of the hunt.

Thanks to the passion of owner Bruce Denis, the dedication of manager Tammy Woller, and the creativity of 50+ vendors, Cool School continues to pass with flying colors—welcoming locals, tourists, and treasure seekers from all over.

So if you find yourself near Kenosha County, consider this your homework: stop in, snap a selfie with the pink donkey, and take a walk down memory lane. At Cool School, history isn’t just preserved—it’s proudly displayed, priced to go, and waiting to be rediscovered.

Class dismissed—until your next visit.

Visit Cool School Antique Mall!

7427 156th Avenue, Bristol, WI 53104

At the northeast corner of Hwy 50 and Hwy MB … look for the pink donkey in the front yard!

(262) 288-6000

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