Iconic Connecticut Nostalgia Store To Close Up Shop

 Wild Bill’s is “not just a store, it’s a way of life.”

33 years ago William “Wild Bill” Ziegler opened his dream shop in Middletown, Connecticut. He filled it with all his favorite things including - but certainly not limited to - retro clothing, incense, vinyl records, cartoon character and super hero paraphernalia, vintage Playboy magazines, antiques and an impressive collection of bobble heads.

The treasures continue outside the former-dancehall with aisles of merchandise, a wrought-iron mountain lion, an old-school haunted house, and a silo topped with the world’s largest Jack-in-the-Box.

Last year, Connecticut Magazine even named Wild Bill’s one of Connecticut’s 30 Hidden Gems, writing:

"When you come upon the parking lot and exterior of Wild Bill’s Nostalgia Center on Route 3 in Middletown, you know immediately it lives up to its motto: 'strange things.'"

Sadly, Ziegler passed away last April, leaving his beloved store and its entire quirky contents to his family.

Although daughter, Heather Page loves the shop and respects her father’s legacy, she recently announced via Facebook it is all too much for the family to maintain. The post reads, in part:

“Growing up in this environment was fun and exciting for the most part, but this was all Wild Bill’s dream project. However, his dream is bigger than any one of us can collectively accomplish as a family. The business grew into something that we as a whole could never have imagined. It saddens us to the core, but the final curtain call looms on the very near horizon.”

Ziegler’s family plans to sell off the shop’s contents at 50% the regular price and close up for good on September 30. Until then, they will be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10am until 6pm. The rest of the week they will be available by appointment only. 

If you have missed out on a visit to Wild Bill’s Nostalgia Shop over the years, now is the time to check it out – before it is gone for good!