The Knights’ extraordinary appreciation for antiques and superior craftsmanship, and their reverence of bygone times gave them the desire to share this love with others in big ways.

As the founders and former owners of Heart of Ohio Antique Center, Knight’s Antiques, and The Springfield Antique Show and Flea Market, Bruce and Vivalyn created huge venues where people who share their passions could convene and enjoy the hunt. Under their ownership, The Springfield Antique Show and Flea Market boasted over 2600 vendors and the

Heart of Ohio Antique Center became the largest in the country. Even today, both serve not only as a destination for antique buyers from across the country, but from around the world as well. Bruce’s industry leadership has given thousands of vendors the opportunity to follow their own similar passions, benefitting their lives both financially and emotionally. It all started when Bruce, as a young boy, would bring home to his mother the antiques he found on trash day.

At the age of 16, he was introduced to his friend Jane Murphy, the Hamilton County antiques legend, and his lifelong passion for antiques was further fueled. Jane shared her knowledge with Bruce as he drove her around during the summers and on weekends, knocking on doors and buying antiques. After college and his military service in Vietnam, Bruce opened his shop, Knight’s Antiques, on National Road in Springfield, Ohio. Then at age 25, he created the antique show, and soon after began his international buying trips to England.

Bruce and Vivalyn travelled extensively for many years as major antiques importers from Europe and Asia where they formed many cherished friendships. In the antique community here in America, their friends are many and treasured. Since his passing in 2021, Bruce is greatly missed by close family, friends and beyond, but the inspiration and enterprises he created within the antiques community he so loved live on.