For more than 60 years, G.W. Samaha Antiques has been a prominent part of the community in Norwalk and surrounding towns. Milan, Ohio became an important antiques destination after G.W. Samaha, Sr. began hosting antiques shows in the Milan Town Hall ballroom several times a year.   

 The business was eventually handed down to G.W. Samaha, Jr. (Bill), who ran it with his companion and business partner Madeleine Fisher until she passed away in the late 2010s. The pair took the antiques business to new heights, making G.W. Samaha Antiques one of the most respected dealers of Early American furniture and paintings in the United States. 

G. W. “Bill” Samaha, Jr.

As Bill prepares for retirement, the Payne Nickles & Company team offers our congratulations on a memorable career! Keep reading for more on how Bill, along with Madeleine, created a lasting impact on our community.  

While the business is no stranger to six-figure range antiques deals, Bill contributed immensely to the community and the history of the area. His family restored the Wyde Residence at Lockwood Farm on Old State Road – a house built in 1837. Years later, Bill took great care to restore the beautiful Kelley Building and have it listed on the Register of Historic Places.  

The Kelley building not only housed his Milan residence and antiques business but is a sought-after space for businesses to operate. It has housed the mayor’s office, Milan Elementary School classes, and Oberlin College music students’ concerts throughout the years.  

For his contribution to building up the community through his business and commitment to preserving history, Bill was awarded the 2019 Business of the Year award by the Milan Chamber of Commerce and was later recognized by the Ohio House of Representatives and Ohio Senate.  

The Kelley Building

Now, after decades of operating G.W. Samaha Antiques, Bill Samaha plans to retire by the end of 2022, and G.W. Samaha Antiques will close shop. As one of our longest clients, who began working with our firm when it was still in its infancy, we would like to say: Thank you for your commitment to the community and the local businesses who make Norwalk and Milan their home. And congratulations on a much-deserved retirement. We are honored to have been part of your story, helping with your business accounting and tax strategy throughout the years, and are thankful for your friendship. Congratulations Bill!