For local Julia Selby, rescuing relics, forgotten treasures and heirlooms is all in a day’s work.

“That is part of what my job is all about — rescuing these things and getting them to a good home where they’ll be preserved for at least one more generation,” Selby said.

The other part is running the 20-year-old Ophelia’s Antique Gallery in Georgetown.

Selby recently moved her business across the street from the Hotel de Paris Museum to 606 6th St.

After seven years in her previous location, Selby said she’s optimistic about the new and more prominent business venue.

Ophelia’s has been in other locations around Georgetown over the years, and before that Selby started her business in a little booth in Florence.

“Now I have landed here, and this is my last move,” Selby said. “… I’ve just about wore out a perfectly good husband.”

Selby’s store, named for William Shakespeare’s ill-fated femme, holds a host of collectibles, including jewelry and books.

Selby is particularly proud of her antique carpenter’s tools and Victorian hair-work jewelry — hair meticulously woven into wearable jewelry. It was very popular at the time.

No matter how common or uncommon the item, Selby said she loves to rescue antiques and provide them with temporary homes.

“It is really gratifying for me when somebody walks out of here with something clutched to them. They’ve replaced some really important memory or something they looked for for years,” Selby said. “It is really fun when that happens.”

She said she’s made a point to do what she loves for a living.

“I love to rescue things and see that they get a good home. … I’m the temporary steward of many wonderful things,” Selby said.

Ophelia’s Antique Gallery is open during the summer from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week.

Contact Ian Neligh at couranteditor@evergreenco.com, and check www.clearcreekcourant.com for updates and breaking news.