COMPLIMENTARY COPY
Published Weekly By Joel Sater Publications www.antiquesandauctionnews.net
VOL. 44, NO. 30 FRIDAY JULY 26, 2013
THE LITITZ ANTIQUES SHOW ENTERS ITS SECOND HALF-CENTURY By Karl Pass
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eginning in June 1962 with 19 dealers as a fundraiser for the Lititz Historical Foundation, the Lititz Antiques Show turned 51 this year and now boasts a total of 42 dealers. This past June 28 and 29 marked this anniversary, and the show continues to serve as a benefit for the Foundation, generating income for the upkeep of its historic Johannes Mueller House and Lititz Museum, both located on Main Street. For the past 16 years, the show has been held in the John R. Bonfield Elementary School in a residential section of town. In the early years, the show was held in conjunction with the town’s Fourth of July celebrations. Currently, it is held on the last weekend of June to coincide with the antiques Extravaganza in nearby Adamstown. Tailgating this event is a smart move, and serious shoppers make a point to be at the show Friday and then the markets in Adamstown on Saturday and Sunday. The gate was strong on opening day and did not drop off as quickly as it typically does. A good turnout came on Saturday as well. The dealer roster was full this year (last year, it was not). Business was spread out among the dealers, who offered primarily country gear and assorted collectibles. As with any show, some did better than others. Many shoppers found items they had to have, and exhibitors were not heard complaining the show had been slow. In fact, many reported an enthusiastic energy on the floor during opening day and a revitalized feel to the oldtime show.
The pink lustre pitcher at top was $350, and the one to the right, $400, from Bill Shaeffer of Glyndon, Md. Ceramics specialist Shaeffer asked $795 for the “Sewell” quintal vase.
the front entrance hall, the volunteer-run enterprise is always a successful one. This year was no exception. Mark your calendar for 2014. This show should not be missed, nor should the town, as it is a destination well worth visiting. “(The Lititz Antiques Show) will again be held on the last Friday and Saturday in June, to go along with Adamstown’s Extravaganza,” said Paul. For more information, go to www.lititzhistorical foundation.com.
Mullica Hill, N.J., dealer Todd Kibler asked $795 for the early 19th-century red painted countertop writing desk with sunken panels and cut-out top. The painted “CHART/ROOM” and “WHEEL/HOUSE” signs were $295 each.
This cast iron rooster windmill weight from the Elgin Windmill Power & Pump Co. of Elgin, Ill., circa 1890-1910 was tagged $2,350 from Paul Hahn of Country Things. “I bought it from a collector in Nebraska that has 68 windmill weights total,” stated Hahn.
“The gate on the first day was 20 or 30 people more than the first day last year,” stated Henry Paul, board member and exhibiting dealer. Close to 800 paid attendees came through the show over the two-day event, according to Paul. “Every dealer told me they were satisfied. Most said they had a very good show and every dealer stated they would be back,” said Paul. One exhibiting dealer, Claudia Collins, bought an early red painted rope bed during the show from dealer Cheryl Mackley. As she was taking the bed out to her van, a man arriving to the show stopped her and bought it. From North Carolina, the buyer restores and maintains a museum of log buildings. Most dealers who take their business seriously know it takes investment. Mailing show cards is just one example of this. One exhibitor sent 160 cards and reported 30 com- Ingle Nook Antiques of Reedville, Va., priced the child’s ing in, which is a respectable return. Another exhibitor painted arrowback settee at $1,295 and the oval hooked rug at $250. mailed 80 cards. A group of collectors who specialize in old kitchen material made a point of attending. The group, who humorously refer to themselves as the KOOKS (Collectors of Old Kitchen Stuff), was having a convention in nearby Reading over the weekend and shopped the show prior. Their presence was felt, as they bought various kitchen collectibles from a number of dealers. One component of the show that goes a long way to help the foundation is the bake sale. Held in a large area in
This blue wallpaper box was $395 from Red Lion, Pa., dealer Cheryl Mackley. Ruth Rogers of New Holland, Pa., had an excellent assort- These four mounted hooked rugs were $595 for the group from Manheim, Pa., dealers the McClearens. ment of glass kugels priced from $60 to $2,500.
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