I-95 Antiques by Cecilia Steel

Compliments of:

Your guide to 1,200 miles of antiques & collectibles

Alexandria, Va., to Miami, Fla., corridor

Vol. 3, Issue 3 â&#x20AC;˘ Summer - Fall 2011

Great Summer Shopping

Photo by JORGE RUIZ

The first in a series of stories about a great barn find and its history and disposition

story, page 30

Interstate 95 Antiques • Summer - Fall 2011

Send out the clowns R

About us Published QUARTERly by Interstate Antiques LLC 255 East Washington Street Walterboro, SC 29488 I95antiques@gmail.com 843-549-2300 Subscription Rates: 1 year: $15 Contact Us: David Evans, executive editor 843-599-1365 bachelorhill@gmail.com Cecilia Steel, design editor 804-614-3402 ceciliasteel@gmail.com Circulation: To become a vendor or to restock, call Tonya Strickland, 843-549-2300 Advertising: We have ad sizes and billing options for all budgets. Call today! David Evans, 843-599-1365 editorial content: We’d love to hear your story ideas. David Evans, 843-599-1365 see a photo you like? Order a copy of any staff photograph (framing options also available). Jorge Ruiz, photo editor 843-599-1366 Deadlines: Advertising is due by the 5th of the month preceding publication. Editorial content is due by the 1st of the month preceding publication.

ecently someone told me that “being an antique dealer was like being paid to go to the circus.” And while my first reaction was to smile broadly and say YEA! while patting myself on the back for being so smart to have such a cool job, the more I thought about it the more sides to that idea I could see. Yes, going to the circus can be loads of fun, and doing what we do can also. If the guys in the circus are doing their job right they and the audience should all be having a great time. The same holds true with me, if I am doing my job well, my customers and I should have a great experience in my shop. The circus workers look like they are having a great time riding the elephant or flying on the trapeze. And I usually look like I am enjoying myself rearranging something I just found or researching something I have never seen before. We both travel across the country seeing new places and enjoying return visits to old favorites. And I am sure that there are lots of days when they and I think that we are on some kind of hamster wheel and nothing is anything but old hat. Could it be easier? OH YES... Could it be worse? OH YES. The biggest difference are the faces, the circus performer is always smiling and profes-

SOUTH CAROLINA EXIT 177

Christopher H. Jones 210 N. Lee Street 703-519-8127

Photo by JORGE RUIZ

sional, no matter if the house is half empty, the goats are gassy and his tights have gotten too tight. We on the other hand don’t feel the same compulsion

to smile no matter what. We grouse and grumble at our customers and at each other about how bad things are not realizing it may be our own fault that things are that bad.

The Old Town District

Trojan Antiques 1100 King Street • 703-549-9766

1207 King Street • 703-549-4040 www.lamplighterlamps.com

1305 King Street • 703-535-5560 www.GoldenRhodes.com

115 South Henry Street • 703-683-5545 www.trocadero.com/henrystreet

David Evans, executive editor

The Lamplighter

GoldenRhodes, LLC

Henry Street Antiques

Who wants to shop with the grumps? When I go into shops that greet you with a happy face, I find myself wanting to stay a bit longer and look a little harder. When I walk in the door and am greeted by a long face or not at all, I have no interest in being there. If it’s dark and dirty it tells me that you don’t think your stuff has any value, why should I? I am not looking for that. If it smells, I am right out the door. It’s usually a long way home and I don’t want that stink with me for the ride. No matter what I keep my place clean, the music upbeat and nostalgic, and no matter what my mood is, I want my customers to leave a little happier, a little entertained, and possibly a little poorer in the wallet and a little richer for the experience. Just like the circus. Does the circus worker think he’s the luckiest guy alive..I hope so because I do. Do we all wish there was a bit less poop and a few less clowns..Oh yea!

Imperfections 1210 King Street • 703-837-1670

Alexandria, VA

Where it all comes together

Verdigris Antiques & Interiors 1215 King Street • 703-518-5301 www.verdigris.bondandbowery.com

EXIT

Caroline County, experience 7 delightful antiquing expereinces in the home of Secretariat, and the Stonewall Jackson Shrine

104

I-95 Exit 104

V I R G I N I A

Tourism Information 23724 Rogers Clark Boulevard Ruther Glen, VA 22546 804.633.3490 www.visitcaroline.com

Caroline County

Come see Historic Downtown Emporia and visit 3 great locations on Halifax Street!

Interstate 95 Antiques • Summer - Fall 2011

Ollie Olsen is best in show By Stephanie Jadrnicek Contributor

rom a feral feline to a cultured kitty, Ollie Olsen has transitioned well into his new home at 37th @ Abercorn Antiques and Design in Savannah, Ga. Employee Paula Olsen found Ollie and his litter mates hiding under her house about two years ago. Carefully, she trapped all of the kittens and immediately had them neutered or spayed. Then, she used a unique technique to tame the feral kittens.

ter what it tells you,” it’s mainly referring to Mama who’s on the hunt for her fried chicken.

“I put them all in our guest bathroom, they were literally climbing the walls and swinging from the shower curtain. One by one I brought them out and wrapped them tightly in a blanket, talking to them for hours,” said Olsen. “It really calmed them down and tamed them, much like swaddling a newborn.” Ollie’s three litter mates were adopted to other families, but he found his home at 37th @ Abercorn. Owner Terri Oneil was easily persuaded since she’s had a similar situation 14 years ago when she opened the store. “Another cat lives here, she’s as old as the store. Her name is Mama. She was a feral cat with kittens when Terri found her. Terri spayed and neutered all of them and found homes for the kittens, but she kept Mama,” said Olsen. “Mama’s very happy here, too. She’s not too happy with Ollie, but he’s slowly trying to win her over.” Situated in downtown Savannah, Ga., 37th @ Abercorn is housed in an historic home. The carriage house was transformed into a café and ever since fried chicken was added to the lunch menu, Mama shows up regularly for her rations. EXIT

When Ollie’s not lying on the front counter of 37th @ Abercorn, he can usually be found perusing through some of the finer pieces in the store such as the antique furniture, lamps, linens and the shop’s large selection of antique clocks.

Ollie’s quite at home at 37th @ Abercorn in Savannah, GA. Photos courtesy of 37th @ Abercorn

However, Ollie rarely leaves the store. He’s quite content acting as the host kitty on the front counter greeting customers as they walk through the door. Enjoying the adoration of his job, he even tolerates wearing a few costumes now and then. “Ollie likes to wear hats for different occasions. He wore a crown when the prince got married and for Easter he wore a hat with a chicken on it. He likes to ham it up whenever he can,” said Olsen. “Sometimes he sits on the front counter with a big ribbon and a sold sign hanging around his neck. He’s a very tolerant cat.” Other than providing a loving home to Mama and Ollie, 37th @ Abercorn

also offers a room in their store to the Humane Society of Savannah/Chatham County. Cleverly titled “Best in Show,” the room displays donations such as silver, crystal, jewelry, art, pottery and books. All proceeds are contributed to the Humane Society to support their spay and neuter clinics. “The Humane Society stocks the room three to four times per week. The items are sold at significantly reduced prices so it’s a great place to purchase things to resell or for collectors to find a real bargain,” said Olsen. Repeat customers in search of Ollie needn’t look far for their favorite feline. Though a sign on the door reads, “Please don’t let the cat out no mat-

“Ollie has really found his home here at the store. He’s just a wonderful cat and never tries to get out. He seems to enjoy all of the pretty things in the shop and interacting with the customers,” said Olsen. “And when he’s pictured on our website in his funny hats we always get more hits.”

KNOW A SHOP PET? Do you know of an interesting pet at an antiques shop near I-95? Tell us about it at I95antiques@gmail.com

EXIT

S O U T H C A R O L I N A

Interstate 95 Antiques • Summer - Fall 2011

It’s cool in Va. By LIBBY ROERIG

reprinted from Vol. 2 Issue1

s the temperatures rise with summer’s approach, we head north for cooler shopping grounds.

ABOVE: Hotel Va has an impressive collection of yellow satin vaseline glasses. They glow under black light. LEFT: Halifax Street in Emporia has benefited greatly from the restoration of Hotel Va. BELOW: Owners Harvey Clement and Hannah Barrett tell a visitor about the extensive renovations they did on the hotel.

Virginia, as they say, is for lovers — we say lovers of antiques, old buildings and history. The state is the birthplace of more American presidents than any other colony. Before he crossed the Delaware and later became the father of our country, native son George Washington could not tell a lie. Fellow Virginian Thomas Jefferson, perhaps the most prolific Founding Father, penned a constitution still the envy and basis of democracies worldwide.

photos by JORGE RUIZ

and a half years, and the shop has been open for two. “Literally, the building is new from five feet below you, up,” Clement said. And perhaps more impressive is the fact 80 percent of the hotel is how it originally looked when it opened. A series of “happy accidents” is how Barrett likes to describe their accomplishments. Skill and patience is more accurate, as the couple did all of the work — except some of the framing, the plumbing and electric. Take, for instance, the wallpaper. During the renovations, Barrett uncovered what she says is the original wall covering and had it reproduced. Then, she worked backwards from that color scheme to create store’s palette.

And there’s six others, but this paper is not about dead guys. We’re interested in their stuff. This issue, we head to just south of Richmond to tour the fertile antiquing grounds of Emporia and Petersburg.

Stay awhile at Hotel Virginia Car or train will get you to Emporia, Va., as the town is a transportation crossroads of Interstate 95, Hwy. 301 and U.S. 58. It’s also the north-south rail line for CSX and the east-west line for Norfolk Southern. Whichever mode of transportation you take, make sure you hit the brakes at Hotel Virginia. This 4,000 square foot shop on Halifax Street is operated out of a hotel originally part of a multi-city car tour from Montreal to Jacksonville, Fla. Today, the shop specializes in European heavily carved full sets, as it’s sacrilegious to break up a collection,

say shop owners Hannah Barrett and Harvey Clement. “Once a set gets broken, it’s virtually impossible to put it back together,” Barrett said. They also carry a large stock of Medieval-style merchandise and new accessories, such as candles, dishes and holiday décor, to complete a look. Clement’s collection of yellow satin vaseline glass is also another must-see.

The pre-World War II glassware fluoresces under black light, as it is made with uranium dioxide. Hotel Virginia has a stock of about 300 pieces of all shapes and sizes.

While the average visitor is left speechless hearing of all these details, it’s somewhat all in a day’s work for the couple, who worked in casino theming in Las Vegas before coming to Emporia. They’re used to thinking big.

Don’t miss the display cases, either. Made of solid oak, it takes four grown men “just to slide them in place,” Barrett said. They were commissioned by a local jeweler at the turn of the century and are another example of the couple’s commitment to preserving and promoting Emporia.

The project is a hit with the locals. Clement and Barrett have joked about charging admission to residents who just want to have a look around and talk about their experiences there. Some stories are heartbreaking, such as the African-American man who just wanted to look out of the hotel’s windows.

Although to truly appreciate Barrett and Clement’s shop, you have to go back to the beginning, back to when their building literally fell apart. The couple had been looking for a historic property where they could open a shop on the ground floor and live above. Hotel Virginia had been gutted of its contents — fireplaces, stairs, elevator, most of the doors, chandeliers, even the hardware. And looking in the windows from the street, you could see the holes in the floor, Clement said. They bought the building, planning to restore the hotel to its former glory. “We knew we had a job ahead of us — we just didn’t know how big a job,” said Barrett.

Mount Vernon Antique Center Antiques and collectibles

V I R G I N I A

8101 Richmond Highway Alexandria VA

703-619-5100 www.mtvantiques.com

Open 7 days a week

Dealer

EXIT

43A

Discover the secret source of many collectors, dealers, decorators and shoppers with “good eyes” and great taste

At some point after the building was no longer being used as a hotel, the center support beam was removed, which caused the floors to sink to the middle and to pull on the walls — despite the fact they were built 18 inches thick with interlocking bricks. “It’s surprising they didn’t know that when they (removed that support beam), they really took the integrity of the strength out of the hotel,” Clement said. He was the first one to find the disaster. From a mile away, Clement said it looked like half the building had collapsed. He pushed the gas pedal the floor and sped to the scene. “I had a cop right on me with his lights — he was going to write me up for speeding. He was going to nail me,” Clement said. “I jumped out of the truck and said, ‘You gotta barricade the street, this building could fall at any moment. It could ripple and just collapse and then take out everything on the street.” The building did not collapse further; actually, Clement says the structure did exactly what it was supposed to do, and they lost only 20 feet. They rebuilt and renovated for three

Rebirth Hotel Virginia ceased operation in the 1960s, was used as a boarding house in the early 1970s and a junk shop in the ’90s. In the ’70s, it was a Cato’s clothing store, anchored by a liquor store. “That was when strips were becoming popular. The liquor store moved over to the new shopping center, and that was the beginning of the end for this entire street,” Barrett said. Now, Barrett and Clement are the beginning of the resurrection of Halifax Street. “They, without a doubt, have been leaders … in bringing back pride to the area. Just their example has been tremendous,” said Emporia Mayor Sam Adams. “It’s a wonderful place to browse and see so many interesting things that you don’t normally see today.” Clement and Barrett envision a return to a time when their two blocks of town was the shopping Mecca, where customers were elbow-to-elbow and strollers lined the sidewalk while mothers shopped. Adams says Barrett and Clement are spearheading the effort restore historic buildings, not only on their street, but also in the community. “They’re doing an excellent job of restoring the building, and also the facades, back to the original design,” Adams said. “Harvey is a real craftsman. He’s really particular about making sure the work he does is as close to the original as possible.” And the area is on its way. A new coffee shop is about to open, and the chamber of commerce has restored the train depot. Even within their shop, Clement and Barrett are looking to evolve and want to add more Southern antiques and smaller pieces. “We love antiques, we love the hunt,” said Barrett.

Interstate 95 Antiques • Summer - Fall 2011

Keystone Tractor Works Museum Contributor

he glare reflects from one tractor to the next, filling the enormous room with pristine beauty. One might think they were gazing at pieces of art if they forgot these vintage machines were built to play in the grass and the dirt. Here, these two ideas converge into an experience unlike any other. Approximately 150 antique tractors, all refurbished to near mint condition, are the main attraction at the Keystone

“Since I’ve been here, I’ve really enjoyed the people and hearing their stories. You can see their faces light up when they see something they like.”

its history, the years of production of that model, how many were produced, its original price and its horsepower. While their current estimated value is not listed, Stone knows how much similar tractors have sold for at auctions and other sales. One of their prized tractors is a 1938 Minneapolis-Moline UDLX, the first tractor with a cab. It came with windshield wipers, heat and a radio. Only 125 were produced, and Stone said only 25 remain that are restored. photos special to I-95 Antiques

BY ZACH VAN HART

“It didn’t go over very well,” said Stone, explaining its limited production. “Now it’s the standard.”

ABOVE: The 1952 John Deere GH High-Crop with its extra clearance was designed for sugar cane fields.

Alan “Bones” Stone, musuem curator Tractor Works Museum in Colonial Heights, Va. Located just off exit 53 on Interstate 95 near Petersburg, the 65,000 square foot museum opened its doors in October. Founded by Keith Jones, the tractors, along with antique trucks and cars, originated as Jones’ private collection. Once the tractors started to outgrow his storage, he purchased an old Benjamin-Moore paint factory and let the public take a look. So far, everyone loves what they’ve seen. “Everybody who comes here has a story,” said Alan “Bones” Stone, the museum’s curator. “Their parents or their grandparents worked on a farm, or those who grew up in the city would go work on the farm in the summer.” Stone has worked restoring tractors for six years under Jones and many years before that. Walking down the rows of John Deere, Farmall and others, he rattles off stories about different tractors’ production history or the details of his restoration job like he’s listing the names of siblings. “I’ve restored some really bad stuff,” said Stone, eyeing a few tractors that fit the description. Most of the tractors Stone restored at least had working engines, but that’s not always the case. Regardless, every restoration project usually requires taking the tractor completely apart, followed by sanding and repainting. The meticulous detail – Stone estimates each tractor requires about 200 hours of work – does not go unnoticed. The dark green of John Deeres or the ruby red of Farmalls paints a vivid picture, as if they just rolled off the assembly line. Next to each tractor resides an information sheet that lists the year it was produced, company name, model,

LEFT: This 1949 McCormick was a special production designed to drive through orchards.

Museum Info

Stone estimates its value between $175 thousand to $200 thousand. To underscore its uniqueness, this gorgeous yellow tractor is one of few vehicles in the museum chained off from the public. Most are unencumbered with a simple “Please Don’t Touch” hanging from the steering wheel. Those staggering prices are hard to fathom at the humble museum, where the walls are adorned with old-time advertising signs for Pepsi, Camel cigarettes, Texaco, and one 50-foot long edge showcases hundreds of trophies from state fairs, tractor pulls and other events. The tractors start from as early as 1915 and go until around 1960. Some tractors are specialty productions, such as the 1949 McCormick O-4 Orchard. With its bright red body covering most of the wheels, and a metal mesh cover of the steering wheel, this tractor resembles a 1960s BMW built for James Bond. Its actual intention was for driving through orchards, with extra protection against tree branches. Another rarity is the 1952 John Deere GH High-Crop. With 33 inches of clearing space on the bottom, which is evident because the seat and engine sit much higher than every other tractor nearby, this green

monster was designed for sugar cane fields. Only 237 were produced. These are just two of many treasures at Keystone. Dozens of old trucks add to the collection, and for those car lovers, the 1957 teal Thunderbird with a white hardtop is a sight not to be missed. Even the gift shop offers a variety of options, from books on tractors to rare models to be purchased. If the museum isn’t overwhelming already, Jones owns another 100 tractors that are still under restoration. And for Stone, whose main concerns at the museum are cleaning the oil spots under the tractors and providing information to patrons, the new venture has been a great experience. “I used to love the mechanical part of (restoration),” he said. “Since I’ve been here, I’ve really enjoyed the people and hearing their stories. You can see their faces light up when they see something they like.”

The museum is open 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for students. more information can be found at www.keystonetractorworks.com

Stone Creek Antiques & Collectibles 112 N. Main Street Bowling Green, VA “Where the past and the present come together.” Dean & Susan Durrett, owners

804-633-0036 EXIT

104

Classic Cottage Art and Antiques EXIT

104

Tues-Fri 10 to 5 Sat 10-3 Sun by chance closed Mon

Not limited to tractors, the museum also features various old cars and trucks. photo special to I-95 Antiques

We feature antiques, collectibles, artwork by local artists, beading supplies and one-of-a-kind gifts We also offer art and beading classes

104 Milford St Bowling Green, VA 804-633-0032

V I R G I N I A

Interstate 95 Antiques â&#x20AC;˘ Summer - Fall 2011

Washington, D.C.

I-95 ANTIQUES: VIRGINIA

Alexandria Manassas 163 160

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK MARYLAND Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 152 Sunday noon to 6 p.m.

EXIT

156

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427 England Street Ashland, Va. 23005

143

ver Ri

140

Pa tux ent

804-798-0202

Rapidan River

Riv er

133 130 Fredericksburg

Hickory Creek Antique Mall Pot o Riv mac er

126

Massaponax 118

Lake Anna

Bowling Green

110

Kenworthy ad #4_Layout 1 6/15/11 8

104

Kenworthy Antiques

Doswell

EXIT

Ashland

Specializing in English and

Ra pp a Rivhann er ock

92 64

Hanover

Ma ttap oni

European

antiques clocks

Mechanicsville

books oils

Richmond

dog, horse,

and

288

Sporting

Chester

Lak e Ch esdi n

Colonial Heights

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Prints & trophysA pp om a 15% off with this adttox Ri ve r located in West End Antique Mall 2004 Staples Mill Road R i c h m o n d , VA 2 3 2 3 0 804-359-8842

295

silver

Riv er

Hopewell

54 52

James River

Petersburg 47

45 41

r ive rR ate ckw Bla

33 Stony Creek

20 17 13

5 miles

Emporia

Franklin

8 4

Skippers 95

EXIT

83B

11 Rest area

M A P

Carson

er Riv ay ttow No

V I R G I N I A

Not tow ay R iver

Dahlia

NORTH CAROLINA

Interstate 95 Antiques • Summer - Fall 2011

I-95 ANTIQUES: VIRGINIA DIRECTORY Exit 177 A-B

Exit 104

EXIT 83b

Mount Vernon Antique Center 8101 Richmond Hwy. Alexandria, VA 22309 703-619-5100

Campbells Shoppe 110 N. Main St. Bowling Green, VA 22427 804-633-5787

Charles Rhodes 1305 King St. Alexandria, VA 22314 703-535-5560 Gilding and restoration

Country Angel Antiques 103 N. Main St. Bowling Green, VA 22427 804-633-0555 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday (Occasional Sundays)

Christopher H. Jones 210 N. Lee St. Alexandria, VA 22309 703-519-8727 Trojan Antiques 1100 King St. Alexandria, VA 22314 703-549-9766 Verdigris Antiques & Interiors 1215 King St. Alexandria, VA 22314 703-518-5301 Imperfections Antiques and Great Stuff 1210 King St. Alexandria, VA 22314 703-837-1670 Henry Street Antiques 115 South Henry St. Alexandria, VA 22314 703-683-5545

exit 152A Two Guys Antiques 17682 Main St. Dumfries, VA 22026 703-221-9669

Antique Village 10203 Chamberlayne Road Mechanicsville, VA 804-746-8914 Opens at 9 a.m.; Closed Wed. The Old Painted Cottage 10211 Chamberlayne Road Mechanicsville, VA 804-350-6912

EXIT 79

Stone Creek Antiques 112 N. Main St. Bowling Green, VA 22427 804-633-0036 Tues.-Sat 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

West End Antiques Mall 2004 Staples Mill Road Richmond, VA 23230 804-359-8842 or 804-359-1600

Classic Cottage 104 Milford St. Bowling Green, VA 22427 804-633-0032

Kenworthy Antiques 2004 Staples Mill Road Richmond, VA 23230 804-359-8842

EXIT 92

EXIT 61

Hickory Creek Antique Mall 427 England St. Ashland, VA 23005 804-798-0202 Open 7 days

Sixty West Antique Mall 8004 Midlothian Twp. Richmond, VA 23235 804-560-5557 11 a.m.-6 p.m Mon.-Sat., 12 noon-6 p.m. Sun. 18,000 sq feet of treasures!

Two Frogs on a Bike 804-537-5213 Class and Trash 11088 Washington Hwy. (Route 1) Glen Allen, VA 23059 804-798-0567 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat., 12 noon-5 p.m. Sun. www.classandtrash.com

EXIT 52 American Hurrah! Antiques 804-861-9659 Oak Antique Mall 400 N. Sycamore St. Petersburg, VA 23803 804-861-6111 Penniston’s Alley Antiques 102 W. Old St. Petersburg, VA 23803 804-722-0135

EXITS 8 or 11 Hotel Virginia Antiques 321 Halifax St. Emporia, VA 23847 434-634-7482 Southern Accents Antiques 323 Halifax St. Emporia, VA 23847 434-594-7761 Originals by Randi 347 Halifax St. Emporia, VA 23847

Forest Hill Antiques 6800 Forest Hill Ave Richmond Va. 32225 804-320-7344

West End Antiques Mall

24-hour holds 72 hour returns on 95 heading north, exit #79, then 1.6 miles west to exit #185, (staples mill rd., east) continue 1.2 miles. we’re in crossroads shopping center behind holiday inn on 95 heading south, exit #79 1.3 miles west to exit #185, (staples mill rd., east) continue 1.2 miles. we’re in crossroads shopping center behind holiday inn

www.westendantiquemall.com

monday-saturday 10–6

sunday 12-6

EXIT

V I R G I N I A

Interstate 95 Antiques • Summer - Fall 2011

SHOW REPORT

No show too big or too small By BIRGITTA WADE Contributor

Brimfield, MA is in the news as we write this. But it wasn’t about antiques. An unheard of tornado just ripped through this sleepy New England town, best known for its week long antique shows three times a year. Damage along Main Street where business and homes line Route 20 showed buildings half caved in, cars twisted like so many crushed aluminum cans, and uprooted trees. What a tragedy for this small village. On the other hand, what a blessing that the unsettled weather didn’t hit two weeks ago. Mid-May found Brimfield teeming with thousands of dealers, and most likely tens (if not hundreds) of thousands of antique shoppers. Certainly no place to hide, no basements to take refuge from the storm. And while exhibitors who set up outside with their antiques are not unaccustomed to the vagaries of weather, a tornado is far beyond a rainstorm or snow blizzard. Brimfield is without a doubt one of the best known antique events in the US. Generally, what happens in Brimfield sets the tone for the rest of the summer’s shows. And if May was a bellwether, we’re in for lively activity for the summer season. Dealers are keeping fingers crossed that Brimfield can recover in time for the mid-July show opening. In fact, invariably exhibitors were thrilled with their sales, as well as the level of interest shown. This made the May show here the strongest and most vibrant dealers can remember in years. Customers were buying, no question. Perhaps the barometer is changing -- a few years ago most northern shows were dipping, while southern events retained activity. At the moment, the north seems to be recovering, while the south is remaining on the flat side. “It was the best show I’ve ever had here” said Pennsylvania dealer Mike Mertz, who exceeded what he thought was an ambitious goal by doubling his

sales over his previous high at Brimfield. Mike sold lots of big farm tables, architecturals, and an unusual homing pigeon carrier in old paint that attracted a lot of attention. Home James from Arden, NC also reported excellent traffic, and strong sales for his extensive collection of Odd Fellows regalia from the turn of the century, vintage and antique flags and old world globes. “My French buyer who snaps up every globe I have didn’t make it, but everyone else did,” he noted.

“We should have been in Brimfield.” Exhibitors at Scott’s in Atlanta, GA, which coincided with the New England weeklong event, may have reevaluated their decisions not to travel north this year. Many regular dealers here had indeed opted for Brimfield, leaving the exhibitor halls with some empty spaces -- it didn’t look empty though. And customer traffic was about par for the course in a month that is rife with graduations, ballet recitals, gardening, the start of summer vacation and travel. Generally, Scott’s May show falls on Mother’s Day but this year, the show was a week later. That eliminated those buyers who were looking for a gift for Mom, or for themselves -- jewelry, silver, glass and fine porcelain invariably tend to be good movers this month.

C A R O L I N A

ABOVE: Warehouse 2120 from Hickory, NC filled several booths at the Scott’s Show in Atlanta in June -- all with colorful, whimsical creations. Some of their pieces were old, some were “rescued homegoods” from barns, fishing boats and sugar mills. The delightful dealers reported having a gangbuster four days here, and sported lots of red sold tags. BELOW: Shopper paruse the May antique show in Walterboro, SC.

Fishersville, VA was also on the thin side the week before Scott’s. Fewer dealers outside, fewer dealers inside. Sales were a mix of strong and weak, and there seemed to be no rhyme or reason for how dealers did -similar booths with like offerings either had gangbuster days, or marinated with few sold tags and minimal activity. Affectionately named “Fishtown” by dealers, the buildings were not exactly teeming with sharks on a feeding frenzy, a bit unusual for this normally packed semi-annual event. This show did run up against Charlotte and of course, it was Mother’s Day week end. And what about Metrolina at

Charlotte, NC? This May,

N O R T H

Photo courtesy of BIRGITTA WADE

there seemed to be logistics problems coordinating a concert with the show, and roadways were clogged on Saturday with music fans heading for the concert. Reportedly, antique buyers couldn’t get to the show and at least one exhibitor who was running late turned around and went home. Not the best of planning, it seems.

EXIT

The antique show is still suffering from the changes in ownership, management and bad blood as a now defunct event spun off but didn’t last. And many area residents just assume Metrolina is closed -- exhibitors have commented that advertising and billboards seem to be thinning down. Once an antique show starts on a downward spiral, it takes a great deal of effort to turn it around. “I used to come every month to shop, but I don’t find

photo by JORGE RUIZ

much any more, so I stopped except for the extravaganzas, and even then, shopping was weak the last few shows,” sighed a dealer from Columbia, SC who cruised the show faithfully for years and depended on Metrolina to stock up his own booth every month. You will now find him at Scott’s in Atlanta every second weekend instead. In fact, we even ran into that very buyer at the May antique show in Walterboro, SC, where he carried out a pair of English upholstered straight back chairs, a pair of eagle book ends and another bag of mixed smalls from the booth of Michael Blade, Camden, SC. Michael said, “I did just fine -- and all my sales were to dealers if that means anything.” Going out the door were a wood and forged iron wall wine rack and a happy bright yellow Chinese ginger jar shaped table lamp, among others. Promoters had decided to move the antique show from the streets of Walterboro to covered quarters in the former Maxway department store building around the corner from Washington Street which is lined with a dozen antique shops. An ideal space, it was airy, large, easy in and out, brightly lit, freshly painted and air conditioned. Street shows, especially two-day events, can be iffy depending on weather, so show dealers welcomed the new location. It may have been difficult for shoppers to find, despite heavy signage at every corner and from every highway exit, but enough buyers came through to provide

a steady stream of lookers and buyers. Organizers are contemplating changing the show to a fall date to avoid conflicts with other events and bring back the dealers who had prior commitments at other shows this spring. Sign of the Camellia from Walterboro was thrilled to sell two 1800s quilts, one of which went to Philadelphia, the other to Tennessee. Buyers also liked her selection of vintage prisms, and a local gardener picked up an antique cast iron hand cart for an unusual outdoor accent. Her signature line is antique white English ironstone, and she sold several pieces to local customers. “A great venue, loved the space!” she noted, adding, “I didn‘t bring near enough bags, and was very happy with the week end.” Also pleased was Five Dollar Frank from Ocala, FL. Even exhibitors prowled the tables for bargains -- and indeed, everything WAS five dollars unless you bought more, in that case it was less. There were some great buys here, and it appeared that everyone enjoyed going over the dozens of tables piled with everything from collectible dolls, antique flow blue plates, to vintage carving sets. We noticed that Frank didn’t have much left to pack up on Saturday evening -well, relatively speaking at least.

Interstate 95 Antiques • Summer - Fall 2011

Location... Fayetteville, NC

1425 Morganton Road Fayetteville, NC 28305 Cumberland County

he luxurious and spacious Boyd-Huggins House is ideally located in the desirable Haymount neighborhood. It was designed by architect E.W. Reinecke, known for his work at Colonial Williamsburg, the Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo, and other important sites. Built in 1957 for Josephine and John Boyd, the house was intended to reflect the couple’s interest in historic structures of England and Scotland. It features reclaimed materials from several sources, including handmade ceiling beams, doors, balustrade, mantels, and windows taken from an 1850s-era home being torn down at the time of construction. The exterior was built using bricks from a former NC State academic building. Renovations, completed in 2008, added a new slate roof with copper flashing, landscaping with elaborate stone, brick and iron work, a professional-style kitchen, and new separate Train mechanical systems for the downstairs living area and the second floor. The property features nightscape lighting, a multi-zoned sprinkler system, security system and underground utilities. The home has two half baths, plus one bedroom and a full bath downstairs. Upstairs is a full bath and two bedrooms - each with its own dressing room. Other features include two fireplaces, a second-floor laundry, custom bookshelves, large closets and ample storage areas.

Fayetteville, N.C.

The house sits on a corner lot with off-street parking for six vehicles. The original 90-by-120 foot lot has been enhanced with a 55-by-85-foot addition that serves as the back yard. The back yard lot has a separate deed and is zoned for zerolot-line residential construction.

photos courtesy Preservation North Carolina

contact Info Mae Simpson Coldwell Banker Advantage 222 Rowan Street Fayetteville, NC 28301 Phone: 910-624-2720 E-mail: mae@teamfayetteville.com

antique & Gift Mall 123 Hay Street Fayetteville, N.C. 910-485-7602

Antiques & Uniques on Main

Readers’ Choice Award winners

2010 3790 South Main Street

Open Mon. — Sat. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Hope Mills, NC

(910) 424-1728

Angels & Antiques

EXIT

The Mill

1213 Hay Street Fayetteville, NC. 910-433-4454

White trash & Colorful accessories 223 Franklin Street. Fayetteville, N.C. 910-482-0005 EXIT

themillantiques@embarqmail.com

Antiques, collectibles, gifts and clock repair

Cups, saucers and tea pots EXIT

3700 South Main Street Hope Mills, N.C. Store: (910) 425-4155

N O R T H C A R O L I N A

Interstate 95 Antiques • Summer - Fall 2011

Emporia

I-95 ANTIQUES: NORTH CAROLINA

10 miles

Rest area

VIRGINIA John H. Kerr Res. Lake Gaston

Hyco Lake

180 Roanoke Rapids 173 171

176 Weldon

168 Oxford

Henderson

Halifax

160 85

154 150

r ive rR Ta

40 85

Fis hin gR ive r

145 141 138

Nashville

Rocky Mount

131 127

121

119

Raleigh

116

Wilson

107

Selma

Smithfield 40

264

Ne use Riv er

Benson 79

Goldsboro

Dunn 73 95

Godwin

Wade 61 58 Fayetteville

55 52 49 46

33 31

sef

Little Singletary U Lake Horseshoe Lake

Somet

hing f o ever yo r ne!

un ul j

r ive hR ut So

25 Pembroke

14 7 2 95

Dillon

White Lake

22 20 Lumberton

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???

Black Lake

r ive kR ac Bl

M A P

er mb Lu iver R

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er mb Lu iver R

N O R T H

Hope Mills

Ca pe Fe ar Ri ver

carolinacountrypeddlersmall.com 3540 E. Elizabethtown Road • Lumberton, NC • 28358

SOUTH CAROLINA

Lake Waccamaw Wilmington

Atlantic Ocean

Interstate 95 Antiques • Summer - Fall 2011

I-95 ANTIQUES: NORTH CAROLINA DIRECTORY EXIT 173 Pepper’s Antiques 106 Julian Allsbrook Hwy Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 252-537-8875

EXIT 168 Now and Yesteryears 252-583-1000 Hidden Treasures 15 South King St. Halifax, NC 27839 252-583-1933

EXIT 121 Boone’s Antiques Inc 2014 Hwy. 301 S Wilson, NC 27893 252-237-1508 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday Boykin Antiques And Appraisals Inc 2013 Hwy 301 S Wilson, NC 27893 252-237-1700 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday Fulford’s Antiques Inc 2001 Hwy. 301 S Wilson, NC 27893 252-243-5581 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday (Closed Saturdays during the summer)

Marcia Stancil Antiques 2020 Hwy. 301 S Wilson, NC 27893 252-399-2093 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday Bobby Langston Antiques 800-762-1974 Artifacts 206 Tarboro St. SW Wilson, NC 252-299-2468

Treasury Antiques 102 S Railroad St. Selma, NC 27576 919-965-5335 His ’n’ Hers Antiques 126 South Raiford St. Selma, NC 27576 919-202-8007

EXIT 97

EXIT 98 AntiqueWish 110 W. Anderson St. Selma, NC 27576 www.antique-wish-online.com Reids Country Sampler 109 N. Raiford St. Selma, NC 27576 919-965-7299 reidcd@bellsouth.net Selma Cotton Mill 1105 West Anderson St. Selma, NC 27576 919-202-0794 Thurs. 1-5 p.m., Fri.-Sun. 10-5

TWM’s Antique Mall 919-965-6699 G&L Public Auction 919-631-0803

Exit 73 Almost Antique 406 W. Broad St. Dunn, NC 910-892-5678

EXIT 56 David R Walters Antiques 910-483-5832 Plantation House Antiques 910-484-4584

T & S Treasures 115 Raiford St Selma, NC 27576 919-280-9179

David R. Walters Antiques 1110 Hay Street Olde Haymount Fayetteville NC,28305 910-483-5832

Railroad Street Antiques 107 E Railroad St. Selma, NC 27576 919-965-9659 Mon-Fri: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Angels & Antiques 1213 Hay St. Fayetteville NC. 28305 910-484-2529

Reid’s Country Sampler Antiques & Collectables

exit 52 Antique & Gift Mall 123 Hay St. Fayetteville, NC 28301 910-485-7602 White Trash & Colorful Accessories 223 Franklin St. Fayetteville, NC 28301 910-482-0005 Cotton Exchange & Livery 226 Donaldson St. Fayetteville, NC 29301 910-486-4747

EXIT 41 The Mill 3700 S. Main St. Hope Mills, NC 28348 910-425-4155 Antiques & Uniques on Main Street 3790 S. Main St. Hope Mills, NC 28348 910-424-1728

Exit 22 Somewhere in Time Antiques 4420 Kahn Dr. Lumberton, NC 28358 910-671-8666 Carolina Country Peddlers Mall 3550 Elizabethtown Rd. Lumberton, NC. 28358 910-674-4170

Selma Cotton Mill Antique Flea Market 1105 W. Anderson St. Selma, NC 27576 (919) 202-0794

Three Buildings Three Floors Three Times the Fun!!!

Hours: Thurs 1-5 Fri/Sat/Sun 10-5

109 N Raiford St. Selma NC 27576

Rethinking, redoing, repainting recycling and reusing ... “green chic” and budget friendly

(919) 965-7299 reidcd@bellsouth.net

Raylene Jessup EXIT

EXIT

N O R T H C A R O L I N A

Interstate 95 Antiques • Summer - Fall 2011

Save the pink bathroom By BIRGITTA WADE Contributor

here’s a wonderfully fun website called “Save the Pink Bathroom,” designed for those who don’t shriek in horror when they tour a potential house purchase and -- gasp! -- discover an original 1950s bathroom. In pink, perhaps turquoise accents, with glass blocks, black tile border, and “outdated” fixtures, Mamie Eisenhower for one made the look the hottest trend in home decorating in the 1950s. Today, it’s often the kiss of death if you want to sell your home with that dated bathroom intact. But not everyone wants to rip it all out and “upgrade” to a bathroom just like one seen on your home decorating TV channel. Dawn Ledwell of Walterboro is one homeowner who spent the better part of a year on her bathroom remodeling project, from finding matching vintage fixtures to doing tile work, installing new old lighting, and laying a new floor. It’s not, however, a pink bathroom, and she didn’t actually save one, but rather went back to an earlier time than the 1950s. Her pre-1840s Low Country cottage now sports a purple bathroom with a time stamp of 1929. Purple? Yup, seriously purple. Why purple, we asked. “I was a triplet, and my Mom dressed us in different colors. Mine was purple, and I love the color.” Picking a time period between today and the date the house was built, the Art Deco period is where Dawn landed. There’s definitely a shock value to the bathroom, and that imperial purple fits her notion of pushing the envelope to see what she could get away with.

S O U T H C A R O L I N A

It worked. She now has a fully functional bathroom that rescued an era that often is recycled straight into the dumpster. The result is a room that inspires her, and is in the true spirit of an earlier era. But it wasn’t easy. Dawn spent months hunting down the purple fixtures that are the backbone of the bathroom. She finally located an all original matching bathroom set in the right color, tub, sink and toilet, in Pasadena, CA at an architectural salvage store. The fact that she didn’t have to assemble a set was a stroke of luck, and that she even found the color purple was even more amazing.

Crated and shipped cross country, getting the set to Walterboro was a daunting effort. “Worth every penny“ says the proud owner. Bathtubs have shrunk over the years, but her depression era one is fully six feet, and “huge.” The deep tub has a hand held shower, the toilet has a wall mounted back, and all pieces have porcelain knobs -- purple too no less! Wall mounted lighting is off white porcelain deco sconces with hand painted flowers (an eBay find), and instead of

the nasty linoleum floor that came with the house, it is now diagonal tile with a chair rail and white subway tile on the walls. “A pretty good compromise,” she thinks. Plus, Dawn takes particular pride in the fact that everything in her remodel was made in the USA. So we didn’t find that saved pink bathroom we read about after all. But

Dawn Ledwell didn’t save a pink bathroom.. she created a purple one! The original matching fixtures traveled from an architectural salvage store in Pasadena, CA to her Walterboro, SC home. photos by JORGE RUIZ

after looking at the photos here, we think you’ll agree that Dawn’s purple one is bold, beautiful and best of all, preserves great vintage design in a very old house for a very new age. Yes ma‘am, gotta love that purple bathroom!

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160A

Interstate 95 Antiques • Summer - Fall 2011

A Chinese jade burial suit.

Photo by JORGE RUIZ

More than four bright stars in this Southern Cross By STEPHANIE JADRNICEK Contributor

ituated in the Bible Belt of South Carolina, The Southern Cross is often misinterpreted. This store-museum hybrid has no religious undertones. Rather, it’s an extensive collection of antiquities from around the world.

“They originally made money in the shapes of what they were familiar with. People didn’t understand the concept of money, using one thing to represent the value of another was too abstract,” said Don. To simplify matters they made money in the shape of what something was worth, for example in the shapes of or-

Burma, Malaysia, Indonesia and other ports in the Pacific,” Don said. “That’s how I’ve been able to acquire all of these things.”

Believe it or not, there’s even an area dedicated to dinosaurs in The Southern Cross where the focus shifts from antique to ancient. Yes, when customers turn the corner from the Chinese

room they’ll find a life-size nest from an Oviraptor.

“This is an actual dinosaur nest from 70 million years ago. We try to illustrate information to the kids,” said Don. “The way I see it that’s what we do here – we educate. To hold a 70 million year old egg in your hand, to me, it makes history come alive!”

Owners Don and Joy Cann moved to Sumter, S.C. from Argentina five years ago. Wanting to bring a bit of South America to the north, they named their store after the Southern Cross constellation which is only visible in the southern hemisphere. Relocating from another continent and importing over 80,000 pounds of belongings was no simple task. However, when you have items ranging from a Chinese jade burial suit to a 70 million year old dinosaur nest, how can one possibly leave anything behind? Though the Cann’s own rarities such as the largest collection of antique Chinese Jade in the U.S., the pen used to sign the Vietnam Peace Treaty and archeological finds from Ban Chiang (the most important prehistoric settlement discovered in South-East Asia) – Don’s primary passion is coins. “In those two cases there are 18 trays of Chinese money from about 900 B.C. up until the end of the Qing Dynasty,”

“The way I see it that’s what we do here - we educate. To hold a 70 million year old egg in your hand, to me, it makes history come alive!” Don Cann, owner said Don. “They were collected by a missionary in China between 1836 to1886. I acquired them from my professor who got them from the son of the missionary.” A case hanging on the wall displays rows of what look like angular stones, possibly artifacts once used as tools. On the contrary, Don explained that these early pieces were not tools at all but were a primitive form of money used in China.

Photos by JORGE RUIZ

The Southern Cross doubles as a museum and a store, everything is for sale, including this 70 million year old dinosaur nest! dinary items like knives or spades. And each piece was stamped with a value. “Eventually as time went on they shortened down the money until it became a round coin and that’s how money began. That’s the earliest money in the world created in 900 B.C.”

S O U T H

But a tour through The Southern Cross will reveal more than just money. Each room in this 100 year old house has a theme. There’s an Egyptian room, a Victorian room, a Chinese room, a Latin American room as well as individualized sections with minerals, fossils and gemstones. The Southern Cross markets itself not only as a store, but also as a museum. Unlike any other museum though, everything is for sale. Ninety percent of the antiques, which come from six continents, Don has brought back from where they originally came from. “I’m retired from the U.S. Air Force so I’ve had the good fortune of always having an airplane. I got to travel to where I was assigned – Thailand, Egypt and Sudan – and I was also an assistant in flying to

EXIT

C A R O L I N A

Interstate 95 Antiques • Summer - Fall 2011

Lake Wylie

Rock Hill

NORTH CAROLINA

I-95 ANTIQUES: SOUTH CAROLINA

Lancaster

193 190

Lake Wateree

Dillon

170

Darlington

Latta

164

160 157

JOAN BRUCE Columbia

Lake Murray

181

169

A Name You Can Trust

Florence

153 150 146

REALTOR

141

Office: 843-538-4000 Mobile: 843-893-6561

Sumter 132 95

1229 Bells Hwy Walterboro, S.C.

Manning 115 95

www.blockerwhite.com

108

We are on Exit 57 off I-95 Elloree Orangeburg

122

119

Blocker & White Choice Properties

102

Lake Marion

98 Santee 97 93

Lake Moultrie

82 77 St. George

Old Academy Bed and Breakfast

S O U T H C A O L I N A

Walterboro Welcome center

68 62

I-95 Exit 53

843-538-4353

Lodge

Winner “2004 Top 10 in North America most affordable luxury B&B’s” 53

EXIT Don & Jean Sterling 904 Hampton St., Walterboro, SC 53 843-549-3232 • www.OldAcademybandb.com

1273 Sniders Hwy.

www.walterborosc.org

Walterboro Charleston

FOR SALE or LEASE

Lodge 33 28

8070 sq. ft. store

22 Ridgeland

Rest area

Beaufort 95

10 miles

GEORGIA

8 Hardeeville

Atlantic Ocean

Contact: PBM P.O. Box 230 Walterboro, SC 29488

Bluffton

109

M A P

on Walter Street in downtown Walterboro

843-549-2516

Hilton Head Island

EXIT

Interstate 95 Antiques • Summer - Fall 2011

I-95 ANTIQUES: SOUTH CAROLINA DIRECTORY EXIT 181 Treasures From the Attic Clocks and Clock Repair 843-752-5625

EXIT 160A Palmetto Peddlers 2295 Hoffmeyer Road, Florence, SC 843-665-8663 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Sat. 1:30 p.m.-6 p.m. Sun.

EXIT 160 Classic Antiques 919 E. So. Cashua Dr., Florence, SC 843-662-9626 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat. Vintage Vogue 130 S. Irby St., Florence, SC 29501 843-601-1249 Wed.-Fri. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. or by appt. Thieves Market Antiques 843-664-8103

Exit 157 Carolina Collectables 2523 W. Palmetto St. Florence, SC 29501 843-679-0901 5 Miles on left 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., M-S; 1:30-5 pm Sun.

exit 122 The Southern Cross 202 Broad St. Sumter, SC 29150 803-774-3475 Estate Antiques & Accessories 210 Broad St. Sumter, SC 29150 803-773-4214 Broadstone Manor 204 & 208 Broad St. Sumter, SC 29150 803-778-1890

Lowcountry Antiques 251 E. Washington St. Walterboro, SC 29488 843-549-2101

Ingrid’s Antiques 1584 Village Square Blvd. Santee, SC 29142 803-854-2917

EXIT 53 Anna’s Hampton Hall Antiques 240 East Washington St. Walterboro, SC 29488 912-856-4203 Antiques & Collectibles of Walterboro 220 E. Washington St. Walterboro, SC 29488 843-549-7219

The Antique Carriage 85 W. Wesmark Blvd. Sumter, SC 29150 803-469-4894 Main Street Antiques 36 N. Main St., Sumter, SC 29150 803-774-9990

EXIT 98

Seymour Auctions 1664 Cottageville Hwy. Walterboro, SC 29488 843-538-8081 Watercolours Interiors & Antiques 267 E. Washington St. Walterboro, SC 29488 570-850-7648

A&K Antiques 228 E. Washington St. Walterboro, SC 29488 843-782-3080

EXIT 5 Damn Yankees Auction House 24022 Whyte Hardee Blvd. (U.S. 17) Hardeeville, SC 843-784-5006 www.damnyankeeauctions.com 1.2 miles off Exit 5; 1.5 miles off Exit 8

Anderson Antiques 246 E. Washington St. Walterboro, SC 29488 843-701-2456

Elloree Square Antique Mall 2724 Cleveland St. Elloree, SC 29407 803-897-3353

Remember When Antiques 248 E. Washington St. Walterboro, SC 29488 843-480-6123

Old Mill House 2721 Cleveland St. Elloree, SC 29407 803-897-3314

Bachelor Hill Antiques 255 E. Washington St. Walterboro, SC 29488 843-549-1300

Exit 8 Stock Farm Antiques 1263 May River Road Bluffton, SC 29910 843-757-8046 Reclaimed Building Materials Inc. P.O. Box 2188, Bluffton, SC 843-815-9050 reclaimedbuildingmaterials.com

Choice Collectibles 843-549-2617

The Antique Box 2708 Cleveland St. Elloree, SC 29407 803-897-2277

Lucas Street Antiques & Collectibles 328 N. Lucas St. Walterboro, SC 29488 843-782-7070 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon-Sat.

Washington Street Antiques 843-549-5527

EXIT

A& K EXIT

ANTIQUES

228 E. Washington St., Walterboro, SC 843-782-3080 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday

S O U T H

EXIT

C A R O L I N A

Interstate 95 Antiques • Summer - Fall 2011

Vintage Fishing reels at A1A Antiques in Yulee.

Fantastic Fernandina Beach

Story by L.A. DAVIS

• Photos by Jorge ruiz

ome might call Fernandina Beach quaint, or even quirky, but the truth is farther afield and unquantifiable. How does one put a label on one of Florida’s oldest cities where sizable Victorian houses vie with huge old oak trees, a booming port, antique shops and a nearly undiscovered beach? A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY Located on Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach’s history is incredibly long: from the Timucuan Indians and on to the Spanish, English, Confederates and more. Indeed, Fernandina Beach has had eight different flags fly over the city. Interestingly, the town has the longest continuously operating bar in the State of Florida (yes, even longer than in St. Augustine or Key West), the Palace Saloon. Driving around you’ll see amazing 19th century architecture from the periphery of Fernandina Beach right up to the port’s edge. Still preserved way better than most towns, the city fortunately has not plucked out its roots in a bow to progression. The historic district of Fernandina Beach tends to define the city while the rest of Amelia Island has been developed in modern times to attract the rich and famous who enjoy the relaxed pace of the island.

voice declare: “Welcome, please come in.” With each new customer the voice echoed a welcome. “People talk to that thing all the time,” Speidel said. “They think they’re saying hi to someone but they’re not.” A1A Antiques has two other partners: Brenda Thompson and Anna Dean Renshaw who founded the antique mall 13 years ago. Speidel said A1A Antiques does not have a specialty, “unless it’s our variety – we’re known for our variety.” Right. I found everything from funky lamps to wicker and mid-century modern as well as dressers, tables and a ton of smalls, all in a well-lighted setting with wide aisles. My favorite was a child’s antique bureau and mirror, sized just right for a little girl. As I opened the door to leave, a disembodied voice acknowledged the fact with a “Bye, bye.”

WHY YOU WANT TO GO

THE COUNTRY STORE ANTIQUES

Fernandina Beach itself is casual, picturesque to the nth degree and loads of fun.

If you love lots and lots of old and fabulous furniture, don’t miss The Country Store Antiques. Located on South 8th Street as you enter Fernandina Beach, the store is on your way into the downtown area.

Snuggled between Jacksonville and the Atlantic ocean, Fernandina Beach is slightly hilly (for Florida that is) and lusciously green. This little city offers plenty to do for those seeking respite from either the sun and surf or big city bustle. There is enough exploring for a whole day and more, even if you come just for the antiquing. ON THE WAY IN: A1A ANTIQUES AND COLLECTIBLES Coming into town from I-95 you pass through the town of Yulee, which seems to have a lot of box stores not found in Fernandina Beach. But ignore them unless you are shopping for shovels and not antiques. Really though, you need to stop at A1A Antiques and Collectibles in Yulee. As partner Maggie Speidel said, “We’re well recognized for our good prices. People come looking for those good prices. So we have other dealers and decorators coming in all the time to see what bargains we have now. They come from everywhere – Jacksonville, of course, but also Savannah and even Atlanta – and it turns out they are our regulars who come back time and again.” While they come for the prices they may also come for the entertainment as well. Small things amuse me, so when I came in I was tickled to hear a disembodied female

Owner Rick Asberry has packed this 1879 house with china cabinets, dressers, bookcases, sideboards and breakfronts. And then to fill all those old pieces he has added flow blue china, pottery, transferware and more. “I have 1,200 square feet here but I have 2,400 square feet of stuff,” said Askberry, as he jokingly explained that he is stacking his smaller pieces on top of the larger ones. What caught my eye was another joke of sorts. Inside the house, at the back, is a lovely old chimney, which is missing an outer brick. Inside that niche is a bird’s nest with a resident faux bird. Somehow, it makes you feel right at home. “I’ve been in the business for 31 years,” Asberry said of his time as an antiques dealer, “longer than anyone else in Northeast Florida.” Asberry said most of the furniture he offers is in the “100 to 200 year old range” and that he enjoys getting old pieces and restoring them. But he doesn’t stop there. Sometimes, Asberry builds custom pieces from scratch CONTINUED on page 18

ABOVE: Maggie Speidel one of the partners at A1A Antiques. BELOW: Great Antique wicker baby buggy at A1A Antiques in Yulee.

Interstate 95 Antiques â&#x20AC;˘ Summer - Fall 2011

ABOVE: Beautiful landscaping along Centre Street. ABOVE LEFT: Fishing and pleasure boats fill the harbour in Fernandina Beach. LEFT: A vintage pickup parked outside the Eight Flags Antique Market BELOW: The Old Flood Store Antiques. BOTTOM: Conutry Store Antiques.

Interstate 95 Antiques • Summer - Fall 2011

18 – using old wood that he has managed to acquire. I fell in love with a demilune table – until he told me, I didn’t even realize Asberry had recently created it himself. He’s that good. AMELIA DREAM CARS Alright, alright – I know this is not antiques exactly but still well-worth the stop is Amelia Dream Cars. Just across the street from The Country Store Antiques, also on South 8th Street, Amelia Dream Cars offers the opportunity to indulge your driving fantasies with such offerings as MGs from the 1950s, a 1955 Chevy Belair convertible, a Porsche or two and Harley-Davidson motorcycles. In the front window, one of those motorcycles supports a life-size mannequin of Elvis. There are more than 50 cars to choose from at any given time, said Ken Waski, sales manager, adding that the business also has a warehouse in Georgia and ships exotic cars all over the world. “Last week we shipped an MG TD to Reno,” Waski said. I love old British sports cars and they are there in profusion. Go see for yourself. TRAILER PARK COLLECTIBLES You just gotta love an antique store that calls itself Trailer Park Collectibles. Unpretentious the name, but great finds are the game in this antique mall on Centre Street in downtown. Do NOT expect to find wacky-tacky yard art, which blows around in the breeze. DO expect to find upscale antiques next to cottagestyle furnishings, porch furniture and other delightful things for your home. One thing I liked was the range of cute signs perfect for beach cottage living, with sayings like, “You and me, and the deep blue sea,” or “Home is where the beach is,” or “Water, wind and surf leave lasting memories.”

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Photos by JORGE RUIZ

ABOVE LEFT: eclectic vignette at Trailer Park Antiques. LEFT: Trailer Park owner, Susan McCarthy. ABOVE: Young shopper at Trailer Park Antiques, Shelly Neri checks out a flock of pink flamingos. While I was there, a customer purchased one of the most beautiful wrought iron trellises I had ever seen. I was more than a little envious – it would have looked great in my garden. Owned by Susan and Brian McCarthy, Trailer Park Collectibles was started five years ago and moved to its present lo-

cation on Centre Street a year ago. Why the evocative name, I asked? “My grandparents lived in a trailer park in Gainesville and I had such fond memories of the cookouts and all the manicured lawns,” said Susan McCarthy. “And my daughter lives in New York where there is a retro-store called Trailer Park. I thought it was a cool name.” Trailer Park Collectibles, actually an antique mall with 21 vendors, shares a quite large space with Eileen’s Arts and Antiques. The store offers painted furniture, pond yachts, incredible birdhouses, linens, books, records and vintage furniture right next to antiques. Two of my favorites were the large old metal chicken roost, direct from someone’s chicken house (incredibly cool), and a comfy overstuffed chair dressed up in black with white polka dots. No, my absolute favorite was a wooden child’s potty chair, which had been re-purposed and was sitting outside Trailer Park’s front door. There was a bowl of water where the potty used to be and above it another sign: “Dogs Welcome.”

S O U T H C A R O L I N A

EIGHT FLAGS ANTIQUE MARKET The first antique mall in Northeast Florida, Eight Flags reflects both Fernandina Beach’s history and its waterside location. Just down Centre Street from Trailer Park Collectibles, Eight Flags has more than 40 vendors and 10,000 square feet of antiques and art to look at. I could have spent the whole day there (but I would have missed all the other great places). The displays in Eight Flags will knock your socks off. From fabulous paintings to nautical brass there is a plethora of collections to become excited about. The chandeliers alone, in all their variety and handsomeness, are worth the visit. Honestly, I wanted to take most it home. “We have everything but the kitchen sink here,” said Ronda Shaw, owner of Eight Flags. “But really we even have one of those with an old drainboard from the 1930s.” The most stunning display of all was the shell art. Now, stay with me. This shell art is tasteful, artistic and gorgeous. It is worthy of a layout in a slick magazine and, indeed, I think I have seen it in at least one such magazine.

The Antique Carriage EXIT

••

122

eBay:antiquecarriage 85 W. Wesmark Blvd. Sumter, SC 803-469-4894 antiquecarriage@gmail.com

Interstate 95 Antiques • Summer - Fall 2011

Photos by JORGE RUIZ

FAR LEFT: Ronda Shaw, owner of 8 Flags Antiques MIDDLE: This room display at 8 Flags is ready to move into. LEFT: Artist Mary Robertson’s fantastic shell art is available at 8 Flags Antiques in Fernandina Beach Fl.

Picture a round mirror surrounded by textural black oyster shells, done just so. Wow. Or, picture a weathered white head and torso of a woman covered in exotic shells, looking much like a mermaid who had ornamented herself with a mantle of shells for a night on the town. Double wow. According to Shaw, the shell art is designed and created by one of her vendors, Mary Robertson. “She’s an award-winning show artist,” Shaw said. No doubt about that. But fine oil paintings, nautical collectibles, exquisite silver, shell art, upscale antique furniture, vintage jewelry and clothing all pale in comparison to Shaw’s two beautiful dogs, Chance and Maya, who were rescues.

“People come in just to visit the dogs,” Shaw said. “They love everybody.” FRENCH MARKET ANTIQUES French Market Antiques, owned by Judy Nelson, offers a soothing bouquet for the senses from the old brick walls and tile floors to the fine French furniture, lavender-scented candles, and the cool jazz playing softly in the background. The antique sideboards and other large pieces (hand-picked in France by Nelson herself) lend an air of authenticity to French Market Antiques. “Don’t forget my Santon dolls,” Nelson said, as we took a tour around her shop. For those who don’t know, Santons are created in Provence and depict Provencal characters.

Indeed, Nelson’s shop is a mixture of Provence and Paris (but mostly Paris), offering wonderful accent pieces and gifts with natural – and oh so French – themes such as butterflies and birds. Mix that with a touch of garden décor: wrought iron pieces, topiaries and a chicken or two and you don’t even have to book passage on the QE II bound for the Chunnel train to Paris. Paris comes to you. DINNER, FUDGE, GOOD-BYE As we left Paris behind (yes, my husband was along – as an antiques dealer he loves these jaunts) we started looking for a place to enjoy a light supper before heading home. At the Palace Saloon, also on Centre Street but closer to the waterfront than French Market Antiques, we discovered an outdoor

café, Toppings, which the saloon had opened next door. Comfortable seating and good shade. After munching on some delicious white pizza, we decided to take a tour around Fernandina Beach, driving along the waterfront and into the historic neighborhoods. We also saw about a dozen restaurants we wished we had time to try. A sweet tooth craving hit us and we returned to Centre Street for one last taste of Fernandina Beach at the Fantastic Fudge Shop. We were so bad, but it was so good – a sweet goodbye to a sweet little city.

Worldwide Antiquities

The Southern Cross 202 Broad Street Sumter, S.C. 29150

(803) 774-3475 ~ CannOfSiam.com Exit #135 (378W) or #122 (521N)

10 AM to 5 PM WED. – SAT.

A MUSEUM where EVERYTHING’s for SALE EXIT

122

See, feel, hear, touch hiStory: DinoSaurS, MeteoriteS, u.S. & confeDerate, Money & WeightS froM the 6 inhabiteD continentS iMMerSe youSelf in the natural anD Man MaDe artS of all ageS: european, african, aSian, hiSpanic, native aMerican, chriStian EXIT Buddhist – islamic Jewelry, 122 SeaShellS, SculptureS

SuMter’S “believe it or not” croSby, StillS anD naSh put it beSt: “When you see the Southern Cross for the 1st time. You understand why you came this way.”

S O U T H C A R O L I N A

Interstate 95 Antiques • Summer - Fall 2011

Palmetto Peddlers is off to a running start. This shop in Florence, S.C., opened in November.

Photos special to I-95 Antiques

A very grand opening in Florence, SC BY STEPHANIE JADRNICEK Contributor

espite the recession, Palmetto Peddlers packed the parking lot during their grand opening six months ago. Featuring Mark Walberg, the host of Antiques Roadshow on PBS, the new store broke into the antique business with a bang. “We wanted to give our customers and our vendors a real treat so we thought of the most visible person in the antiquing community, Mark Walberg, and invited him to our grand opening,” said Brandon Harrington, coowner of Palmetto Peddlers. Booking a celebrity isn’t always that easy, but Palmetto Peddlers had an inside track. Harrington’s brother and Walberg had attended high school together and after Harrington’s brother passed away he and Walberg have kept in touch throughout the years. When Harrington called with news about the family’s new business, Walberg was eager to help out in whatever way he could. So he boarded a flight in Los Angelos, Calif. with a destination of Florence, S.C. A tight-knit community, word spread quickly in Florence and Palmetto Peddlers saw an overwhelming response at their grand opening. The 33,000 square foot store was full to the brim with customers and vendors. The celebration started on Friday night when Harrington and his wife Jilian hosted a private party. Open to vendors, their families and friends, the festivities were the Harrington’s way of showing their gratitude. “Friday night was about our appreciation of our vendors, it was our way of saying thank you,” said Harrington. Innately charming, Walberg mixed and mingled at the party entertaining guests with stories about the television industry and answering questions about antiquing. He signed copies of the recently published “Antiques Road Show Behind the Scenes: An Insider’s Guide to PBS’s #1 Weekly Show” authored by Marsha Bremko, executive producer of Antiques Road Show. He also promoted their upcoming show in Atlanta, Ga. Throughout the weekend

The host of Antiques Roadshow, Mark Walberg, attended the grand opening of Palmetto Peddlers helping them start out with a bang.

Walberg’s smile never faded. Every 15 minutes, all day Saturday and Sunday, he passed out door prizes which were graciously donated by Palmetto Peddlers’ vendors. “Mark’s an amazing guy with such a good heart,” said Harrington. But Walberg’s not the only one with a good heart, the Harrington’s also have others in mind. One of the main reasons they opened Palmetto Peddlers

“I got into this business because I grew up with parents who believed things were made better back then. When people come into the store I love to see their faces light up when they see something that reminds them of their past.” Brandon Harrington, co-owner was to offer retail space to antique dealers who’ve had to close up shop due to the recession. “A lot of people have had to close because they couldn’t afford to stay open,” said Harrington. “Here, they can pay a small fee for a booth and not have worry about overhead bills. It allows them the time to go to more auctions and purchase more goods. It just makes antique dealing more affordable.”

The Harrington’s do whatever they can to help their vendors, they even sell items on eBay and set out a registry book where customers list their requests and vendors can go out and

hunt for specific items. After owning Palmetto Peddlers for six months, Harrington already recognizes the camaraderie among the antiquing community. “So many vendors here know each other from booths they have up and down the east coast. We have vendors here from New York to Florida and they’re all like one big family.” Though the parking lot hasn’t been as packed since the grand opening, business has been good. Selling everything from collectable pottery to a vintage whiskey urn from a saloon, Palmetto Peddlers has a little something for everyone. “I got into this business because I grew up with parents who believed things were made better back then,” Harrington said. “And when people come into the store I love to see their faces light up when they see something that reminds them of their past.”

Interstate 95 Antiques • Summer - Fall 2011

Jere’s Antiques

Established 1973

35 years of supplying the U.S. trade with quality antiques Jere’s Antiques has been an established family business for over 35 years specializing in the sale of fine antiques and in designing and constructing bespoke furniture. Located in Savannah, Ga., we sell to dealers, decorators, auctions and private clients worldwide. Our 33,000 sq. ft. showroom is stocked with one of the largest and finest collections of rare English and Continental furniture from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries and is complemented with a carefully selected range of decorative items.

• Bespoke Furniture • Antiques Gallery • Home Bars • Commercial Bars 9 N. Jefferson St. • Savannah, GA • Mon-Sat 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. 912-236-2815 • jeresantiques.com EXIT 99A

G E O R G I A

Interstate 95 Antiques • Summer - Fall 2011

22 To S tate sbo ro

I-95 ANTIQUES: GEORGIA

EXIT

Bull Street

109

99A

SOUTH CAROLINA

Pembroke

Auctions

104 102

Garden City

2819 Bull St., Savannah, Ga. (Behind Maggie’s Antiques)

912-443-9353 • www.bullstreetauctions.com 301

Savannah

CHECK OUR WEBSITE FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF UPCOMING AUCTIONS

90 87

Hinesville

We sell estates from South Carolina, Georgia and Florida

Richmond Hill

Pickup, packing and delivery services available

EXIT

GEORGIA

341

South Newport

Jesup

58 341 25 301 95 84

49 Darien

38 36

Brunswick

St. Simons

Woodbine

G E O R G I A M A P

Atlantic Ocean

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

Kingsland 3

FLORIDA

380 Fernandina Beach

373

Yulee 10 miles

Interstate 95 Antiques • Summer - Fall 2011

I-95 ANTIQUES: GEORGIA DIRECTORY EXIT 99A (I-16 E) Books on Bay 224 W. Bay St. Lower Savannah, GA 31401 912-663-1445

Alex Raskin Antiques 441 Bull St. Savannah, GA 31401 912-232-8205 Wright Square Antique Mall 14 W. State St. Savannah GA 31401 912-234-7600 Open 7 days a week

The Attic Antiques 912-236-4879 Fiesta & More 224 W. Bay St. Lower Savannah, GA 31401 912-238-1060 Cobblestonelane Antiques Etc. 230 W. Bay St. Savannah, GA 31401 912-447-0504

Southern Charm Antiques 250 Bull St. Savannah, GA 912-233-9797 www.southerncharmantiques.com

EXIT 49 Broad Street Antiques 912-437-4195 Southern Picker 1111 Magnolia Bluff Way in the Preferred Outlets Darien, GA 31305 912-289-1015 Thursday-Sunday or by appt.

EXIT 36 Oglethorpe Antiques & Interiors 106 Red Fern Village St. Simons Island, GA 31522 912-634-1999 1610 Frederica Antiques 1610 Frederica Road St. Simons Island, GA 31522 912-634-1610 Steed Antiques 100 Sylvan Dr. St. Simons Island, GA 31522 912-634-6820

Circa Savannah 912-233-3667 Clipper Trading Company 912-238-3660

Jere’s Antiques 9 N. Jefferson St. Savannah, GA 31401 912-236-2815 www.jeresantiques.com 37th@Abercorn Antiques&Design 201 East 37th St. Savannah, GA 31401 912-233-0064 Antiques Emporium 912-236-8444

Bull Street Auctions 2819 Bull St. Savannah, GA 31401 912-443-9353 7th Heaven Antique Mall 3104 Skidaway Road Savannah, GA 31404 912-355-0835

EXIT

99A

Pat’s Antiques 4219 Bull St. Savannah, Ga. 31405 912-352-1503

Savannah Antique Mall 912-232-1918 Arcanum Antiques Interiors 912-236-6000

Maggie’s Antiques 2819 Bull St. Savannah, Ga. 31405 912-234-8834

Back in Time 912-447-8354

EXIT

99A

ooks on Bay Vintage Books, Antiques & Collectibles

912-663-1445 • booksonbay@aol.com • www.booksonbay.com 224 W. Bay St. Lower, Savannah, Ga. 31401

EXIT

99A

Buy • Sell • Trade Fiestaware • Depression Blue Ridge • Collectibles 224 W. Bay St. Lower, Savannah, Ga. 31401

912-238-1060

EXIT

99A

G E O R G I A

Second Time’s the Charm

Interstate 95 Antiques • Summer - Fall 2011

By ZACH VAN HART Contributor

Photo special to I-95 Antiques

Sandra Dennison of New Smyrna Beach Antique Mall

Many people don’t get a second chance in life after cancer. Dennison did, and then last November she received a second chance professionally, too. breast cancer. She fought and beat the cancer and is currently in great health. “I’m good to go again,” she said. Many people don’t get a second chance in life after cancer. Dennison did, and then last November she received a second chance professionally, too. Debbie Peterson, who purchased the mall from Dennison, called to tell her she was looking to sell it. Describing Dennison as intrigued would be a collosal understatement.

photo by JORGE RUIZ

ix days a week, Sandra Dennison engages her customers, checks the finances and attends to every little detail that comes as owner of New Smyrna Antique Mall in coastal Florida. It’s a job she loves, so much in fact that she jumped at the chance for a sequel. Dennison assumed control of the antique mall in January – for the second time. She previously owned the mall for two years in the mid 2000s before personal reasons forced her to sell the business. But when the opportunity to reclaim the mall became available, it was an easy choice. “My husband said that’s what makes you happy, so that’s what I should do,” said Dennison. She took the long route to New Smyrna Beach, located 15 miles south of Daytona Beach. She grew up in Paris, Ill., a small town in the eastern part of the state. Dennison and her husband also spent a decade living in Louisiana before moving to Florida in 1998. It was in Louisiana where they started visiting antique shops as a way of discovery. Having worked as a sales manager for 32 years for UNR Industries – now owned by Franke KSD, which sells kitchen décor – Dennison gravitated toward business. After moving to Florida in New Smyrna in 1998, she and her husband started attending auctions and collecting more and more antiques.

With all these items, Dennison decided to open a shop called Collections on Canal. “It just kind of snowballed,” she said of the transition from antiquing for fun to turning into a business. Dennis ran the shop for six years but came to her first crossroads in 2004. Her landlord wanted to sell the building she was in; at the same time, the antique mall’s owner, Ken Jestes, was ready to retire after running the shop for 18 years. With a collection of 1820 dealers that wanted to stay at the antique mall, and her collection of dealers at her present shop, the deal was too good to pass. “I didn’t have two nickels to rub together, but I bought it anyway,” said Dennison, who knew how well respected Jestes was and the loyalty of his regulars. “We’ve been here seven years (since he left) and we still have people come in asking for Ken.” For two years, Dennison thrived running the antique mall and working with Jestes’ previous dealers and those that came from Collections. But then family issues arouse that required traveling, bringing Dennison to another crossroads. Despite her love of the business, she decided to sell the mall. In hindsight the move came at the right time because soon after the sell, Dennison was diagnosed with an aggressive form of

“I always regretted selling the mall,” she said. “(Debbie) knew I was always torn, too.”

After much thought, and with the blessing of her husband, Dennison dove in, and she has been thrilled ever since. “It was the right decision from the get-go,” she said. “I still missed it very much. Plus the people, the everyday things. I think a lot of it is just being surrounded by so many nice things and the reactions of the people.”

Dennison is not resting on her prior success, either. Her dealers have grown to 30 with a waiting list to boot. She has added at least three new dealers that specialized in high-end pieces such as paintings, bronzes and furniture such as side boards made of solid walnut from France, with prices as high as $30,000. But the mall remains committed to those shoppers on a tighter budget, featuring plenty of trinkets, jewelry, mirrors, pottery and more. “It’s a nice mix of items,” said Dennison. “We have something for everyone.” Foot traffic doesn’t lie, either. Despite an economy that continues to struggle, Dennison’s customers refuse to stay away. “We’ve always had a good following,” she said. “If there are 10 people in here, we’re going to get comments from eight of them about how nice it is and how the mall is one of their favorite places to shop.” Having recently turned 68, Dennison has no intentions of slowing. If the shop is open, she’s there, six days a week. A self-described workaholic, she’s back where she belongs and doesn’t plan on leaving again anytime soon.

Interstate 95 Antiques • Summer - Fall 2011

Why I Wrote The Jolly Art of Junking By L.A. DAVIS Contributor

hen I was in Europe a few years ago, my then business partner needed something off my computer and quite by accident found a file called “The Jolly Art of Junking.” Now this woman, a fellow journalist, is known far and wide for her incredible intuition. So when she said she loved it, I was pleased. When she told me I had to hurry up and finish it I was skeptical, but listened. The file contained random observations of how my husband found the treasures for his antique and junk business, Almost Antiques in Cocoa Village, Florida. Some of those observations were full of excitement from making a truly awesome find, others were rules of the business as he taught it to me. Basically the file-to-bebook-someday noted where he found his best stuff and how he searched, but what had started me writing the book was his penchant for something rather shocking to me: he trash-picked. Then I discovered that other antique dealers sometimes trash pick – and if they don’t the pickers, who supply them, might. When we first started dating, my husband-to-be would bring me astounding treasures from his trashpicking forays-- his very sweet way of courting me. Pretty soon I was begging to go along on these outings. It’s incredibly fun to come home with free booty that you want and someone else doesn’t. From trash-picking we have found jewelry (real and fake), World War II mementoes – flying helmets and uniforms, furniture, old architectural pieces, art work, dishes, Murano glass, even a $20 bill in a picture frame…and so much more. People just put it all out on the curb for trash pickup, or in our case, “recycling.”

About the Author L.A. Davis is a journalst, antique dealer and estate liquidator. She and her husband, Larry Almond, call their store “the best little junk shop in Florida.” We do have certain guidelines though. These include following the rules for trash-picking in your area and leaving a trash pile neater than you found it. And, we don’t stop unless there are things visible in a pile such as a chair or shelf. These rules were in the file-whichbecame-a-book along with other “target rich” ways to find goodies such as at estate sales and auctions. So the reason I started writing the book was because I thought it was a big secret about all the astonishing stuff out there – everything from sterling to discarded bricks – and it was compelling to me and I thought others might feel the same way. But the next steps were a bit more difficult. My business partner and I owned a writers’ and speakers’ bureau, so adding publishing to our repertoire seemed easy enough. We talked about making the book the right size for a Christmas stocking stuffer -- for all those antique collectors who already owned everything. Little did we know that the buzz-saw of distribution costs would cut our ambitions in half. Ultimately, we decided to sell our little publishing venture’s only book by ourselves. Now out of the thousands printed we have a few hundred left, but are considering a second print run (it’s been that successful) and a follow-up book called Junking for Joy, which is in – you guessed it -- another file.

Order this fun little book for only $5 plus shipping.

Photo courtesy L.A. DAVIS

For more information about The Jolly Art of Junking or to order it for $5 plus shipping, call (321) 505-3959 or email ladavisnews@yahoo.com

EXIT

318

EXIT

318

F L O R I D A

Interstate 95 Antiques • Summer - Fall 2011

3 Valdosta 75

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

GEORGIA

380 Yulee

Callahan 95

A1A

Fernandina Beach

373

FLORIDA

ZYZYZYZYZYZY Z Z Y Y Z Z Antiques & C olleCtibles Atlantic Y Y Ocean Open Daily Z Z 30+ Dealers Antique, Vintage Y Y & Modern Furniture Z Glassware, Pottery, Collectibles Z Y Y Great Variety Great Prices Z Z 10-5 • Sat 10-4 • Sun 1-5 Y Y 3M-F miles East on SR 200/A1A, Yulee, Fla. Z Yellow building on the right. Z Y EXIT Y 904-225-1950 373 Z Z ZYZYZYZYZYZY

362

295

I-95 ANTIQUES: FLORIDA

335 329 323 St. Augustine

318 311 305 298

Palm Coast

289

EXIT 75

284

373

Rest area

Holly Hill

273

Lake George

268 265 261 260 256

Ocala 20 miles

Daytona Beach

New Smyrna Beach

249 244 Mount Dora

Oak Hill

231

Lake Apopka

223 220 215

Orlando

Mims Titusville

212 208 205 202 201 195

Cocoa Village

191 180 176

173

EXIT

St. Petersburg

Grant

373

156 Vero Beach

147 138 131

129

126 118 110 101 96 95

Lake Okeechobee

87 79 77

70 68 64

Gulf of Mexico Fort Myers

West Palm Beach

58 53 46

F L O R I D A M A P

41 39 36

Boca Raton

Fort Lauderdale

22 18

EXIT

373 4 1

Miami

Interstate 95 Antiques • Summer - Fall 2011

I-95 ANTIQUES: FLORIDA DIRECTORY EXIT 373

Exit 261

A1A Antiques 463146 State Road 200 Yulee, FL 32097 904-225-1950

Nicole’s Beach Street Mall 386-252-3033

The Old Flood Store Antiques 904-225-0902 Antique Barn 904-225-1952 Trailer Park Collectables 702 Centre St. Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 904-491-4461 8 Flags Antiques 602 Centre St. Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 904-277-8550 Island Treasures Antiques 1104 S. 8th St. Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 904-261-8887

Carousel Antiques 386-252-3033 Arlequin Antiques 386-252-5498

Exit 249 New Smyrna Antique Mall 419 E. Canal St. New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168 386-426-7825

Exit 215 Dusty Rose Antique Mall 1101 S. Washington Ave. U.S. 1 Northbound Titusville, FL 32780 321-269-5526

River Road Mercantile The Treasure Chest 219 S. Washington Ave. 450028 W SR 200, Callahan, FL 32011 U.S. 1 Northbound At intersection of SR200/ A1A & US1 Titusville, FL 32780 Across from the Dollar General 321-264-7475 904-879-1780 Mon – Sat 10AM – 7PM Central Garage Antiques 321-264-7475 The Country Store Antiques 219 S. 8th St. Banana Alley Antiques Fernandina, Fl. 32034 321-268-4282 904-261-2633 Central Garage Antiques Amelia Island Antiques 213 S. Washington Ave. 5210 First Coast Hwy Titusville, Fl. 32796 Amelia Island, Fl. 32034 321-264-7475 904-321-1314

Exit 341 Avonlea Antique Mall 8101 Phillips Hwy. Jacksonville, FL 904-636-8785 Enchanted Antiques 8081 Phillips Hwy. Jacksonville, FL 904-730-9195; Closed Wednesday

Exit 318 The Courtyard Gallery 75 King St. Suite 123 St. Augustine, FL 32084 904-599-8522 courtyardart@gmail.com Churchill & Lacroix Antiques 75 King St. Suite 121 St. Augustine, FL 32084 904-827-9009 CandLAntiques@comcast.net Antique Warehouse 904-826-1524 Uptown Antiques 904-824-9156 SOS Antiques 74 San Marco Ave. St. Augustine, FL 32084 904-823-0008 St. Augustine Antique Emporium Inc. 904-829-0544 A Step Back in Time 904-810-5829

Exit 268 Magnolia House Antique Village 386-252-8086 Our Old Stuff Antiques 1005 Ridgewood Ave., U.S. 1 Holly Hill, FL 32117 386-238-7207

Exit 201

Almost Antiques Estate Sales & Cleanouts 333 King St. Cocoa Village, Fl. 32922 321-505-3959

Exit 183 Antique Connection 321-255-1333

Exit 180 Bettys Antiques 321-951-2258 Melbourne Antique Gallery 321-951-0151

Exit 173 Grant Antique Mall 5900 U.S. 1 South Building Grant, FL 32949 321-726-6778 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat. 12 p.m.-5 p.m. Sunday Indian River Trading Post 772-664-1020 Buried Treasure 1545 U.S. 1 Grant, FL 32949 772-388-6512

Exit 147 Eclectus Antiques 1056 20th Place Vero Beach, FL 772-567-4962

Miss Baileys Curiosity Shoppe 404D Brevard Ave. Cocoa Village, FL 321-636-1005

Estate Sales of Vero Beach 1595 Old Dixie Hwy. Vero Beach, FL 772-563-0019

Treasure Hunters Mall 423 Brevard Ave. Cocoa Village, FL 321-609-4499

Rennick Galleries 15 Royal Palm Point Vero Beach, FL 772-567-7408

Once Was Vintage Shop 607-B Florida Ave. Cocoa Village, FL 321-890-3629

House of Charm Antiques 4400 U.S. 1 Vero Beach, FL 32967 772-770-0703

A Cocoa Antique Mall 234 Willard St. Cocoa Village, FL 321-633-6380

Treasury Antiques 57 Royal Palm Point Vero Beach, FL 32967 772-778-7739

Antique Emporium of Brevard 625 Florida Ave. Cocoa Village, FL 321-631-8377

BJ’s Antiques 1596 Old Dixie Hwy. Vero Beach, FL 772-359-2945

Antiques & Collectables Too 115 Harrison St. Cocoa Village, FL 321-632-9924 Goulds Old Time General Store 307 Delannoy St. Cocoa Village, FL 321-632-2481 Horse Feathers Antiques 14 Oleander St. Cocoa Village, FL 321-638-4054 Past Gas 308 Willard St. Cocoa Village, FL 321-636-0449 Stone Street Antiques 17 Stone St. Cocoa Village, FL 321-631-4959 What Nots General Store 407 Delannoy St. Cocoa Village, FL 321-636-5051

Exit 87A Sims Creek Antique Mall 1695 W. Rivertown Road Jupiter, FL 33458 561-747-6785

exit 87b Treasure Coast Antique Mall 4343 U.S. 1 Fort Pierce, FL 34946 772-468-2006

Exit 79b Absolute Antiques 11985 U.S. 1 Suite 108 North Palm Beach, FL 33408 561-352-5375

exit 70 Etc. 536 Northwood Road West Palm Beach, FL 33407 561-653-0121

Circa Who 531 Northwood Road West Palm Beach, FL 33407 561-655-5224 Palm Beach Restoration Studios 550 Northwood Road West Palm Beach, FL 33407 561-514-0025 All About Details 512 Northwood Road West Palm Beach, FL 33407 561-805-5889 Something Lively 538 Northwood Road West Palm Beach, FL 33407 561-319-3151 Culpepper & Co. 1619 N. Dixie Hwy. West Palm Beach, FL 33407 531-837-8090 Allison’s Architectural Salvage Co. 528 16th St. West Palm Beach, FL 33407 561-655-1022

exit 64 All Good Things Antiques & Collectibles 328 North Dixie Hwy. Lake Worth, FL 33460 561-547-7606 BKG Antique Mall 32 S. Dixie Hwy. Lake Worth, Fl.33460 561-533-7707

exit 63 Carousel Antique Center 815 Lake Ave. Lake Worth, FL 33460 561-533-0678

exit 39 Hillsboro Antique Mall 2900 W. Sample Road Pompano Beach, FL 33062 954-571-9988

exit 36 Sugar Chest Antique Mall 960 North Federal Hwy. Pompano Beach, FL 33062 954-942-8601

exit 18 Daniels Antiques 2520 SW 30th Ave. Hallandale, FL 33009 954-454-1395 Nagel Antiques 2540 SW 30th Ave. Hallandale FL 33009 954-455-2410

exit 4B Tyler Galleries 6914 Biscayne Blvd. Miami, FL 33138 305-759-4242

exit 1 Stone Age Antiques 3236 NW South River Dr. Miami, FL 33142 305-633-5114 Worth Galleries 2520 SW 28th Lane Miami, FL 33133 305-285-1330

Interstate 95 Antiques • Summer - Fall 2011

200 years of preachin’, prayin’ and playin’ By Stephanie Jadrnicek Contributor

or over 200 years, people have been flocking to Indian Field Campground for a little preachin’, prayin’ and playin’. Located in Dorchester County, S.C. several miles north of St. George, this unique property has been home to Methodists for one week each year. “It’s an ongoing religious institution,” said Pete Weathers who’s attended camp meetings all of his life. Since the late 1700s these services have been held during harvest season to give thanks for the year’s bountiful yield. The first meetings were held in a farm field and an increase in attendance necessitated a move to the present location in 1800. This aerial shot of the campground shows its unique layout. The architectural design of the buildings and landscape are derived from a description of the Harvest Festival in the book of Leviticus. from the rural areas to one spot for religious services and social fellowship. In the early days most attendees were Centrally located, the tabernacle is also farmers. known as the preaching stand. It was They’d bring built in 1847 and seats about 500. their harvest along with camping supplies and stay for the enWhat makes Indian Field Camptire week. That’s one of the few aspects ground unique is its layout. The archiwhich has changed over time. tectural design of the buildings and “Services are pretty much the same, landscape are derived from a description of the Harvest Festival in the Book the only difference is there are fewer services because it’s not as well attendof Leviticus. ed as it was in the olden days. Most The grounds have 12 equal sides people usually don’t stay overnight representing the 12 tribes of Israel. A and the evening service is the most atcentral tabernacle formerly known as tended,” said Weathers. the preaching stand is surrounded by Originally, there were five daily 99 “tents,” which are actually wooden cabins, arranged in an octagonal shape. services Monday through Monday. Currently, there are three – at 7:30 a.m., “The tabernacle was built in 1847 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. But some things and sat about 500. At first people had never change, such as the blowing of to bring their own seats and lights, but the horn. Fifteen minutes prior to each around 1920 the first pews were built service a long, tin cylindrical horn is and around 1940 electricity came to blown to notify the fellow campers. the campground so people no longer “The mouthpiece resembles a trumhad to bring their lamps or candles,” said Weathers. To encourage a sense of pet or a trombone, but the six foot long horn gradually widens to eight permanency wooden cabins were built inches in diameter,” said Weathers. to replace the tents in 1845. “It’s a traditional way to call people to From the beginning, Indian Field camp meetings.” Campground was part of a Methodist Besides the religious services, fesmovement of expansion. During that tivities include delicious meals three time camp meetings were established times per day and lots of good ole fun. from the New England area to Georgia and their intention was to draw crowds Families who’ve had their roots inter-

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twined at Indian Field Campground for generations look forward to reuniting with old friends. Generally, attendees live within 30 miles of the campground in towns such as Walterboro, Ridgeville and Orangeburg, S.C. However, some people travel from all over the U. S., and on occasion Methodist Bishops from England preach at Indian Field. Weathers said the camp meetings allow people to stay in touch with their past and enjoy food and fellowship while meeting their religious needs, and those three aspects together are why folks keep coming back. “Religious heritage and community heritage – it serves those purposes

without question,” Weathers said. “But there’s also something very special about Indian Field. When you walk past the cabins and head toward the tabernacle in the middle, it’s like you’re passing from one world into another.”

Editor’s note Services begin on the first Sunday in October and everyone is welcome to attend. Occasionally, tours are given to the public. However, Indian Field Campground is not a tourist destination so please respect the sanctity of the grounds.

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Interstate 95 Antiques • Summer - Fall 2011

Gentlemen, start your engines By ZACH VAN HART

LEFT: This 1956 Evinrude engine was one of the first preserved by Mike Varner.

Contributor

TOP RIGHT: Before shot of a hydroplane boat found at a local dress shop BOTTOM RIGHT: Varner took one year to revamp the boat, but the engine, a 1932 Johnson, he sold.

ater activities have always been a part of Mike Varner’s life. From childhood vacations on lakes to operating a marina to selling boats, Varner never strayed far from its tranquility or the excitement of water sports. So there’s little surprise that one of his favorite hobbies nowadays comes from collecting and preserving an essential ingredient to enjoying this way of life – antique boat engines. Varner, who currently lives in Boone, N.C., grew up outside of Washington, D.C. From there, every summer he would venture with his brother, parents, cousins, uncles and more to vacation spots nearby with one prerequisite – accessible water. “I think we hit every single state park in the state of Virginia that had a lake,” said Varner, adding his favorite was Westmoreland State Park on the state’s northern neck. Vacations were a mixture of waterskiing, swimming, tubing and spending time on the boats. Boats became a focal point of Varner’s professional life, too. He started a

partnership running a boat marina for many years at Colonial Beach, Va., and operated a boat dealership for 10 years in Morehead City, N.C. After federally mandated luxury taxes on boats crippled the industry, Varner left and began focusing on maintaining rental properties he owned in Boone. But eventually he found more free time for boating activities and discovered a new hobby after joining the Chesapeake chapter of the Antique Outboard Motor Club. An international organization, AOMCI is “devoted to people who are interested in antique outboards, their preservation and restoration,” according to its Web site. After seeing members’ collections of boat engines in the hundreds, Varner wanted to join the fun. His first decisions were determining which engines he wanted to pursue and how much he wanted to invest. “I don’t refurbish but more preserve the engines,” said Varner. “I’m more about getting them in running condition than show-room condition. I like to take

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them and run them on the water.” As for the size of engines, he soon realized he was better suited for the smaller versions. “I’ve always had a small boat,” he said. “I realized I wasn’t set up for the big (engines). If I couldn’t lift it, I didn’t want to handle it.”

traded for with one of his fellow AOMCI members.

As with any engine, as horsepower increases, size follows suit. Varner estimates a 10-horsepower boat engine weighs around 70 pounds and a 15-horsepower engine at 90 pounds. While boats nowadays can roar with 300 horsepower, antique engines pall in comparison. According to Varner, engines from the 1950s peaked around 35 horsepower. Varner tends to stay smaller, around the 10-20 range. Despite the numerous online auction sites, antique stores galore and auctions to choose from, Varner has discovered the easiest way to find antique boat engines is through word of mouth. “It’s surprising how many (engines) are lying around in peoples’ barns and garages that nobody’s thought about in awhile,” he said, adding that he often mentioned to the club of a particular motor he was seeking and someone would find it. One of the first engines he preserved was a 7.5-horsepower, 1956 Evinrude – one of three engine companies that Varner prefers – that he bought at a yard sale for $70. At purchase the engine was intact but not running. After installing a new ignition system and carburetor, the engine worked beautifully, and Varner installed it on one of his boats for a while. It’s now for sale for $250.

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“We’re constantly trading, buying and selling,” he said of fellow members, some of whose collections dwarf his in comparison. “I’ve been in peoples’ garages where (the engines) are hanging in the rafters.” For all the engines that have passed through Varner’s ownership, it’s the one he didn’t work on that he remembers the most. He purchased a hydroplane boat, almost by accident, as he stumbled upon it when a local dress shop was closing its doors. The boat came with a 23-horsepower, 1932 Johnson engine, “one of the better race engines (Johnson) built,” said Varner. He completely revamped the boat, replacing its bad wood and refurbishing it periodically, taking one year to finish the project. Now he takes the boat out all the time, but without the Johnson. Knowing some of the replacement parts needed to be handmade, and that he didn’t have a machine shop in his garage, he never touched it and eventually sold it. Varner is currently cutting his inventory in preparation to move from Boone. The destination is unknown for now, though one condition tops the rest – somewhere close to water wear he can cruise on his boats and keep his hobby afloat.

He replaced the Evinrude on his boat for another engine he worked on, a 10-horsepower 1955 Johnson that he

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Interstate 95 Antiques • Summer - Fall 2011

A Picker’s Tale by BIRGITTA WADE Contributor

ometimes, you just have to say “wow!” No one who has seen the colorful mix of assorted props from mid-century American ice skating spectaculars can help exclaiming “Seriously wow!” Being one of a kind certainly doesn’t hurt these creations either -- really a case of “you’ll never find another one!” Today, all those pieces once used and now long abandoned from the Ice Capades, Holiday on Ice and Ice Follies shows are scattered to the wind in some cases, reunited in others. It’s an interesting story, with its twists and turns, not unusual when a major collection surfaces. Teaser parts first appeared at the Scott Antique Show in Atlanta in March. The seller had pulled them out of storage in Middle Georgia, where they had languished for decades under

Props such as these larger than life snowmen were used on the set of the ice capades and other ice skating spectaculars. Construction materials varied but the workmanship and attention to detail were evident. This recently resurfaced collection had been in storage in Georgia under less than ideal condition. Photos by Jorge Ruiz

minous and happy snowmen, however, and attempted to negotiate a deal for the heads only. But the seller wouldn’t bite on leaving the bodies behind. No deal there. Meanwhile, a stack of photographs from the 50s and 60s ended up in an Alabama booth, stage curtains, a manger scene, Humpty Dumpty and a Jack in the Box wooden lidded crate sold to a NC/SC partnership.

less than ideal condition. Nothing a little elbow grease, cleaning and airing couldn’t fix to bring the stash up to snuff. Talk about Americana and folk art!

Since there was apparently a sense of urgency in getting the props out of the building, the eagle buyer enlisted the help of yet another dealer who picked up the last of the goods in May.

The more the seller dug out and brought to the Scott courtyard, the more interesting the collection became. Buyers were virtually fighting to get first crack on a pair of papier mache donkeys (not quite life size but close) and a papier mache camel that required the full bed of a big pickup truck to bring and take away. One buyer was promised choice of what was buried in the storage, and purchased a large eagle with a six-foot plus wingspan.

A few weeks earlier, another Scott’s vendor was virtually salivating over some of the smaller pieces she had purchased. She was hyped enough to actually make the trek to the storage itself several hours away. Unfortunately, once at the mother lode, she couldn’t see much past the rear end of an enormous pink elephant which was blocking everything beyond the entry door to the storage. Somehow, she managed to get a glimpse of those outrageously volu-

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That oversized camel was snagged by a local dealer, and reportedly whisked away to Red Baron Antique Gallery in Atlanta, known for one-of-a-kind offerings at their periodic extravagant auctions. A life size papier mache baby Jesus sans manger was offered on eBay, a whimsical cat found a home with a collector in Atlanta after it went through several booths in the Scott courtyard, and a set of plywood Holy

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Interstate 95 Antiques • Summer - Fall 2011

Men were destined for Christmas in July at Brimfield, MA. The giraffe and that elephant backside found themselves back on center stage in the front window at the Charleston Preservation

The props that surfaced in Georgia were designed and painted by a College Park, GA couple, Genevieve Norris and Ted Meza, working as Mez-Art Studios during the 50s and 60s. Society for their children’s book display during Spoleto in June. In order to get the full story on these props, we have to take you back about half a century. Those were the days when big time ice shows toured the country, dazzling audiences not just with daring skating feats, but also elaborate productions, only seen live in Las Vegas or Radio City extravaganzas at the time. But of course it wasn’t all backgrounds and standalones. Those snowmen are hollow, and have wire in the large buttons so a skater could look outside after he entered the snowballs through the open bottom. Considering that the snow people were several feet taller than a grown person, negotiating the bodies while skating surely was not for the amateur or faint of heart. The props that surfaced in Georgia were designed and painted by a College Park, GA couple, Genevieve Norris and Ted Meza, working as MezArt Studios during the 50s and 60s. Most all the pieces have a small printed signature on the back, but even those that don‘t are unmistakably the work of this couple. There is also a United Scenic Artist Union logo on some of the props. Interestingly, both Ted and his wife were performers as well as artists -- both skated, and Ted had a background in vaudeville and Broadway

Photos by JORGE RUIZ

ABOVE: A giraffe and an elephant’s backside were showcased at the Charleston Preservation Society’s children’s book display. LEFT: “Little Miss Muffet sat on a tuffet, eating her curds and whey” you know the rest..

productions. Genevieve hung up her skates in 1956 and apparently devoted her time to the couple’s scenic artwork. Doing business as Mez-Art, the 1961 Miss America Pageant program gave glowing credits for the stage production work done by the Mezas. We found a full page inside, which promoted the company‘s services in creating scenery, props and exhibits. Ted was the builder,

and Genevieve painted the pieces, most in vivid primary colors that would pop on a stage. Contemporary sources say she was an accomplished artist in her own right, painting and drawing more conventional subjects, including two self-portraits which were offered on eBay this spring. Anyone looking over the large props, such as the giant eagle with a six-foot wingspan, has to marvel at the amount of work that went into

putting them together. Some of course are simple cutouts in plywood, but covered with fabric or canvas, and then painted. Some are decorated straight on the board, but have a canvas edge. Some are sculpted from papier mache, some have a wire base, covered with heavy duty sailcloth, and then painted. Each one is truly terrific – even the wooden base that looks like a podium for a circus elephant. Once collections change hands, not even the seller always knows what happens to them. We’ll keep our radar up and try to report back on where they went -- be it a display window in New York City, or a child’s room in Washington state. So if this piqued your interest, be sure to pick up the Fall edition of Antiques-95 for the rest of the story.

Interstate 95 Antiques • Summer - Fall 2011

EVENTS

RICHMOND ANTIQUES SPECTACULAR

Elloree, SC September 10: Trash to Treasures 8-5pm October 7: Cooking on Cleveland October 8: Fall Fest 8am-5pm October 31: Trunk or Treat December 10: Small Town Christmas for more information about any of our events, please contact us at (803) 8972821 or via email at clerk@elloreesc.com

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NTIQUARIAN BOOKS, POSTCARDS, & EPHEMERA will be the expanded theme of the Show within the Show at the November 19 & 20, 2011, Richmond Antiques Spectacular. The expanded theme will encourage a wider range of dealers and ultimately, customers, to participate in and attend our specialty show at our traditional Weekend before Thanksgiving Edition of the Richmond Antiques Spectacular. For years the November Richmond antiques Spectacular has featured an Antiquarian Book Fair in a special section in the center of the show. In recent years, competition from a national level show has reduced the number of book dealers participating. Expanding the theme to include postcards and ephemera will now only allow more dealers to participate, it should also bring in more customers. The Richmond Antiques Spectacular is held four times annually at The Showplace, 3000 Mechanicsville Turnpike, in Richmond, Virginia, just off I-64, Exit 192. “Antiques shows all around the country have been facing the challenge of retaining and expanding their customer base”, explained Renaissance Promotions co-owner Louise Jesse. “Our gate dropped around 20% when the economic crisis hit late in 2008 and has been flat ever since. Expanding the November theme is just one of many changes we’ve been making to address this continuing problem.”

postcards and ephemera. As always, our antiques dealers will fill the floor of The Showplace with traditional 18th and 19th century antiques, along with a good selection of early 20th century furniture and decorative items. Dealers specializing in collectibles such as art pottery, glassware of all kinds, jewelry, dolls and toys, and militaria, just to name a few, will also be present.” Added Renaissance co-owner Bob Taylor. “Our show the weekend before Thanksgiving kicks off the Holiday gift buying season for antiquers throughout the Central Virginia area”, added Jesse. “People are ready to go out and go antiquing for gifts for their friends and family. This Show is always a crowd pleaser.” Renaissance Promotions, Inc., owned by Louise Jesse and Bob and Deanna Taylor, all antiques dealers and enthusiasts, promotes dealer friendly shows. “We make every effort to insure that our shows meet all the needs of our dealers and our paying customers,” added Louise Jesse. “We keep the booth rents low, and focus our resources on local advertising to bring in the largest crowds possible. The new expanded theme will encourage more dealers and customers to attend.”

The Richmond Antiques Spectacular hours are Saturday from 10 until 6 and Sunday from 11 until 4, admission $5 per person. Dealer inquiries are encouraged. For more information call (804) 769-8866 or (804) “The new theme will also encour- 462-6190. age our regular dealers to bring more

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S P E C I A L E V E N T S

DULLES EXPO CENTER July 23-24 Sept 17-18