SHOWCASING the Holly Beretto is a Houston-based writer covering arts, food and wine, and interesting personalities. Her work has appeared in local, regional and national magazines.
“Y
ou have to realize, when this show started, there was no Bayou Bend. There was no Heritage Society. There wasn’t a way for people to see the sorts of decorative arts and interiors we can now.”
discussions from experts in the world of collecting and caring for antique pieces. The oldest all-volunteer-run antique show in the country, the Theta show traces its roots to Houston’s Kappa Alpha Theta alumni chapter. The sorority has alumni chapters all over the country, where women come together for luncheons, socials and
explains Lois Wright,
friendship. Charity
chairman of the
and community
2015 Theta Charity
service are a strong
Antique Show.
component of the
That’s one of the
sorority, so each
reasons the show,
chapter regularly
which happens
engages good works
every November,
to raise money for
came into being.
charity.
The first Theta
“They sold
Antique Show was in
magazine
1952; in the six-plus
subscriptions,
decades since, the
made crocheted
show has brought
coat hangers, did small fundraisers,” said
vendors and antiques experts from all over the
Wright. “But then, early in the 1950s, one of the
world to Houston, offering a variety of furniture,
members read about a church in New York City
paintings, rugs, jewelry, silver and collectibles
hosting an antiques show.”
for sale. In addition, there are seminars and
That sparked an idea among the Theta
PAST