April 13, 2005
Crowd values antique sale
Antiques club holds 35th annual sale at GT Civic Center
By
Herald staff writer
Quilts and cookie jars, fishing lures and maps - there was something for just about any antique enthusiast at the 35th Annual Antiques Show and Sale held last weekend at the Grand Traverse Civic Center.
The event, hosted by the Traverse Area Antiques Club, brought in more than 50 dealers selling everything from massive oak dining tables to tiny china thimbles.
"We had a really great showing this year," said Traverse Area Antiques Club president, Glen Lundin.
"The show is as good as it has ever been. We've got people that come back year after year to see what they can find," Lundin said.
The annual show has also earned a good reputation among dealers.
"We have been wanting to do a show up here and a dealer recommended this show. It is really a good looking, well done show," said Mark McKee of Indianapolis who plans to return next year.
Jill Ball, who sells pieces through the Rolling Hills Antiques Store in Williamsburg, has participated in the show for several years.
"You see things at this show that you don't usually see unless you are in a big city," said Ball, pointing out a 1920s Native American outfit and a one of a kind Bradley and Hubbard frog back lamp.
Paul and Patti Williams were hoping to find a special item that struck their fancy.
"We like primitives. Hopefully we will find something to go in our shop or home. It looks like a great show," said Paul who, along with his wife, own an antique shop in Mesick.
The Traverse Area Antiques Club hosts the yearly show with more in mind that sharing their passion for everything old. The club donates all of the proceeds from the event to local charities.
"Next winter we will select eight to 10 local charities and decide how to split up our profit between them. We have given more than $200,000 over the years. We hope to be able to make a good contribution again," Lundin said.