Along with picnics and cookouts, a visit to the beach and gathering with family and friends to watch the annual fireworks displays on the Fourth of July, it has become a tradition in the Northeast over the past 18 years to head to Stevens Memorial United Methodist Church. It does not matter the day of the week, as the majority of the flock in attendance does not arrive prepared to attend services; instead they come to shop the popular Antiques in the Church Yard presented on the church grounds by Cord Shows.
Boasting 120 dealers, this is by far Vivien Cord’s flagship event.
Buyers began lining up at the gate more than an hour prior to opening, and by the time Cord was ready to ring the bell that signals the start of the show, long lines had formed at each of the entrances that are positioned at opposite ends of the field.
The selection of merchandise was varied and the crowd appreciated the diversity. Garden items were selling well, with everything from watering cans to lawn furniture readily finding buyers. Fine art was prevalent with a selection of recently acquired paintings by Carlton Wiggins displayed in the booth of Vista, N.Y., dealer George Betton. Art with a more Modern twist was offered at Seymour Fine Art, Seymour, Conn.
Iron Renaissance, Damariscotta, Maine, offered a stellar selection of garden and patio furnishings by Leinfeld, including a Rainbow pattern suite of table and chairs from the 1930s that structurally mimicked the Brooklyn Bridge.
A nice selection of turquoise and silver jewelry was offered by Arizona dealers J&J of Tucson, ranging from rings and bracelets to squash blossom necklaces. A large crowd of ladies was observed mulling over the extensive selection of concho belts.
Red, white and blue was the theme of the day at many of the stands, including River Country, New Hope, Penn., which offered a dazzling flag quilt. The unusual textile served as a backdrop for a small cow weathervane and an attractive country blanket box in an old and dry blue paint.
Vintage clothing was offered in several booths; one standout, however, was the Town Peddler, New Rochelle, N.Y., where a large selection of men’s Hawaiian shirts were displayed. Women’s handbags were proving popular with shoppers, as were the colorful Pucci-style dresses.
The next Cord show is scheduled for September 6 in Katonah, N.Y., at the Lasdon Park and Arboretum. For information, 914-273-4667 or www.cordshows.com.
