It is just about impossible to drive to the Antiques Show and Sale at the Adirondack Museum without stopping a number of times as you get closer. The temptation is just too great when coming into Indian Lake on Route 12 not to pull off to the side of the road and check out the material offered from a good number of tents that line the highway. For what seems to be a pile of stuff, at first glance, just might turn out to be hiding a treasure or two.
Yes, each year the number of dealers, collectors and people who are just looking for an outlet for their things increases. Homeowners along the way rent out their front yards, some even advertising space with facilities. The grounds of the school at Indian Lake is a popular spot and is almost filled to capacity on Saturday and Sunday. So if you do not find something at Indian Lake, you have another try once you reach the village of Blue Mountain, where again vendors line the road leading to the museum. And then, of course, there is the show, which was the main attraction of the September 19′0 weekend.
A 2 to 5 pm preview on Friday kicked off the show, and it was reported that just under 100 tickets were sold for the opening. “There appeared to be fewer people here for the preview this year,” dealer Jon Magoun said, “but they came to buy and many of the exhibitors did well.” Rod Lich, manager of the show for the second year, said, “The gate was up both Saturday and Sunday, and sales of both furniture and accessories took place.”
Rain dampened the grounds of the museum on Friday, but stopped just prior to the preview and ushered in two perfect days for the weekend.
“We are keeping the show smaller than it once was with an effort to strengthen quality,” Rod said. This year, 49 dealers took part, 14 of them showing in the large tent that was set up in the center of the museum grounds. Others were scattered about, such as Ross Bros, offering a number of canoes by the edge of the small pond, while four others were under the cover of the large pavilion. A couple of overhangs provided some protection for a couple of dealers, while the rest set up their own tents all about the grounds.
It all makes for a picturesque and inviting setting, and there is lots to see and purchase. Fishing equipment, badges, guns, posters and paintings, boats large and small, mounts of various sizes and a nice selection of Adirondack furniture, including pieces of Old Hickory, hold the interest of those attending. And this is not the kind of show that one just rushes through. People take their time, some spend most of the day there, and it is the perfect place to enjoy an outside lunch. The price of the ticket also gains one a tour of the museum, a fantastic place where the history of the Adirondacks unfolds before you. Current exhibits are backed up by the permanent collection of wonderful boats, a train and artifacts that have shaped the early days of the Adirondacks.
“We love coming here and managing this show, and are already looking forward to next year,” Rod said. In 2010, the show will fall on the same weekend, September 18‱9, with the preview on Friday, the 17th. Mark your calendar.
