Thirty dealers shared the gymnasium of Mid-Vermont Christian School on February 14 for a day of showing and selling. Jim Dunn, show owner and manager, was pleased with a new record number of visitors for the one-day affair. “Sales were good,” he said, “especially given the state of the economy.” The show has been a regular event in this small village for more than 20 years. It has always sold out of exhibit space, as dealers consider it a great place to shop as well as sell.
Among the antiques arriving here were two Canterbury Shaker garden baskets that were sold in the first minutes of the show. Sometimes the antiques create a mood, an idea or atmosphere. Partners in Antiques at 30B in Cambridge, N.Y., Bonnie and Dave Ferriss, had just that kind of exhibit. There were thought-provoking signs and paintings that set the mood. The other partners in the shop are the Sherwoods, Bob and Janet, who exhibited at the show as well. Their collection included an early painted blanket chest in bright blue paint, more furniture and several more thought-provoking items.
Dick Vandall of American Decorative Arts, Canaan, N.H., offered a collection of small antiques with an emphasis on Shaker objects.
The Frasers showed a Sheraton-style and period chest of drawers from New England. They recently moved from Taftsville to Chester, Vt., where they are again keeping a shop, by chance or appointment. Bob and Mary Fraser were the founders of this show, but they sold it to Jim Dunn several years ago to cut back on their workload and they now just do it as dealers.
Mad River Antiques, North Granby, Conn., offered several pieces from its collection of stoneware as well as textiles, earthenware and furniture. Textiles were in many forms; there was a braided rug on the floor, the table was draped with a coverlet and several quilts formed the backdrop of the exhibit.
There was a large collection of various kinds of earthenware offered by Dennis and Lyn Chrin, Essex Junction, Vt. They also trade in many other small antiques, very small items, such as iron doorstops, oyster plates and pickle jars.
Woodstock, Vt., dealer Eric Nesbitt offered a complete room setting. A charming bright yellow Sheraton dressing table, a New England tall chest of drawers, graduated drawers in original finish; some antique Persian rugs and a variety of accessories were also available from him.
Jim Mulder, Liberty Hill Antiques in Reading, Vt., as usual had a large and heavy maple work bench. He offered it, including delivery and setup in its new home, for it would have been too heavy for most to transport.
The aforementioned Shaker baskets came from the Stahuras’ collection. Their shop name is Mill Brook Antiques, located in Reading, Vt., across the road from Mulder’s, but not open in winter. This allows the couple to do a few extra shows, and their sales were good. Nancy with her charm and grace decorates the exhibit as attractively as she would a home, all to show the interesting small antiques.
Back Door Antiques sold well from their collection, brought over the hills from East Middlebury, Vt. A quilt rack and a bright yellow quilt were among owner Jean Tuthope’s sales at the show.
Two young ladies, Hailey Swett and her sister, Avery, were out with their mom studying the collection of valentines offered by Susan Voack, Forget Me Not Antiques, Norwich, Vt.
Big furniture was present at the show with several exhibitors. Kenneth Reid, Andover, N.H., offered a large pantry cupboard with pierced tin panels in the top doors, painted in a green-tinged blue. Lyme Creamery Antiques, Lyme, N.H., showed a large pine and beech corner cupboard. Brookside Antiques had all the furniture for a country kitchen from their Bridport, Vt., shop. Holliston, Mass., dealer Candleglow Antiques offered a unique tripod-based candlestand.
Cabin Fever brings out more than people. For this show, it also brought a wonderful collection of antiques for the perusal of the visitors. Look for it again next year, or check with Dunn about the other shows he is involved with †Green Mountain Antiques Show in July in Woodstock and Bromley Mountain in October. For information, 802-885-3705.
