Pig on the Porch, Bayport, N.Y.

LUDLOW, VT. – This town’s Black River High School gymnasiumattracts a swarm of dealers and serious collectors when the LudlowAntiques Show and Sale’s preview opens as the third show in theseries of five events comprising Vermont Antiques Week. They knowthat inside the nondescript brick building are approximately 40dealers with an eclectic assortment of antiques, mostly displayedon tabletops or on pegboard walls, as well as a satisfyingcountry-style dinner prepared by the volunteer show committee.

Dealers exhibiting at the show similarly get to sit down about an hour before the show opens to fortify themselves with fare like baked chicken wings, Swedish meatballs, salads, casseroles, cakes and cookies. It is not surprising that there was hardly a cranky face to be seen at the preview for the 41st annual show on September 30.

Show managers are Barbara Morgan and Ann Firkey, although Morgan is stepping down, and next year’s show co-manager will be Carol Baranowski.

Carol Boranowski, shown left, is the incoming Ludlow show co-manager replacing Barbara Morgan. Not shown is co-manager Ann Firkey.

“The show was very successful for us,” said Doug and LindaBurr of Wigwam Hill Antiques, Wilbraham,. Mass., who were doing theshow for the third year. The couple specializes in bottles andstoneware and were displaying their collection as one of sixdealers set up on the stage at the rear of the gymnasium “Each yearsales have been consistently good,” said The Burrs. “The previewwas well attended, and we were happy to see people in line as earlyas 5 pm for the 7 pm opening. Stoneware has always been strong forus at this show, and this year was no exception, as we sold twobird decorated pieces in the first hour. Smalls seemed to beselling very well.”

Also appearing on the stage was Elizabeth Smith, Bergen, N.Y., who with husband Robert was showing a unique painting on wood that depicted a festival honoring the Montgolfier brothers, inventors of the first practical hot air balloon. A small banner on each side contained the names of the men who first rode in the balloon. “We sold the balloon painting,” said Elizabeth Smith. “That was the most expensive item for us. The show quality was less than last year. It appeared that furniture was slow. We did sell, however, up to the closing moments of the show.”

Blue Line Antiques and Gifts, Port Leyden, N.Y.

First-time exhibitor Janet Taylor of Bittersweet Antiques,Waverly, Penn., said she was impressed by the well-attended Fridaynight preview. “Saturday morning had a slow start but became quitebusy around noon and stayed that way till late in the afternoon,”said the dealer who specializes in Eighteenth and NineteenthCentury furniture and accessories. Taylor said she sold an empirecherry and mahogany chest of drawers, as well as a child’s enameledtop table decorated with the alphabet and Noah’s Ark that drew muchattention at the preview. “I also sold a number of smalls and had agreat deal of interest in other items in my booth,” said Taylor.”It was an enjoyable show to do. The committee was wonderful andserved a great dinner to us on Friday. A good show to do, and goodmerchandise to buy.”

Pointing out that it is always difficult to know what to expect from a new show, Jacqueline Dougan of Stockbridge, Vt., said “The show was successful for our first show. We sold Utica stoneware jugs, and some of my moose pitchers were quite a hit. Mostly, people were buying small items. That seems to be a trend these days. One of my interesting customers was from Texas, a dear lady that came back each day and bought. We are looking forward to next year.”

Among this year’s new exhibitors were Veronica and John Malchione of Kennett Square, Penn. The Malchiones specialize in sporting antiques and nautical items, and their booth bristled with antique lures, decoys, creels and reels – a veritable “trout fishing paradise,” according to John Malchione, who pointed out a George Lawrence #2A creel, circa 1928-29, with original strap as one of the high end items in his booth. “Friday’s preview had an excellent gate,” said Malchione. “Saturday was steady until about 3:15, then it slowed down. Sales were excellent, he said, the high end being a George Lawrence creel selling for $2,800. He also sold a couple of Mason duck decoys, circa 1896, and did very well with British fishing artifacts, including trout and salmon flies.

Lois de Castro, Rutland Town, Vt., had this unique four-drawer grain painted dresser, circa 1820, out of a Vermont barn.

For formal country dealers Bob and Anne Lynch of Honesdale,Penn., who specialize in Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuryfurniture and accessories, the show was “just fair,” they reported.”The show was very active at the Friday preview, but sales weredown for us on Saturday. We did sell a cherry Sheraton one-drawerstand with cock beaded drawer and a nice overhang. Also, a tigermaple mirror.”

The action was also slow for Eleanor Lee of Woodstock, Vt., who looks for quirky county items, such as an old house model from the late Nineteenth or early Twentieth Century that featured painted-on shades in the windows, or “Willie the penguin,” a folk art carving. “I had lots of interest in my unusual folky merchandise, but not great buying. My best sale was a 15-inch Skookum with papoose.” As for the show, “it is a great show to do, with wonderful management,” said Lee. “They do everything possible to make their dealers comfortable and it is a pleasure to be included.”

For information, 802-226-7574.