Picking is Good at Annual Ludlow Antiques Show

LUDLOW, VT. - This town's Black River High School gymnasium attracts a swarm of dealers and serious collectors when the Ludlow Antiques Show and Sale's preview opens as the third show in the series of five events comprising Vermont Antiques Week. They know that inside the nondescript brick building are approximately 40 dealers with an eclectic assortment of antiques, mostly displayed on tabletops or on pegboard walls, as well as a satisfying country-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.

"The show was very successful for us," said Doug and Linda Burr of Wigwam Hill Antiques, Wilbraham,. Mass., who were doing the show for the third year. The couple specializes in bottles and stoneware and were displaying their collection as one of six dealers set up on the stage at the rear of the gymnasium "Each year sales have been consistently good," said The Burrs. "The preview was well attended, and we were happy to see people in line as early as 5 pm for the 7 pm opening. Stoneware has always been strong for us at this show, and this year was no exception, as we sold two bird decorated pieces in the first hour. Smalls seemed to be selling 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."

First-time exhibitor Janet Taylor of Bittersweet Antiques, Waverly, Penn., said she was impressed by the well-attended Friday night preview. "Saturday morning had a slow start but became quite busy around noon and stayed that way till late in the afternoon," said the dealer who specializes in Eighteenth and Nineteenth Century furniture and accessories. Taylor said she sold an empire cherry and mahogany chest of drawers, as well as a child's enameled top table decorated with the alphabet and Noah's Ark that drew much attention at the preview. "I also sold a number of smalls and had a great deal of interest in other items in my booth," said Taylor. "It was an enjoyable show to do. The committee was wonderful and served a great dinner to us on Friday. A good show to do, and good merchandise 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.

For formal country dealers Bob and Anne Lynch of Honesdale, Penn., who specialize in Eighteenth and Nineteenth Century furniture and accessories, the show was "just fair," they reported. "The show was very active at the Friday preview, but sales were down for us on Saturday. We did sell a cherry Sheraton one-drawer stand with cock beaded drawer and a nice overhang. Also, a tiger maple 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.