Despite several cancellations due to weather or soggy fields, the 2011 season for the Elephant’s Trunk Flea Market was a good one, said manager Greg Baecker.
The outdoor market, which runs the first Sunday of April through the last Sunday of November, was hard hit by rain in August and the aftereffects of Tropical Storm Irene, losing three Sundays in that month alone. Baecker happily noted that only one Sunday was lost in October from the nor’easter named Alfred, and November, which usually brings snow, was dry, so dealers were on the field every Sunday that month †a first in several years.
“Overall the gate has been strong, as has the number of vendors that come weekly,” Baecker said. “We’re very pleased with the way things are going and with the mix of antiques and collectibles [being offered].”
On November 27, several dealers could be heard calling out “Last call” and greeting old friends around the field as the mood was jovial and perhaps a tad wistful as this is the last Trunk until next April. One dealer who was set up was enthusiastically greeted and noted his absence of six weeks came after he blew out his truck leaving the field the last time, resulting in major repairs needed. He was back in style and as absence makes the heart grow fonder, his “fresh” merchandise was well received.
With early morning temperatures hovering around 30 degrees, a frost soon built up on many an item put out hours earlier for display, especially glass frames, books and even a set of four upholstered chairs that looked to be dark green but were covered with a layer of white on their seats and backs. A husband-wife team of dealers could be seen scraping the frost off an electric, arcade-style pinball machine around 8 am.
A hardy sort, Trunk dealers took the chill in stride, starting the day in hats, scarves and heavy coats or waited for buyers from the warmth of their rental vans. The weather reached the 60s within a few hours, however.
A flea market always has a mix of new and old. Among the new, there was the sock guy, boxes of nightlights and handmade goat’s milk soap being offered, but antique and vintage items dominated the offerings. From midcentury lighting circa 1950s‱980s to old toys, fine paintings (mostly in great period frames), coins, pottery and silver to tools, an old Victrola, and Oriental rugs †the Trunk had it all.
Adam Theodoros, Andover, Mass., was pleased with his sales at this season closer. By 7:15 am, he had already sold a 1970s Lucite kitchen set (table and chairs), a large Oriental rug, a 1960s cushiony “hand” chair, and a funky Deco clock with two faces. One face had the inscription “This is the time now” and the other read “You will be done at.”
Debbie Gioello, Yonkers, N.Y., had a fine tabletop display of bottles and china, while her neighbor, Bruce Lichtenstein, Monroe, Conn. featured fine pottery.
The trunk will return the first Sunday of April, barring late season snow. For more information, www.etflea.com or 508-265-9911.
