The Fourth of July started off with overcast skies, several dark clouds showing the threat of rain, but forecasters said that the early morning mist and fog would burn off and bring sunshine and very hot weather to this popular holiday. That was good news for Vivien Cord and her 90 dealers, who had shown up for her annual Antiques In The Church Yard at Stevens Memorial United Methodist Church at 8 Shady Lane, just off Route 123.
“It was great, an amazing show similar to the good old days, and only one dealer I spoke to said he had just an okay show, while all the rest were very happy because of the strong selling,” Vivien said. She noted that all periods of furniture were selling, especially country, and that “the people kept coming all day, it was a steady flow.” By day’s end, 2,500 people had come through the gate and car license plates ranged from Canada to Maryland.
Two large tents were set up for those wanting some protection, while most other dealers came with their own form of tenting, mainly to stay out of the hot sun. And like every other outdoor market, antiques were shown off tables, hoods and roofs of cars and vans, and on the ground.
An early Twentieth Century Boston terrier riding toy was offered by Your Grandma Had It, and Sage Antiques showed three wood carvings signed Alexander 1970, including two birds and one fish. In each case the carver had dedicated his work to a particular person as was noted in ink on the base of the mounting. Things that many of us grew up with, such as early toasters, glasses that came from buying certain products, colorful ice cream dishes and food canisters with Art Deco figures as decoration, filled the many shelves set up by 20th Century Limited of Guilford, Conn.
Chris Velush of Southbury (Conn.) Fine Arts was happy with a clock he had just acquired from a Washington, Conn., estate, an example in working condition with wooden works, hand painted dial and case with pinwheel decoration from top to bottom. He also offered a large pond boat with the original surface and sails, about 3 feet tall.
Ann Marsh of Danbury, Conn., brought a large and varied collection of tin things, ranging from early buckets to chicken feeding troughs, and from planters and trays to milk crates. Several of the pieces were filled with flowers, showing a modern-day use for an old working object. Joni Lima of Iron Renaissance, Damariscotta, Maine, came down with a load of patio and garden furniture and decorations, including several table and chairs sets, some cast stone figures and decorative benches.
Jaffe & Thurston of Wawarsing, N.Y., best known for paintings and works of art, showed a collection of wood and tin smalls, and the scope of objects offered by All Your Yesterdays ranged from a large, formal hall stand with mirror, coat hooks and umbrella rack to type trays that were in vogue during the hot metal days of newspaper printing.
A nice pair of banister back side chairs was shown by Two Sides of a River Antiques, New London, N.H., contrasting with the pieces of oak furniture that filled the booth. Of note was a turn-of-the-century oak three-door ice box, pat. 1924, and complete with the original shelves and hardware. An American side chair with rush seat and a candlestand were at the front of the booth of Hirsh Antiques, signaling more Americana was available at this location.
One of the unusual and star lots at the show was a dovecote, originally at the Reynolds estate in Salem, N.C. Offered by Interieurs of New York City, it was triangular in shape, retained the original rounded shingled roof, excellent condition, and sold quickly after the show opened. Maile Allen, antique prints and maps, offered a large and varied collection under the large tent, and Kimerling Antiques from nearby Ridgefield, Conn., showed a selection of porcelain, silver and paintings. And for those looking to increase the holding of their jewelry chests, many dealers had jewelry ranging from Bakelite to fine gold and silver pieces.
“It was nice to see people leaving the show with packages, large and small, and especially furniture, which had not been a popular seller for a few years,” Vivien Cord said. And after a few days of rest, Vivien started work on her next show, scheduled for August 25 in Madison, Conn. This event, heading into its 41st year, is the Madison Historical Society Antiques Fair staged on the town green. For more information, 914-273-4667 or www.cordshows.com .
