By Virginia Dean, Standard Correspondent
This weekend marks 42 years of antique dealers from around the country in one spot for a prestigious but congenial antique show sponsored by the Vermont Antique Dealers’ Association.
Some 45 sellers will be exhibiting their merchandise within attractively arranged walled room settings in the Union Arena on Route 4 west of the village Green. What’s hot this year in the antique world is original surface, according to President Greg Hamilton.
“It includes items that aren’t touched,” said Hamilton. “Those that are attic finished or dry and untouched.”
Included in the show is an array of fine antiques some of which include jewelry, art, silver, Oriental and primitive hooked rugs, painted furniture, game boards, folk art as well as Early American, Empire and Arts and Crafts period furniture. Hamilton related.
Some of the profits of the show go to local area food shelves, hospitals and shelters in the Upper Valley. Other monetary profits are used for the show’s overall expenses.
“VADA is open to all businesses in Vermont active in the trade of buying and selling antiques and collectibles while abiding by a code of business ethics, giving you, the consumer, peace of mind,” said Hamilton. “We also promote our related businesses such as auctioneers, appraisers and restorers and recently included any museum in Vermont willing to sign on free of charge.”
The annual show has moved around the state over the years, Hamilton related, and arrived in Woodstock some seven years ago.
Stephen Corrigan of Stephen-Douglas Antiques in Rockingham remembers participating in the very first show in North Bennington in 1974.
“It was held in the carriage house at the Park McCullough mansion,” said Corrigan said. “Most dealers were from Vermont and almost everybody was actively dealing.”
Corrigan has been exhibiting in Woodstock for the last five years. Some of his inventory includes 18th century Americana or an eclectic selection of American antiques from the 17th century to the 19th century including painted furniture and colorful painted accessories.
“I tend to make it more casual for summer people who are vacationing and perhaps looking for something to fill in a collection,” said Corrigan. “I’m not going to take anything you have to think a long time about or make a quick decision about. My items are usable but not expensive.”
Corrigan said the show is “beautiful” and merchandise is “priced at what you can buy.”
“The only monkey wrench is that within two weeks there will be the New Hampshire Antiques Show week,” said Corrigan. “It can siphon off activity for Woodstock as it’s a high-end show that caters to serious collectors, but its effect is really marginal.”
Michael Weinberg of Pelham Antiques in West Pelham, Massachusetts, joined VADA about seven years ago because, as he noted, “it’s one of the better dealer associations.” He has three areas of specialty including early English ceramics, needlework samplers, and American country in paint.
“There’re a lot of good people and friends,” said Weinberg. “It’s a beautiful show in a very nice location. I look forward to it because it’s such a great show.”
Mike Seward of Pittsford, will be exhibiting an assortment of artwork, antique furniture and other items related to Vermont.
“The association looks out for the best interest of dealers in the state,” said Seward. “There are high ethics with the items it presents. We guarantee and back everything we sell.”
Seward will also be bringing a print by artist Sabra Fields of an interior room in the Equinox Hotel located in Manchester.
“It’s exquisite,” said Seward. “It’s the corner of a room with one single chair looking out French windows or doors. Beautiful.”
Seward, who indicated that the sought-after original surface has been popular for a few years now, will also present Noah’s Ark accompanied with about 60 carved and painted animals.
Doug Ramsay of DBR Antiques-Doug Ramsay in Hadley, Massachusetts, said this is his sixth year exhibiting at VADA.
“We particularly enjoy the excellent efforts of the show committee in presenting a quality event, appealing to both veteran and beginning collectors,” said Ramsay who will be bringing weathervanes, trade signs, game boards, lighting, paintings, doorstops and furniture.
Gail Stickney of Woodstock’s Lavin Stickney Antiques has partici- pated in the VADA show since 2009. Stickney specializes in 18th and 19th century American and English furniture, Canton, Windsor chairs, fine art and accessories, and garden accessories.
“It was fabulous,” said Stickney. “I have participated in the VADA show every year since and am looking forward to this season’s 42nd anniversary show.”
Stickney will be partnering this year with Gail Torkleson of Spencer- Julian Antiques in Norwich who once participated in the Green Mountain Antiques Show, as it was called then, held in Chester in 2002.
“It was our first show, and we have grown incredibly over the years,” said Torkleson. “The walled spaces provide an opportunity to create an actual room. This year we’re setting up a study furnished with a Vermont- made secretary, a comfortable wing chair, and an English portrait.”
Torkleson specializes in 18th and 19th century New England and English furniture art and accessories including tole, brass, copper, iron and equine inspired pieces.
Stickney and Torkleson are currently exhibiting their fine antiques and accessories at The Antiques Collaborative in Quechee.
“We think the VADA Antiques Show is an elegant event,” said Stickney. “There is quality merchandise displayed in room settings with knowledgeable and friendly dealers and educated, appreciative customers. This adds up to a satisfying day for all. This is a show not to be missed.”
The show will be held on Saturday, July 30 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, July 31 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $10 per person.
This article first appeared in the July 28, 2016 edition of the Vermont Standard.