February 2019

February 2019 VADA News
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This has turned out to be some winter here in Vermont and elsewhere! Lots of snow and freezing temperatures. Best way to fight those winter blues and cabin fever is to get out and antique!

VADA members Bonnie and Dave Ferriss of Lake Luzerne, NY have been selling antiques and doing shows since the 1970’s. They have a booth at Stone House in Chester and at the newly renovated Flying Pig Antiques in Westmoreland, NH. Some of the shows where you can see them are Brimfield and Rhinebeck and at one of the shows during Antiques in Vermont and New Hampshire Week. They started in the antiques business as many do--they were frequent attendees at antiques shows and finally a dealer suggested they should consider getting a resale number and start selling as well as buying. So, long ago, in 1973, that’s exactly what they did and have enjoyed every minute of it. They have been members of the Vermont Antiques Dealers’ Association for many years. They remember the first time they set up at a show/flea market which was about a half hour from their home. As Dave tells it, they put some stuff in the back of an old baby blue 1960 pickup truck and off they went. While at the market, some kid was racing up and down at great speed on the main road. Another dealer at the show who sold early tools saw this and ran out into the middle of the road, shirtless and waving a huge broad axe at the kid while cursing at him as fast as the kid was driving! It made quite a sight and luckily no one was axed or killed! Just another fun day at a show!

By the way, Bonnie and Dave did sell two bowback Windsors that day and were thus hooked forever! They deal primarily in folk art, which they also collect, and country, architectural, and garden antiques. When asked what they love the most about the business, they both agree that it’s the hunt for antiques and the friendship family of fellow dealers. They feel as many dealers do that the market has changed dramatically. They also feel that the more interesting, unusual, and higher quality pieces will eventually attract an audience that may never have paid much attention to collecting. Dealers can encourage these new collectors and educate them to understand that antiques are lasting as opposed to newly manufactured items from Ikea and such. Fortunately, there does seem to be an increase in a younger audience at some shows.

If you haven’t sent in your VADA dues, please do so. Dues letters have been sent out and if you haven’t received one, please contact Brian Bittner at bittnerantiques@gmail.com or Jeff Noordsy at jeffnhol@shoreham.net
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Enjoy the rest of the winter and as always, would love to hear from you!
Vesta Urband  vkurband@gmail.com