Date: Fri 13-Mar-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: KAAREN

Quick Words:

Historical-society-antiques

Full Text:

Historical Society Has Its Most Successful Antiques Show

(with cuts)

BY KAAREN VALENTA

The Newtown Historical Society conducted its most successful antiques show

last Sunday when more than 900 persons came to the gym at Edmond Town Hall for

the society's 13th annual event.

"It was great," Elin Hayes, historical society president, said. "We had all

positive feedback from the vendors, and everyone who came seemed to be having

a good time."

Twenty-five antiques dealers displayed a variety of furniture, textiles,

silver, lamps, baskets, dolls, tools, treen, china, maps, and paper ephemera.

Dealers beamed as items were quickly sold from their booths.

"It's a great show -- terrific," said Karen Redinger, who operates Redinger's

in New Milford, a specialist in interior design, vintage textiles, silver,

pottery and glass.

"We've been tremendously busy all day long," she said.

Fred Van Nostrano said he has been coming from Long Island to do the Newtown

show for years.

"It's definitely worthwhile," he said. "The primitives, old kitchen ware, and

the like really sell well."

Elin Hayes said the society did more advertising this year than in previous

years and it really paid off.

"The results were phenomenal," she said.

Mrs Hayes said the historical society trustees worked hard on putting together

the show.

"The coordinator, Nancy Taylor, was particularly fantastic," she said. "This

was her first year and our success was due to her stellar efforts. Of course,

we hope she will do it again next year."

After the expenses are paid, proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit the

society in both its public programming and its preservation of the Matthew

Curtiss House and its collections. The circa 1750 museum on Main Street was

open during the show for free tours by docents. Additional open houses will be

held one Sunday a month beginning next month.