MUST RUN 4-6

SANDWICH ANTIQUES MARKET USHERS IN 20TH YEAR APRIL 23 w/3 cuts

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SANDWICH, ILL. — Many years ago, when 10-year-old Jeanne Cappi made friends with fellow fifth grader Barb Hankes, neither girl realized that many years later the two would be working together managing one of the most prestigious antique markets in the Midwest.

Now as the Sandwich Antiques celebrates its 20th anniversary with its first show of the season April 22, both women look back on that first meeting as a good omen for both personal friendship and good business karma.

Cappi now owns the business and ultimately hired her school girl friend to help manage the market, adding, “I couldn’t do it without her.”

The nationally known warm weather indoor-outdoor market draws hundreds of dealers and thousands of visitors each month to show, browse and sell antiques and collectibles.

Begun in May 1988, the venue was purchased by Cappi in 2004 after she had worked in management for several years for prior owner Robert C. Lawler.

“Many special events are being planned throughout the 2007 season,” said Cappi, adding, “and we have a special gift for 40 dealers that have been with the show since the beginning.” Those veteran dealers are receiving a custom ordered handmade Rowe Pottery Stein with the market logo and the dates 1988–2007.

Janet Goblin of nearby Ottawa, Ill., who has offered vintage jewelry, quilts and other items for most of the shows during those 20 years, was the very first dealer.

“I’ve done most all of the shows since the beginning, but missed a few since my husband Early passed away May 10,” Goblin said. “I’ve done very well there over the years and met lots of longtime friends, both buyers and sellers.”

Jerry Krenk has been setting up at the market on a regular basis “since 1989, featuring turn-of-century oak kitchen, dining room and Mission-style furniture that is reasonably priced.” At an average show, he says his booth might contain eight or nine dining room tables with chairs to match, two to three sideboards, six or seven cupboards or cabinets, Mission desks and chairs, and “always a good selection of armchairs.”

The dealer refinishes all his offering, adding, “You can purchase it at Sandwich and take it home to use.” He calls the four-hour drive from his home in Schoolcraft, Mich., “a comfortable trip and definitely worth my while.”

Sometimes dealers team up to bring diversity to booths at the market. Davenport, Iowa, dealers Bob and Lynn Herington show art pottery with fellow dealers Jody and Gene Zwiefel of Adel, Iowa, who specialize in Arts and Crafts items, including textiles, metalware and lighting. Both couples have a booth and have been showing at Sandwich for five years, calling attention to “good Chicago buyers that regularly visit the show.”

“Our dealers are our number one concern,” said show promoter Cappi, adding, “Our commitment to our dealers has never waned and our staff is hired because they are friendly and realize that without the dealers we have no market.”

The promoter said, “If the dealers give us their new customer lists, we send each of their customers a free admission pass.”

A key employee, Matt Wilson has been at the market since the beginning. He hires the building personnel, car parkers and cleanup staff, and supervises setting up the grounds Cappi said. Wilson, a teacher from nearby Somonauk, Ill., has three children who have all worked at the market.

Seasoned antiques shoppers are aware of the usual statement, “All items sold as is with no exchange or refund,” but that is not the case at Sandwich. Dealers guarantee all merchandise as part of their contract with the market promoter.

“That’s one of the reasons I’ve been shopping here for many year,” said one buyer from Texas, adding, “I’ve only returned an item one time, but it was handled without any hassle or argument.”

The market has a reputation for working hard for its dealers. “We have not raised booth rents since 1997, even though our costs have risen,” Cappi said.

“I was 50 years old when I bought this business,” Cappi said, “and I cashed in my life savings to get it. I am in this for the long haul. I’m not going to run this show for ten years and bail; this is not a hobby for me.

“My son, Ethan, has worked at the market since he was 15 years old he will celebrate his 26th birthday at our first market this year. If and when I retire he will be ready to take over,” she said.

People who visit the market during this anniversary year will likely find Cappi at the front gate working with market personnel.

“I want to get out and meet with the folks,” she said, “I want to hear about ideas that’ll keep this show going for another 20 years,”

Dates for the 2007 season are April 22, May 20, June 17, July 22, August 19, September 23 and October 28.

For additional information, www.antiquesmarkets.com or 815-786-3337.