Date: Fri 02-Jul-1999

Publication: Ant

Author: GWARD

Quick Words:

Farmington-Revival-Ward

Full Text:

Farmington Celebrates 20 Years

by Genevieve Ward

FARMINGTON, CONN.-- Anyone driving through Farmington on June 12 or 13 knew

that something special was happening. Cars filled with eager buyers lined up,

moving slowly but surely into the Farmington Polo Grounds as early as 7 am.

This year's Farmington Antiques Weekend celebrated more than just a 20-year

anniversary. Perfect weather and near-record attendance were reasons to smile

for dealers and buyers alike.

"It's not just an antiques show, it's an event," said Bret McInnis, who has

worked with the show for eight years. He recalled one dealer stating that

"they had their best show in 2O years."

The Farmington Antiques weekend is known for low turnover among exhibitors.

Over 200 dealers at this year's show have exhibited at Farmington for ten or

more years. In turn, dealers expect to see many repeat customers year after

year.

The show is run by the McInnis family of Revival Promotions, Inc in Grafton,

Mass. Bob, Abby, Bret and Karen McInnis shared tales of past years with many

dealers. No one has forgotten the seven inches of rain that caused the second

day of last year's show to be canceled.

Farmington has become a summer tradition for many buyers. Families with baby

carriages and thirsty dogs enjoy browsing through the booths of the over 600

dealers. Many dealers reported a stronger buying crowd on Saturday, with a

more relaxed, browsing crowd on Sunday.

Joy Irey of New York City's Olde Good Things stated, "We did very well,

selling lots of garden items, spears, trellises. Lighting and hardware have

always been popular, especially doorknobs.

The constant flow of people expressed an interest in stones, terra-cotta from

old school buildings, large friezes, and oddities."

Other booths attracted interest in furniture. Kathleen Lockyer of Kathleen &

Company Antiques in Canton Center, Conn. sold a circa 1840 tall Empire

secretary halfway through Saturday. She also noted a lot of interest in a

circa 1860 desk made from a spinet case. Kathleen recalled, "Farmington always

provides us with a good field of buyers, and the neighboring dealers are very

friendly."

Ashley Dettor, of Verona Va., noted more of an interest in decorative and

cottage furniture over period pieces. She has exhibited at Farmington for five

years, displaying an assortment of country and chic, vintage accessories and

painted furniture.

P.M. Vintage and Patricia Lea Antiques have exhibited at Farmington for 15

years. Stan Slavin was happy that there were no dust storms and no surprise

floods. In fact, it was a very pleasant day for this New York City-based

textiles dealer.

"This show was definitely up to our expectations," he said. "We have expanded

our collection of Victorian English vintage textiles. Designers and decorators

are always interested in chenilles, Victorian draperies, white Marseilles

bedspreads, paisley shawls." For furniture, he said, people run like crazy.

Textiles are saved for last, and many customers returned Sunday to purchase.

A timely and playful display was at Sarum Antiques of Farmington. A croquet

set, teeter-totter, mustard-painted ice cram barrel, red painted pump and

circa 1850 butter worker conjured up images of long-ago summer chores and fun.

Carla Magoun, of Jon and Carla Magoun Antiques in South Paris, Me., has

exhibited at Farmington for all of the show's 20 years. She reflected that,

"better things, sporting and camp seemed to be selling. We've noticed quite an

interest in vintage canoes, Adirondack. Country isn't as strong."

The booth had a cozy lodge feel, with Adirondack boats, antlers, horns, pack

baskets, snowshoes, fishing reels, paddles, a caribou head, and a large

Victorian wicker carriage for twins.

Farmington's own Antiq's was represented by Thomas McCarthy. "We had a great

Saturday morning audience and sold mainly to young professional couples who

want to furnish homes with higher-end items," said McCarthy. He continued, "We

sold a three stacking black walnut Victorian bookcase to a new family in

Farmington, who chose this piece to begin their study." He also noted a keen

interest in Eighteenth and Nineteenth Century furniture, and said the exposure

at the Farmington show has meant customer visits to his shop.

Pear Tree Hill, of New London, N.H., had an interesting display with its nine

spindle step down Windsor chairs, an Eighteenth Century dough trough, and a

five foot long country sofa with chamfered edge legs.

Joe Spaider, of Vintage Wrought Iron in Permaquid Point, Me. sold every one of

his brightly-colored canvas umbrellas, which were made for a movie outfit in

California. Other pieces in his collection of Salterini, Woodard, and Molla

vintage furniture were in high demand.

"The tables and chairs were made in the 1920s and 1930s and during an iron

renaissance directed to outdoor living, then a newly popular focus of the

home. Just before the Second World War, iron was galvanized and then dipped in

zinc to prevent rusting," said Spaider. He also sold a banquet table from a

South Beach, Miami Deco hotel and a Woodard Chantilly rose table, which was

introduced in the early 20s for a movie set.

The Farmington Antiques Weekend was also a success for newcomer Kate Carter,

who owns Front Porch Antiques in West Hartford, Conn. Kate, who said "the show

was very fun," sold iron plant stands, painted furniture, iron garden pieces,

and architectural details to a group of decorators, private residents, and

dealers.

Ellen Raiselis of Nutmeg Treasures, Glastonbury, Conn., sold four pieces of

furniture, a Hartford sampler and a Nantucket sampler, display and food tins,

a flip top table and lots of smalls. She also exhibited a Yale trade sign,

stained glass, a green chimney cupboard, a robin's egg blue kitchen counter

and a blue bucket bench.

Ellen enthusiastically recalled the support of the McInnis family, saying that

they consistently "make the dealers feel as comfortable as possible, and the

communication is great."

The Farmington Antiques Weekend boasts something for everyone in an atmosphere

that welcomes the whole family. The show will enjoy a second performance this

Labor Day weekend, September 4 and 5 on the Farmington Polo Grounds. For

information, call 508/839-9735.