Date: Fri 09-Oct-1998

Publication: Ant

Author: DONNAM

Quick Words:

Memories

Full Text:

Memories Of Margaret/LB

By Joel Weber

I can't think of Ann Arbor Market without thinking of that diminutive woman

who often seemed to be all over the 40 acre field at once.

She wasn't like other managers. If something needed sweeping, she'd grab a

push broom. If the flags weren't straight, she'd straighten 'em. If a tent

stake needed pounding, she'd grab a hammer. And if a dealer needed help, she'd

do everything she could.

Margaret Brusher could be tough. She could also be a real softie.

I met her years ago. The late Jeff Orcutt and I were headed out to a backwall

show in Chicago. It was a pricey venue. Since we were going to be on the road

anyway, we thought we'd find something on the way. We'd heard about an

interesting flea market in Michigan.

It turned out to be the Ann Arbor Antiques Market. "We're a little behind here

in the Midwest," Margaret said. "Not quite as sophisticated as you Eastern

folks. But if your things are good, I'll be delighted to have you."

Our things were good. There was a fine paint decorated corner cupboard, a

pretty good step-back, a couple of nice sets of painted chairs. Good, strong

country.

We arrived in Ann Arbor early and phoned Mrs Brusher. "What now?" we asked.

She suggested that we be guests at her club and go for a swim. The gates

didn't open until 5 pm for gallery set ups.

That was typical of Margaret. She was always the perfect hostess.

In line we chatted with a very young Tom Delach who had a van load of painted

furniture and Windsor chairs. "You guys are gonna like it here," he said.

Boy, was he ever right. It was anything but a flea market that was behind the

times. In some ways it was five or six years ahead of the times. It was a

top-drawer show. And to this day, it might be the best 30 bucks I've ever

spent. Jeff and I literally sold to the walls and had to scramble to fill our

Chicago booth.

We thought we had it all in New England. But those Midwestern dealers and the

responsiveness of those Midwestern customers really opened our eyes.

I was probably one of the first of the Eastern dealers to become a regular at

Margaret's market.

Other dealers would ask me: "Why do you go all the way to Michigan? There are

plenty of shows around here."

"It's just a great show," I'd say. "The customers are terrific and

appreciative. And nobody pays more attention to the needs of the dealers, or

runs a tighter show than Margaret Brusher."

When the great folk art boom of the 1980s hit, it was fueled in part by Ann

Arbor. Just like good real estate, Ann Arbor's success had to do with

location. Stuff was turning up in the Midwest, and Margaret's market was smack

dab in the middle of the action.

All of a sudden, the image of the sleepy little antiques business had changed.

It was a national business now. Lots of Eastern dealers were discovering Ann

Arbor. Those who weren't setting up were flying in to pick. It wasn't the

least bit unusual to see dealers from London, Paris, New York and California

in the 5 am buying crowd.

Dealers who would one day exhibit at East Side were showing at Ann Arbor. And,

if you were a good dealer with a good reputation, Margaret could always find

space for you, even at the last minute.

Margaret herself always seemed to be everywhere. She was there before the

first dealer arrived. She was there when the last dealer left. If something

needed to be done, no matter how menial, Margaret dove in and did it.

That Michigan weather could be unpredictable, but not Margaret. When you

arrived, the booth was ready and the details had been taken care of.

Over a period of 25 years, I've known a lot of show managers. In my mind,

there's never been a better one.

Thanks, Margaret. You've meant so much to so many.