Changes Ahead For Historical Society’s Antiques Show

By Shannon Hicks

For two decades Newtown Historical Society has been presenting a spring antiques show. First set up at the society’s Matthew Curtiss House, and then for the last ten years at Edmond Town Hall, the show has now grown so popular that show manager Nancy Taylor has decided to once again move the show.

When the 22nd Annual Newtown Historical Society Spring Antiques Show returns next month, attendees will notice two things: First, the show will be presented at Newtown High School; second, the show has moved from a Sunday to a Saturday event.

The show will be in the high school’s cafeteria from 10 am until 4 pm on Saturday, March 3. There is no early buying. Admission is $7 per person.

“We wanted the show to continue to grow,” said Ms Taylor, who is also the historical society’s vice president. “It’s our primary fundraiser, and in order to help with the needs of the historical society, we felt there was a need for a larger show.”

The antiques show helps the historical society helps pay for some of the guest speakers and presenters who offer programs during the year that are free to the public. Funds from past antiques shows have also helped with maintenance on the historical society’s museum, a circa 1750 saltbox at 44 Main Street that  needs its roof replaced. Proceeds from the antiques show will help that project.

The Matthew Curtiss House will be open from noon to 3 pm on the day of the antiques show, and costumed docents will offer guided tours. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted.

It was Fred Kampmeier who developed an antiques show for Newtown Historical Society, and that show debuted in 1986. Mr Kampmeier, who remains an active volunteer for the historical society, managed the show for at least its first decade.

Ms Taylor worked with Mr Kampmeier for a few years before taking over its management nine years ago. She is hoping another change will be good for the antiques show.

“I’m hoping for more excitement, some new energy,” the Sandy Hook resident said this week. “I’m excited about it.”

The Antiques Show

Thirty-one dealers are slated to be in the cafeteria at Newtown High School on March 3. The town hall presentations have offered 25 booths.

“We’ve added six more booths for this show. There may be room for more, but we didn’t want to overcrowd the floor this first year out,” Ms Taylor said. Also new will be the availability of a light breakfast and lunch menu.

New dealers this year will include Robert Baranowski of Portland, Chatlas Antiques of Kensington; and Evelyn Cirkot of Derby, who will have kitchen items, wireware, textiles, glass and pottery.

Deerwood Antiques of Woodbury is also participating for the first time, and David Lowe from Hackettstown, N.J., will have a booth whose offerings will include framed cigarette cards.

Sasha’s Antiques, owned by Kathy and Paul Steinberg of Orange, regularly offer 18th and 19th Century antiques; and Martin Wadler from Kingston, N.Y., will have postcards including many of Newtown and surrounding areas.

Not everything about the show is new. Visitors will see some familiar faces at the high school next weekend.

Among the returning favorites will be Baker Antiques (Dick and Louise Baker), Timothy and Stephanie Fagan, Poverty Meadows Mercantiques (B. Jane Brymer), and Ram Pasture Antiques (Peg Jepsen), all of Newtown, along with Cynthia Ayers of Southington, Caroline Dirsa of Orange, William Lorne of Manchester, Jim Megura of Brookfield, Karen Petruno of Roxbury, Gary and Joyce Seaman of Bethel, and Felicia Wade of Monroe.

Out-of-state dealers who are returning will include Chimney Corner Antiques, from Newburyport, Mass., who have rented two booths, and Rowfant Antiques (Robert Girvin) from Charlton, Mass..

“This will be a diverse show,” promises Ms Taylor. “All kinds of antiques and collectibles will be available. I try to get high quality, a diversity of inventory, and a good selection of dealers.

“We’re really excited. We expect good crowds. I’m very excited about the change.”

For additional information about the antiques show, leave a message on the historical society’s answering machine, 426-5937.