IN SEARCH OF TRUTH AND BEAUTY, ONE MUNDANE OBJECT AT A TIME

When shopping for antiques, it’s easy to confuse the search for truth & beauty, with acquisition of the beautiful, rare or exotic.  In fact, the real search is often more about objects that improve our quality of life than the beauty of our surroundings.  As years slip by, it’s impossible not to notice that each time we purchase a new item, it’s of lower quality in materials, craftsmanship and durability than whatever we’re replacing.  When we look back, it’s hard not to be enamored with the quality, function and charm of the objects our parents or grandparents used.

A couple of weeks ago, we decided to spend our Sunday morning at the Capital City Antiques Mall outdoor market.  We strolled from booth to booth, looking at this, touching that, and occasionally buying a trinket or two, when Lyn turned to me and flashed a big smile. “Look what I found”!  I was stunned. We had climbed the mountain, and were  returning with the prize.  She was holding a stamped steel, spring loaded, Scot Towels, under cabinet, paper toweling dispenser.  Embossed proudly with the makers name, and a 1929 patent date, this simplistic, mint condition, engineering marvel, would proudly replace the latest, of a long line of crappy plastic towel dispensers. I felt as if I had climbed into the  way-back machine with Mr. Peabody.  I felt victorious; Defiant. Let’s just see those damn towels escape from this one.  Lyn quickly restored perspective. “I like the color”.  

The masking tape price tag stuck on the bottom read $3.50, but the seller offered it to us for three bucks before we even had a chance to ask.  I was nonchalant as I offered the money.  Takin’ candy from a baby.

Okay, I’m not kidding myself, not everything can improve your life as much as an old paper towel holder, but many old things are extraordinary.  They exude charm, feel comfortable, and are mostly well made. The truth is, that when we find old objects that we can incorporate into our lives, we profit by the effort, often saving money, and always saving increasingly scarce resources. Old things truly are remarkable. Not only can they connect us with the past, they can also keep us out of the malls, and best of all, give us a reason to visit our favorite antiques & collectibles shops.  What more could we ask for,.

So, don’t overlook the charm and utility of using vintage items in your everyday life.  Next time you encounter an old mixing bowl just like the one grandma had, don’t hesitate to pick it up.  Stir things up a bit.

I'VE GOT TO BLOW THIS JOINT, SOMEBODY OUT THERE MIGHT BE BUYING MY STUFF!

Good lord girl, you don't have time to sit in that chair! Pull a bandana over that head, and throw on a pair of sunglasses.  The latest edition of the New Century Collector is out,  and there's shopping to be done.

 

Remember, You snooze you lose.  You don't want to be caught sitting around.  Not when just one click of the mouse will get you an early peek at the new June issue of the Collector.  A girl has to have her priorities straight you know. 

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW

TO JOIN THE FUN  

GIVE THIS LINK A CLICK TO FIND OUT THE LATEST IN UTAH COLLECTING

ACORNS ANTIQUES SHOW - May 19th: What do you mean, “can you see my wallet” fugettaboutit!

There are dangerous places in this world, but  nothing makes me more nervous than turning Lyn loose at the Acorns antiques show.  If you can’t find plenty to buy at this show, your amateur status is safe. Big crowds and a diverse group of dealers make this is the hottest Utah show since Walter Larsen was attracting the ermine toque crowd at the expo center.

You’ll find a little bit of everything at Acorn’s.  But it’s not just the antiques that make this show a shopping mecca.  They should all be like this one. The  atmosphere us casual, the dealers welcoming, and    promoter Heidi Wilcock makes everyone feel like an old friend.  If you love antiques, and can afford the gas, this show is worth the drive from anywhere.

Lyn never disappoints.  This time she was shopping for me, picking up a nice set of Indian scout & dog bookends.  Should be good for two steps toward Nirvana.  See you out there!

Geeeez, the alarm didn't go off and we're late for church

If you've read the New Century Collector, or have taken a look at our blog, you know that our motto is: If you find antiquing to be a religious experience, the Collector will get you to church.   Well, this past Sunday, services were held outside, at the Capital City Antiques Mall, In Salt Lake City.  We arrived a little bit late, but the place was still teeming with religious artifacts.

The Capital City parking lot  is put to a much better use, than parking cars

This is surely what the god's intended antiquing to be.  Fresh air, tables laden with goodies,  and a truck loaded with sustenance,  all basking in warm spring sunshine.  I looked around and noticed Lyn hadn't waited,  she had already made one purchase and was working the tables like a pro.

So I walked around, talked too much, and shopped too little, but still managed to nab a great peach mirror GE/Techron table clock for a paltry thirty bucks.  Since the clock satisfied my craving for stuff,  it seemed like a good time to check out the food truck.

This is how I look when Lyn catches me buying a forbidden candy bar

Carrying a diet coke in place of the Hershey bar, we headed back to the car.  I had a new clock, Lyn had a couple of new artifacts, and my wallet was still substantially intact.  All in all, a great Sunday service. 

On the way out, we encountered Capital City Antiques owner Monica Zoltanski, who was sporting a smile and a great hat.  We told her we had a terrific time, and would be back for her June 3rd sale.  Looks like We'll be regular members of her Sunday flock. 

 Is it proper to wear a hat at church?  hummm

You're kidding, I've got old sweat socks worth more than that

Sometimes it's good to know what your stuff is worth, and sometimes you wish you hadn't ask.  

The Utah Antiques Dealers Association held a small flea market and antiques and antiquarian books appraisal  event at the Sandy Historical Museum.  Hundreds of inquisitive collectors brought their treasures to be appraised by 3 of Utah's foremost antiques and rare book experts.

It was a mixed bag of smiles and frowns, as Gary Thompson (Gary Thompson Antiques), Nate Bischoff (Bearcat Antiques & Appraisals) and Ken Sanders (Ken Sanders Rare Book),  passed out the good and bad news for about 6 hours. 

Appraisals were a bargain $3.00 per item, with all proceeds going to the Museum.  This is an annual event, so keep an eye out next spring if you would like to get the scoop on your best stuff.

Along with the appraisals, the Association held a small flea market in the museum parking lot.  Lots of folks came for appraisals, but couldn't resist adding a piece or two to their collections before they left.

Keep your eye out for information about future dates for this fun antiques event in the New Century Collector.

Flea Circus: Hey, they're getting through the gates, and someone is looking at me kinda funny!

You don't want to be standing too close to the gates when it's opening time at a Flea.o.logy sale.  Someone is likely to pick you up, shake off the dust and stick you in the holding area until they can figure out how you can best be re-purposed.

It was every man for himself, as a crowd jostled for position at two entrances to the sale

Paula, Cathie & Jen (the flea.o.logists), remain the Queens of the recycle, re-imagine, re-love crowd, with their intermittent open air markets attracting a swarm of avid vintage shoppers. Their Saturday sale in Payson was no exception. 

Stephanie from Abode in Salt lake, puts the finishing touches on her booth.

Having arrived a few minutes before opening, Lyn & I strolled around the peaceful grounds, and watched as dealers finished stocking and arranging their goods, knowing, it was all for naught, as the sale hungry crowd would have the place disheveled and picked clean in pretty short order.

 

As they come through the gate, this group of shoppers seem confused as to whether they should go left or right, knowing the right decision will lead them to that sought after treasure.

Fascinated with the crowd, I began shooting a few pics, and Lyn of course began her usual pilgrimage to the sale tables. Nirvana seemed in sight, as it didn't take long for her to find an object to add to her collection.

Buyer and Seller each seem to think they got the best of the deal. I think they did, a small step towards Nirvana, and a coin or two for the dealers hard work.

  

We were running late, so it was a quick trip through the central checkout, and off to Sandy for a UADA sponsored sale & appraisal event.

If you haven't made it to one of the Flea.o.logy sales, you ought to make the scene. Fresh air, sunshine, vintage goodies and most of all, lots of fun. What more is there.  Watch the New Century Collector for upcoming flea.o.logy  events.

See you out there

YOU'D BETTER FILL UP THE OLD JALOPY. YOU'RE GONNA HAVE TO HIT THE ROAD IF YOU DON'T WANNA MISS ANYTHING IN MAY. AIN'T IT ALL JUST TOO DOGGONE MUCH FUN!

After a cold wet winter, antiques are breaking out all over the place. Sales and happenings all through the month of May.  But you don't have to worry about missing your favorite event, because you can depend on the New Century Collector to keep you posted on what's going on out there.  So gas up the car and hit the road.

HERE'S YOUR MAP TO ANTIQUING NIRVANA 

MAY 1ST

   ABOUT TIME ANTIQUES BIRTHDAY

What could be better than cake and an antiques sale.  Be sure to stop by and wish a happy 1st birthday to owner Connie Tibbits at About Time Antiques Mall.  Cake and antiques! Mmmmm on both counts.

MAY 5TH

FLEA O LOGY, EVERYONE'S FAVORITE FLEA MARKET

SANDY HISTORIC MUSEUM ANTIQUES EVENT

This is not a day for antiquing lightweights.  Two must attend events, the spring Flea o logy sale and the Sandy Historic Museum collectibles sale & appraisal event will separate hardcore antiquers from the wannabe's. 

As luck would have it, the girls at Flea o logy are out to get the worm.  So, you can participate in the art of discovering second hand treasures at 8:00 am Saturday morning, and still make the scene at the Sandy Museum  by its 10:00 am kickoff.  

Find out what your old stuff is worth. The Utah Antiques Dealers will be sponsoring an appraisal event at the Sandy Museum, where for a paltry $3.00 each, you can have your antiques and old books evaluated by three of Utah's best appraisers, Gary Thompson (Gary Thompson Antiques), Nate Bischoff (Bearcat Antiques & Appraisals) & Ken Sanders ( Ken Sanders Rare Books).  All proceeds will go to the museum.

MAY 6TH

CAPITAL CITY ANTIQUES MALL, SUNDAY MARKET

Capital City kicks off the third season of its popular Sunday Markets on the second Sunday in May.  Owner Monica Zoltanski promises to soothe our souls with a few of our favorite things; antiques, food & music.  What better way to spend a sunny Sunday morning.

MAY 12TH

EXPRESSIVE BUNGALOW ANNIVERSARY

 THE ESTATE SALE MALL, PARKING LOT SALE

Expressive Bungalow, one of Salt Lakes classiest resale shops, celebrates it's first anniversary in May.  Stop by on the 12th, and congratulate owner Nancy Blaney, enjoy some refreshments, and shop at 25% off your total purchase. 

If outside sales are you thing, you'll want to be in Ogden for what promises to be a great antiques & collectibles sale in the parking lot at The Estate Sale Antiques Mall.  Owner Lance Lewis always has plenty interesting things at good prices.

MAY 19TH

  ACORN'S SPRING ANTIQUES SHOW

 CROSSROADS DOLL & TEDDY BEAR SALE

On May 19th, it's back up to Ogden, for Acorns, everyone's favorite antiques show.  Promoter Heidi Wilcock has the touch, every show seems better than the last.  You can pick up a discount card at almost any antiques shop, or print one out on the New Century Collector website www.newcenturycollector.com

It's back, Crossroads Doll & Teddy Bear sale. This is the one doll collectors wait for all year long.  Promoter Dorothy Drake brings her doll extravaganza to the Utah Fairgrounds On the 19th, .  You can get a discounted admission with her ad, or print a coupon from our website www.newcenturycollector.com

MAY 26TH

SPRING CITY HERITAGE DAY

Last but not least, is one of my favorite annual events.  Spring City Heritage Day.  Catch an early breakfast, bid on art by the foot, attend an antiques show in the Old School, and take the most fascinating historical home tour you've ever been on.  It's an easy drive from anywhere in Utah to Spring City.  If you've never been before, this will become one of you favorites too.

I'LL SEE YOU OUT THERE.  I'M GOING TO TRY TO MAKE THEM ALL!

HAPPY HUNTING

COME ON, YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO TAKE A LITTLE PEEK!

Come a little closer, you're going to like what you see!

It's okay, don't feel so naughty.  Everyone is doing it. And you don't want to be the last one to see what's in the latest issue of the  NEW CENTURY COLLECTOR.

This is a bit of an old fashioned girl.  She waits to pickup her issue when it arrives at her favorite antiques shop. I'll bet she doesn't even have a cell phone! 

So, join the crowd, and Just give the link below a little click, and you can feast your eyes on our May issue, before it even hits the stands.  Come on, take a peek, we won't tell. You know you want to.

 JUST CLICK ON THIS LINK TO GET AN EARLY PEEK

. 

 

HOW AM I GOING TO SNEAK THIS STUFF PAST LYN? IT'S RECORD STORE DAY, AND I'VE BEEN A BAD BOY.

Like everyone, It's easy to get carried away on the big holidays, you know, like Christmas, New Years, Halloween, and of course Record Store Day.   It’s all just too exciting.  That's because there's  simply  nothing I like better than a Record Store.  Those hallowed depositories of the sights and sounds of our youth.

 

There is one caveat.  Unlike torn tee shirts, crumbs in my beard and buffets, I actually have standards when it comes to record stores.  I don't want to see CD's and cassette tapes, or racks full of those stupid little cases people carry them around in.  No displays of mp3 players, or those crappy little ear buds people think are real headphones.  Come on, just show me the records.

So, when I need a musical diversion, it's into the old pickup and off to Respin Records in Taylorsville, where owners Paul & Ginger really know how to stock a record shop. 

 

The Record Shop Day sale at Respin had been occupying  my thoughts for a couple of days.  The enticement; a big chunk of the stores regular stock for sale at a buck an album.  That's cheaper than when I bought them the first time around in the 60's.  So, on Record Shop Day eve, I laid in bed like a kid waiting for Santa, full of anticipation and worry.  The notion that someone might get there first causing  increasing anxiety. And sure enough, when I pulled in, the place was already buzzing.  .

Geez, people were hauling my records away by the crate full.  What about me? Still, a couple of hours later I found myself feeling a little calmer, and  leaving the store with a box of records worth a thousand memories for less than a hundred bucks.  Now, just how do I sneak the darn things into the house.

Thanks for the memories Paul!

OXIDE EXTRAVAGANZA! OR, INTO EACH LIFE A LITTLE RUST MUST FALL

Yesterday, I had a little back & forth with my friend Brenda at Just a Bed of Roses in Farmington, about some rusty old stuff she had come across.  I'm a bit of a dinosaur, and back in the ice age when I had my shop, we threw the old rusty junk in a box in the back room, hoping that sooner or later it would turn into dust and we could just sweep it out.   Turns out that these days, if you're a modern  girl, you're your using the term charm, and rust in the same sentence.  Who'd a thunk it? Here's a taste of what up at Just a Bed of Roses this week.

  

 Brenda's theme this week is:

DUMP DIGGER TREASURES

Elements to rusty up your home decor & gardens

Sounds like Brenda has a truck load of rustibles that she will be unloading today.  She's in luck though, its scheduled to rain, and that should put a fresh coat of oxide on all her goodies.  If you want to check out Brenda's "dump digger" sale, get yourself down to Just a bed of Roses at 15 East. State Street in Farmington.

LETS ALL GO UP TO MIDWAY AND HELP MILLIE CLEAN OUT HER HOUSE

DID SOMEONE SAY ANTIQUES SALE..... HUMMMMM

I HEAR THAT THREE'S THE CHARM

It sounds like Roger & Millie Medby have been over served. They're into their third sale, and still have a houseful of stock from Hollyhock antiques.  Where did they get all this stuff.

 Anyway, Millie has slashed the prices again, and the third time around might just be the best.  So, grab a box, or better yet a pickup, and head up to Midway to help Millie clean out the house.  The sale is this Thursday, Friday and Saturday (March 29-30-31) at the house behind Fillerup Coffee Station, 30 North 200 East in Midway.

DON'T KNOCK THE KID DOWN JUST TO GET THE FIRST COPY

If you want to be the guy who knows everything, amaze your friends with your command of the antiques scene, and be a role model to your children,  then you're in the right place. Here it is, in all it's glory.  The April issue of the New Century Collector. We've got it, all the antiques news that's fit to print.

 

So, show your friends your savoir faire. Just click on the link below, and you'll be on your way to putting a little style in your life.

 

CLICK HERE TO FIND THE MEANING OF LIFE 

WHAT WILL WE DO. NO WALTER LARSEN SHOW THIS SPRING, THINK ACORN'S

I’ve been fielding calls lately, from collectors wondering about the dates for the Walter Larsen Spring Show.  Well, for those who haven’t heard the news, the Larson show has been sold to Denver promoter Nancy Johnson, who has not scheduled a show until fall 2012.  Not to worry, because the Larson show isn’t the only place to get your springtime antiques fix.  

 

 

Just jump in your jalopy, and head a few miles north to the Weber County Fairgrounds, where on May 19th & 20th you’ll find an antiques wonderland, courtesy of Heidi Wilcock who promotes the Acorns antiques show.  This is a great show that should be on any serious antiquers list of to do’s.

OUR FAVORITE WORDS, "ANTIQUES SALE"

I have to confess, that every time I hear the word antiques, my interest piques just a little bit.  However, pair it with the word sale, and I become intently interested.  The only thing that can moderate my enthusiasm is if Lyn sees the sign, and begins to eye my wallet. 

More to the point, Millie and Roger Medby will be liquidating the contents of Hollyhock, their Midway Utah antiques shop, on the 15th, 16th & 17th of March.   The sale will be held daily from 9 to 3,  in an old brick house behind "Fillerup Coffee Station", at  30 No. 200 E.  There should be plenty of great stuff to sate your antiques appetite.

I didn't tell Lyn about this one, tomorrow's  her birthday, so I'll  sneak up to Midway and try to find a hallowed object or two.  Everyone need a little help on the road to nirvana.  See you there.

IS THERE ANYTHING SEXIER THAN THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE NEW CENTURY COLLECTOR?

This girl seems to know what she's doing, isn't that the new March issue of the NEW CENTURY COLLECTOR she's holding in her hand.   Definitely my kind of gal. 

Don't worry, you can spice up your life without getting pinned up in someones locker.  Just follow the link below, and you'll get this month issue in a brown paper wrapper.  It's not even in shops yet, now that's sexy.

 

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT THE MARCH ISSUE

IS THIS ANY WAY TO SPEND A FRIDAY NIGHT? OH YEAH.....

This past Friday, Lyn & I dropped by Nancy Blaney's  Sugarhouse shop, Expressive Bungalow, for one of Nancy's evening Events.  Billed as, EXPRESSIVE BUNGALOWS GALLERY NIGHT, Come and visit with local artists, Photography - Wire and stone creations - Ceramics - - -Refreshments - Music - Friends, we knew it wouldn't disappoint.  It didn't take long to figure out we weren't the only ones who had been to one of Nancy's shindigs, the place was packed. 

Who could resist.  Local artists, Live music, a taste of the grape, and what could best be described as 5 course refreshments.  Who would want to?

So, we ate & drank, checked out the local art, and browsed around Nancy's shop for a bit. Finding some musicians in the next room,  we decided to sit around and listened to what turned out to be some very good jazz guitar.  We almost wished we hadn't made dinner reservations. But alas,  I took one more look through the shop, and It was time to stop by to thank Nancy, and say goodnight.  Lyn wasn't far behind, showing up at the counter with yet another religious artifact. 

What can I say. Eats, drinks, art, and a step closer to nirvana; does this girl know how to host a party or what.  Thanks Nancy.

ACORNS SHOW STOPPER

This past weekend, Lyn and I stopped by the Weber County Fairgrounds to drop off a stack of New Century Collectors, and check out the Acorns show.  As usual, promoter Heidi Wilcox put on a show that didn't disappoint.  As we walked around the show, I talked and took a few photos, and Lyn of course,  shopped.  

Overall, the show was terrific.  Every booth seemed to have a little something to catch your eye.  But, one booth just jumped up and said helloooo.  A dealer who had come down from Montana had filled his space with the most fabulous collection of 1940's - 50's Formica top table and chair sets I've ever seen.  Even better, the tables, which along with the original chairs had been meticulously restored, each sported an assortment of vintage lamps and nicknacks.  It was simply dazzling.

If you didn't make it to the show,

you missed a real eye popper

The show was also a success for Lyn, who walked out of the building with an antique copper bucket and an Art Deco lamp to add to her growing collection of religious objects.  Two steps closer to Nirvana.  One month farther from retirement.  Que sera.

HEY? THATS JUST LIKE THE LUNCH BOX I NEVER HAD.

ANTIQUES

& COLLECTIBLES SHOPS:

market place for memories

 

There they were. The light reflecting from the glistening stainless steel had caught my eye, …… cool, I remember those. My mind immediately flashed to the clatter and pungent aroma of the school lunch rooms we hung around as kids. As I re-actively stretched my hand out to take a closer look at these battered, scratched, and dented pieces of my childhood puzzle, a voice echoed from behind. “You’ve got to be kidding”. My wife’s reminder that every object associated with my childhood wasn’t quite as interesting as I seemed to think, and, that although the sign on the front of the building said antiques & collectibles, you can’t believe everything you read. Still, who’s to say that old school lunch trays won’t someday find a place in the pantheon of Americana? I gave my wife that “but they’re so retro” look, but quickly retreated. We both knew they would only join a growing menagerie of childhood memories deposited in our storage unit. Still ……

 ORIGINAL 1954 SUPERMAN

LUNCH BOX WITH THERMOUSE

We’ve all heard the phrase “buying back our childhood”, and as we get older, for many collectors, our primal obsession is the drive to recapture our past. We scour shops, yard sales and flea markets, hoping to find toys, sports memorabilia, music and other accoutrements of our youth, paying homage to our childhood with prominent displays in our homes and offices. But, if you’re thinking you want to join in the fun, you’d better check your bank balance first. It turns out that many of us are really more interested in collecting the childhood we wish we had. We’re not looking for that brown craft lunch bag we toddled off to school with, we want the lithographed Superman lunch box with matching thermos that the kid sitting next to us had. Sort of a memory upgrade if you will. And, that upgraded childhood can cost plenty. A quick look at collectibles reflecting the popular culture of the 1950’s and 60’s turned up a 1954 Adco Superman Lunchbox for $550, a set of 1964 Beatles bobble head nodders for $490, a 1950’s Marx Fort Apache for $330, a Mattel Fanner 50 cap gun set for $225, and a 1959 #1 Barbie for a mere $2,250. You get the idea. But don’t despair, there are lots of less iconic memories out there, that can be picked up without breaking the bank. You can still buy a 1960’s Batman or Twiggy lunch box for under $50.00, and there are lots of dolls, matchbox cars, Tonka trucks and myriad memories that can be bought for just a few dollars. And if all els fails, don’t worry, you can always think about those intriguing lunch trays.

Looking back is not just an old mans game. It seems to be generation-ally contagious. Dozens of trendy resale shops beckon 20 & 30 something’s with signs touting “vintage or retro”, and shelves filled with merchandise from 70’s, 80’s & 90’s. They better get started while they can still afford it. ‘goo-goo-ga-joob’.

Is never better than late? Naw. Not if's its a chance to get a look at this month New Century Collector!

We'll here it is in all of its resplendent glory.  The February issue of the New Century Collector.  You may already be the last one on your block to get a look, but as they say, better late than never.

 

GIVE THIS A CLICK TO TAKE A LOOK AT OUR FEBRUARY ISSUE

Under the tree with Rip Van Winkle

I woke up this morning, and realized that with the holiday's, a long visit from my kids in Alaska, and some well deserved R&R in San Diego,  I haven't made an entry here in a bloggers age.

Anyway,  I'm back among the living, and hopefully from time to time I'll post a thing or two of interest to the antiquing, vintage and retro community.