Download the November 2009 issue (PDF) - Inside Chappaqua

IN&AROUNDT O W NAnnual Chappaqua Antiques Show OffersFun, Rare Finds, and EnjoymentBY PAMELA BROWNUnusual antiques,decorating advice,appraisals, rafflesand food. Thisexciting mixmakes theChappaquaAntiques Show a“must-do” activity.The town’s42nd annualtwo-day eventtakes place atBill Bramswigthe WestorchardSchool inChappaqua onNovember 7th andPictured is a Sterling SilverTea Service and furniture ata booth at the 2008 show.8th from 10 a.m. to5 p.m. Admission is $10. This event raisesfunds for the New Castle HistoricalSociety.“We have a stellar reputation as thelongest-running antiques show with qualitydealers and interesting details such asappraisals, design experts, homemadedesserts, a raffle, and a Show Café,” saiddealer chair, Betsy Guardenier. “It’s a big communityevent. We always get between 1500 and 2000 visitors.The show has become an exciting community institutionthat attracts crowds from a wide surrounding area.People are proud and happy to support it.”This year, the all-volunteer show is better than ever,with an emphasis on design and recession-friendly pricing.“We expect again to have approximately 50 qualitydealers. At least ten will be new this year,” said6 Inside Chappaqua November 2009Bill BramswigGuardenier. Booths willshowcase unusualantiques and objets d’art,including sparklingantique jewelry, Persiancarpets, gleaming silver,vintage Patek and Rolexwatches, and fine vintageclothing and linens. Also,you’ll find old maps, classicposters and prints, historicsports memorabilia,rare books, ProvencalenamelPresident Bill Clinton isserving as honorary chairthis year.kitchenware, and antique furniturefrom Asia, Europe, andAmerica.An exciting part of the show is thehonorary chairman, formerPresident Bill Clinton. “It’s createda buzz among dealers andpatrons. Clinton was President ofthe United States for eight yearsand he and Hillary are Chappaquaresidents and long-time membersand supporters of the HistoricalSociety. We’re grateful for his help with this year’s show,”said Guardinier. “If he’s in town the first weekend inNovember, we hope he’ll stop by as he has in the past.”The Society houses an official Clinton Museum Store featuringhis presidential memorabilia.Two shoppers at an estate jewelry booth takenat the 2008 show.Once again, in a mini “Antiques Road Show,” charismaticStephen van Cline, an appraiser in the metropolitan regionfor over 45 years, will offer appraisals both days. “Antiquesare art. I’ve noticed there’s increasing interest in them.You don’t have to collect antiques to enjoy them. Peoplelove to come and look at good things,” said van Cline,whose valuable advice is: don’t throw away anything withoutknowing if it has any value. “Often, people don’t knowwhat they have and they’re very surprised.” Last year, vanCline appraised a set of 1820s portraits at $15,000 to$20,000 and saw an unusual set of Limoges china. VanCline is looking forward to the show. “I like to entertainpeople and secretly educate them at the same time. It’salways a wonderful crowd of interesting and curious people;a lot of exciting things; and it’s a good cause.”PAM BROWN is a Professor of English atWestern ConnecticutState University. She is the author of a novel, Faithful Love,and a freelance writer for Inside Chappaqua, threeConnecticut newspapers, and a variety of publications.