Appreciation of Antiques
Sep 08, 2012 (Menafn - Daily News - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) --Romanza Johnson of Bowling Green has been involved in all 48 years of the local chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha's annual Antique Show and Sale.
"I've seen a lot of changes during these 48 years," said Johnson, a member of the sorority. The most noticeable difference is the size of the show, which has grown in the number of antique dealers and attendance.
Johnson remembers the first show, when there were just six antique booths, she said. This year, there are about 30 booths at the show, which began Friday at the Knights of Columbus Hall and continues through Sunday. "It's good to see people appreciate antiques and collectibles," Johnson said.
The show is the main fundraiser for the sorority and helps raise money for 14 local organizations, she said. "This is a great community event," Johnson said. "You see old friends from year to year."
Paula Hendrick of Bowling Green comes to the antique show every year.
"I never miss this show," Hendrick said. "It's wonderful for Bowling Green."
She usually isn't looking for anything in particular, but ends up finding many good items, she said. During the first hour of the show, Hendrick had already found several items, including crystal glassware and linen napkins.
She also comes to the show to visit with people, she said. The dealers have a story for each of their items, and it's really interesting to listen to them, she said.
"It's just like a big reunion here," Hendrick said.
Ouida Foster of Hopkinsville has had a booth at the antique show for more than 20 years, she said. She used to travel to other shows in the region, but now this is the only one she comes to.
"I must say that these people are nicer to us than any place we go," Foster said.
She buys a lot of her antiques from auctions and estate sales around Hopkinsville, she said. She looks for old glass, china and silver, but will buy anything old that she likes.
"You usually end up liking it all," Foster said.
This weekend, she brought some dolls from her personal collection to sell.
"I'm a big doll collector, but I'm trying to downsize ... I've just got too many," Foster said.
Martha Cassady, 89, of Oakland, has been buying antiques since she was 5. Her mom was an antique dealer and she used to go with her from house to house, buying and selling items. Since her mother's death, Cassady has continued her legacy by selling antiques at shows in the region.
"I had to do something with it," Cassady said.
Pretty glassware is her favorite item to collect, but she buys a variety of antiques.
"If you know what's good, you buy it," Cassady said.
-- The Alpha Theta chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha's 48th annual Antique Show and Sale continues from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. today and from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Knights of Columbus Hall. Admission is 5. For more information, visit www.bgantiqueshow.com.
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