tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57340476811442046892024-03-13T06:51:20.452-04:00Rand Peck AntiquesThe Adventures of an Enthusiastic Antique Dealer.Rand Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208678958267684589noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734047681144204689.post-64494256793027879812014-04-07T15:29:00.000-04:002014-04-09T14:07:56.468-04:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>What has happened to our antique market?</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kRN1jhkyp9w/U0LsA4DgfjI/AAAAAAAAQK0/HXcW0VX2Mp4/s1600/P1110944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kRN1jhkyp9w/U0LsA4DgfjI/AAAAAAAAQK0/HXcW0VX2Mp4/s1600/P1110944.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>A well established, long time antique shop in Massachusetts, that appears to be going the way of the dinosaur.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In a recent letter to patrons, <b>The Cobbs,</b> a Peterborough, NH mainstay in New England antique sales, lamented to their clientele about the "weakening" of the "mid range antique market, particularly furniture." They see it not only as an aging participant problem, but a "cultural and societal" issue as well. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I spend much time reading <b>New England Antiques Journal</b>, <b>Maine Antique Digest</b> and others too, in search of knowledge and information. All of these respected, knowledgeable organizations are writing of the demise of our beloved early American antique market. There is nothing new in this folks; markets come and markets go, tastes change and people evolve. Once healthy "buggy whip" factories, the "type writer" industry and "stagecoach" market, employers of vast numbers of citizens, no longer exist; hopefully the entrepreneurs who ushered in these innovations adapted and survived.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Let me interject here that I love antiques, have collected for years, have recently become a dealer and short-sightedly thought that this market would endure forever. Well, maybe not "forever." After all, we're talking about American History. Forget all the rhetoric about a lousy economic climate, we've endured those before, although not to this extent within my lifetime, but what is relevant is that those who collect such items are quickly becoming a political minority. Those who are becoming the majority, apparently have little or no interest in the items that I hold dear. Then it simply becomes a matter of supply and demand. The supply is still here but the demand is not and according to "Economics 101," prices will plummet. And they have. It's provided me with excellent purchasing opportunities, but very poor selling prospects. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As a collector and dealer reality has hit me square between the eyes. My 18th century, maple highboy, ladder back arm chair or antique Persian rug just doesn't hold the same appeal to today's 40 year-olds who listen to rap music, yearn for a shiny new Porsche, shop at Pottery Barn and show up for an international flight in their best sweat pants with the word PINK written across their bottom and their earbuds in place. Is this wrong? No. I may not like it, but it's now the market in which I find myself. Either I adjust or I go out of business. The same decision the buggy whip, typewriter and stagecoach manufacturer had to make many years ago.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">How will we, antique dealers that is, react? Will we continue to defy logic and try to sell items that few seem interested in purchasing? Will we change our business model and hawk products more suited to a contemporary market? Will we hunker down and hope for better times or will we try to educate others to think as we do and share our values? These, as I see it are our choices. Now... which path to follow.</span></div>
Rand Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208678958267684589noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734047681144204689.post-51395282805325979762014-03-29T09:02:00.001-04:002014-03-29T09:06:45.014-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Everyone needs a friend in business. We've made many... here's one of them.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Al Benting</span></u></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When Linda and I decided to jump in with both feet and open <i>RAND PECK ANTIQUES, </i>we drove north to Concord, NH and wandered along antique alley, routes 4 & 202 to see just how this business is done. We met Jane Benting at one of the nicer shops on the route and explained that we were new dealers looking to learn the business. She advised, <i>"you need to meet my husband Al." </i>So off we went to Barrington, NH to meet Al Benting.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yXCHO0WI97s/Uy3hFcUkKAI/AAAAAAAAQIU/ffslq1fg1Z4/s1600/al2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yXCHO0WI97s/Uy3hFcUkKAI/AAAAAAAAQIU/ffslq1fg1Z4/s1600/al2.jpg" height="221" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Some twenty minutes later we pulled into the driveway of this massive, beautiful, antique colonial built in 1780. What you can't see are the ell's, porches and outbuildings that further define their home and business. I wish that I could bring you inside to enjoy all of its architectural detail and years of painstaking antique collections. </div>
</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uF07q9HFHF0/Uy3hFYj6KsI/AAAAAAAAQII/6X4E1xYftu4/s1600/al1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uF07q9HFHF0/Uy3hFYj6KsI/AAAAAAAAQII/6X4E1xYftu4/s1600/al1.jpg" height="195" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This building out back houses their antique business and is full of interesting antiques collected by this husband and wife team who have been in the business for a very long time, understand that business and have hundreds of wonderful contacts.</div>
</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uGitUm8ZhGA/UxdqfOuXa2I/AAAAAAAAQFE/J6CWe32NoSs/s1600/al3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uGitUm8ZhGA/UxdqfOuXa2I/AAAAAAAAQFE/J6CWe32NoSs/s1600/al3.jpg" height="233" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Al was kind enough to let me roam through his storage facility and just take it in.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aNdl-s99-mY/Uxdqg2m7HfI/AAAAAAAAQFM/TKfJRpZ6HGs/s1600/al4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aNdl-s99-mY/Uxdqg2m7HfI/AAAAAAAAQFM/TKfJRpZ6HGs/s1600/al4.jpg" height="290" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Then he gave me the guided tour, pointed out many hard to find treasures and then taught me how he how he acquired them and how he plans to market them. I should have been taking notes. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h8qL9dTwHmY/UxdqfQs5brI/AAAAAAAAQE4/T3RLuQmeN70/s1600/al1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h8qL9dTwHmY/UxdqfQs5brI/AAAAAAAAQE4/T3RLuQmeN70/s1600/al1.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Isn't this globe beautiful? With cast iron legs, glass ball feet and other navigational parts, it would enhance any private library.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gAQPGfflIXA/UxdqhCvRTVI/AAAAAAAAQFQ/aO7k3-_rkIk/s1600/al5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gAQPGfflIXA/UxdqhCvRTVI/AAAAAAAAQFQ/aO7k3-_rkIk/s1600/al5.jpg" height="215" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Some of what I bought from Al and Jane to get our business off the ground. Would you like to contact Al and purchase inventory? Give him a call at 978.376.7515 and say hello for me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Rand Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208678958267684589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734047681144204689.post-10191655504203240852014-03-04T08:46:00.000-05:002014-03-04T08:49:56.394-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>On our way to the Homestead Bookshop</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Marlborough, NH.</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Friday, 28 Feb, 2014, Linda and I left home in Amherst and drove to Marlborough, NH to visit The <b>Homestead Bookshop</b>, one of my favorite destinations. I've written about the Homestead previously, but certainly consider it worth another post. Rob has a fantastic array of books, well presented and easy to find. Another reason we enjoy this trek is the drive over Pack Monadnock with great views of <a href="http://monadnocktrails.com/"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Mt. Monadnock</span></a>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j9o2vL55rqQ/UxCgZp0MAhI/AAAAAAAAQBE/PlhUQucZGPs/s1600/dub3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j9o2vL55rqQ/UxCgZp0MAhI/AAAAAAAAQBE/PlhUQucZGPs/s1600/dub3.jpg" height="197" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Rt 101 also brings us through the Town of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dublin-Historical-Society/250290271687488"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Dublin, NH</span></a><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">.</span> founded in 1752. This is a small New Hampshire town with a population of about 1,600 that touches Mt Monadnock and rests comfortably at about 2,800 feet above seal level. It's also home to Yankee Publishing. You may recall a piece I wrote some time ago concerning <i>Yankee editor-in-chief Judson Hale</i> visiting Amherst, NH. Anyway, it's a beautiful little town as you can see from the photo above of the town center.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3MVsTWEzJ1g/UxHu2hedpoI/AAAAAAAAQCw/jonUoJt_Fjo/s1600/800px-General_View_of_Dublin,_NH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3MVsTWEzJ1g/UxHu2hedpoI/AAAAAAAAQCw/jonUoJt_Fjo/s1600/800px-General_View_of_Dublin,_NH.jpg" height="183" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here's a 1906 postcard view of the center of Dublin with it's long view to the south upon the<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"> <a href="http://www.hikenewengland.com/WapackRange081018.html"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Wapack Range</span></a></span>.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wBUM54EfJlE/UxCganICUAI/AAAAAAAAQBU/QOp9q7EEvfo/s1600/dub1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wBUM54EfJlE/UxCganICUAI/AAAAAAAAQBU/QOp9q7EEvfo/s1600/dub1.jpg" height="314" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This is interesting. This blackboard is attached to one of Yankee's buildings that fronts on Rt 101 and serves as a "notification center" for the town. I'm sorry to announce that Peter Hewitt died Saturday, but a memorial service will be announced. Facebook has nothing on Dublin, NH! </div>
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xvnkmP6CgmI/UxCgZlK3epI/AAAAAAAAQBI/TGZqWtlmYkM/s1600/dub2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xvnkmP6CgmI/UxCgZlK3epI/AAAAAAAAQBI/TGZqWtlmYkM/s1600/dub2.jpg" height="320" width="312" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Across the street from the Yankee Publishing consortium, is the Dublin Town Hall. Just to the right and out of view is the town library.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mv8Szat12c0/UxCg0zwETAI/AAAAAAAAQBc/D6osaBKcocU/s1600/dub4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mv8Szat12c0/UxCg0zwETAI/AAAAAAAAQBc/D6osaBKcocU/s1600/dub4.jpg" height="192" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This is <b>Peter Pap Oriental Rugs</b> located just south of Dublin center on Route 101. We love orientals, have driven past Peter's for years and finally, today, made the effort to stop in. And I'm glad we did. Before we go inside though, Peter, with 30 years experience is recognized internationally and has another shop too that probably see's higher traffic volume than here in Dublin. It's in San Francisco! Here's a <a href="http://www.peterpap.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">LINK</span></a> to his business.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qk3S-_m-9_4/UxCg06t0_FI/AAAAAAAAQBg/Z_1hU_zxwKc/s1600/dub5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qk3S-_m-9_4/UxCg06t0_FI/AAAAAAAAQBg/Z_1hU_zxwKc/s1600/dub5.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Not what you expected to see from the simple colonial exterior? Me either. The interior is spectacular and it's full of Persian rugs, beautifully displayed, from though out the Middle East. Prices ranged from what I saw, from $1,500 to $120,000.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-93aa7I4BDOs/UxCg0-iJO0I/AAAAAAAAQBk/bL41OAO0FEY/s1600/dub6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-93aa7I4BDOs/UxCg0-iJO0I/AAAAAAAAQBk/bL41OAO0FEY/s1600/dub6.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
But don't be put off by the prices. Leslie was more than happy to speak with us, give us the tour and advise that "education" or "knowledge" acquired before a purchase is very important. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bx11IuglcfQ/UxJRD4WR4rI/AAAAAAAAQDk/y2_1viYuf7A/s1600/P1110754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bx11IuglcfQ/UxJRD4WR4rI/AAAAAAAAQDk/y2_1viYuf7A/s1600/P1110754.jpg" height="320" width="207" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Before we leave Pap's Oriental Rugs and continue to Marlborough, here's a picture of Peter inspecting a rug. You may recognize him from <a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/roadshow/"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Antiques Roadshow</span></a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6RFBHAyBXaU/UxChWl2P6gI/AAAAAAAAQB4/_ZR4RI0XQWo/s1600/dub7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6RFBHAyBXaU/UxChWl2P6gI/AAAAAAAAQB4/_ZR4RI0XQWo/s1600/dub7.jpg" height="228" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When leaving Peters turn right on to Rt 101 north, heading towards the center and you'll soon happen upon the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dublin-Historical-Society/250290271687488"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Dublin Historical Society</span></a> museum. This is Schoolhouse "number 1" built in 1841 with the towns Civil War Monument (erected in 1870) out in front.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O5bcP8bVC-E/UxCia3DNnjI/AAAAAAAAQCM/yQCM9uMobjo/s1600/P1080939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O5bcP8bVC-E/UxCia3DNnjI/AAAAAAAAQCM/yQCM9uMobjo/s1600/P1080939.jpg" height="250" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Only ten miles or so past Dublin on Route 101 on the way to Keene and you'll stumble upon HOMESTEAD BOOKSHOP. I've written about this place before so won't go too deeply into it here. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5-Gvtn82e_g/UxCiakrIwdI/AAAAAAAAQCI/2zfj8g6t4wI/s1600/c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5-Gvtn82e_g/UxCiakrIwdI/AAAAAAAAQCI/2zfj8g6t4wI/s1600/c.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Other than to say, that if you love old books and other ephemera... you'll love this place. I've visited old bookstores around the world and this is clean, well laid out and run by Rob and his sister Judy who are friendly and well informed. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xmTBEIeiYEA/UxCjXIboNqI/AAAAAAAAQCc/82MNKzmVltU/s1600/P1110747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xmTBEIeiYEA/UxCjXIboNqI/AAAAAAAAQCc/82MNKzmVltU/s1600/P1110747.jpg" height="320" width="305" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Among other things, I'm a Samuel Chamberlain and Wallace Nutting collector who looks for first editions with well cared for dust jackets and have found most of my collection right here. It's taken a few years, but that's half the fun and we enjoy the drive over as well. I could have easily purchased them on Amazon or eBay (I do look there and have occasionally purchased there too) but much prefer the hunt over in Marlborough, NH. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
You may have noticed that I purchased <b>The Spirit of St. Louis</b> by Charles Lindbergh. What the heck, I'm a pilot and couldn't resist owning this 1953 first edition (of the book of the month club) with a very nice dust jacket. A few years ago, while on a Maui layover, I rented a Jeep and with great difficulty located Colonel Lindbergh's grave site.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jLk5mlC5NB8/UxH-S80pLHI/AAAAAAAAQDA/BKrC1Iw5_bc/s1600/Stone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jLk5mlC5NB8/UxH-S80pLHI/AAAAAAAAQDA/BKrC1Iw5_bc/s1600/Stone.jpg" height="189" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
It's a little off subject, but if you're interested, here's the Colonels grave marker. Another Northwest pilot learned that I was planning a visit to the Colonel's grave and asked me to leave these/his wings behind as a gift. I did so. I thought about linking you to a site with information but decided to let you enjoy the search/education as much as I did.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T9t-98GDizE/UxIBuAF7umI/AAAAAAAAQDQ/yrD9tusyujQ/s1600/P1110750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T9t-98GDizE/UxIBuAF7umI/AAAAAAAAQDQ/yrD9tusyujQ/s1600/P1110750.jpg" height="320" width="241" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Although Homestead has an excellent collection of New England town histories, I found this, <b>"Secomb's 1883 History of Amherst, NH" </b>something I've been in search of for a long while, at the <a href="http://www.nhantiquecoop.com/"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">New Hampshire Antique CO-OP</span></a> in Milford, NH. Linda and I also display at the <a href="http://www.randpeckantiques.com/"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">CO-OP</span></a> (what a coincidence) so please stop in and visit.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FtTDOa0Tgok/UxIBuO3kueI/AAAAAAAAQDM/sJdHClerceE/s1600/P1110753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FtTDOa0Tgok/UxIBuO3kueI/AAAAAAAAQDM/sJdHClerceE/s1600/P1110753.jpg" height="223" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thanks very much for reading my blog.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Rand</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Rand Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208678958267684589noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734047681144204689.post-70129000705400425152014-02-20T10:24:00.002-05:002014-02-20T10:24:53.248-05:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>The Boston Museum of Fine Arts</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">Huntington Avenue</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">Boston</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/18/14</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3XlaXpKyCTA/Ut0xmFZlGOI/AAAAAAAAPsA/0zsckCH71iM/s1600/mfa17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3XlaXpKyCTA/Ut0xmFZlGOI/AAAAAAAAPsA/0zsckCH71iM/s1600/mfa17.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On Saturday January 14, Linda and I met Blair, Samantha and Sebastian at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston to view the John Singer Sargent exhibition. Our son Ian had sent us tickets and it was a cold, wet, snowy day, nearly perfect for such an outing. The only drawback was, that this was the last weekend for the exhibition and everyone else had the same idea. The line, just to get into the gallery was two hours long and as much as we wanted to see it, the wait deterred us. But, if you'd like a glimpse of the event, <a href="http://www.mfa.org/exhibitions/john-singer-sargent-watercolors">CLICK HERE</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VjFZImvsemM/Ut0xhjol6eI/AAAAAAAAPqs/7xQmW-pXLFc/s1600/mfa06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VjFZImvsemM/Ut0xhjol6eI/AAAAAAAAPqs/7xQmW-pXLFc/s1600/mfa06.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you haven't been to the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston for a while, you may enjoy viewing these photos that may entice you to make the journey. The building alone is spectacular and it's continually rotating exhibitions will lure you back for more.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UzxWBg6ra4E/Ut0xiL_DpkI/AAAAAAAAPqw/ymedDoKQB-8/s1600/mfa04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UzxWBg6ra4E/Ut0xiL_DpkI/AAAAAAAAPqw/ymedDoKQB-8/s1600/mfa04.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-soG54DfiUY0/Ut0xkVEnj7I/AAAAAAAAPr4/7Oq2FiMUCC4/s1600/mfa07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-soG54DfiUY0/Ut0xkVEnj7I/AAAAAAAAPr4/7Oq2FiMUCC4/s1600/mfa07.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
John Singleton Copley painted Boston Silversmith and member of the "Son's of Liberty" Paul Revere in 1768. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k6dyhIg9cuI/Ut0xiM7_D0I/AAAAAAAAPrE/xVlk87_Z8c8/s1600/mfa08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k6dyhIg9cuI/Ut0xiM7_D0I/AAAAAAAAPrE/xVlk87_Z8c8/s1600/mfa08.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Silver artifacts produced by Paul Revere.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sXkVP8c1CSM/Ut0xlC4CGXI/AAAAAAAAPr8/NW_aNegHy-U/s1600/mfa15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sXkVP8c1CSM/Ut0xlC4CGXI/AAAAAAAAPr8/NW_aNegHy-U/s1600/mfa15.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thomas Sully's 1819 painting of General Washington, just before crossing the Delaware River is 17 feet across.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uyZl0qj19rA/Ut0xl77QYRI/AAAAAAAAPsU/x6Z_OPED9NY/s1600/mfa16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uyZl0qj19rA/Ut0xl77QYRI/AAAAAAAAPsU/x6Z_OPED9NY/s1600/mfa16.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Gilbert Stuart's painting of General Washington at Dorchester Heights originally hung in Boston's Fanuel Hall before moving to the MFA.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AtDu1zzLFsc/Ut0xkTS4IHI/AAAAAAAAPsI/SI25Dow4_b0/s1600/mfa14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AtDu1zzLFsc/Ut0xkTS4IHI/AAAAAAAAPsI/SI25Dow4_b0/s1600/mfa14.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Jean-Antoine Houdon's marble bust of Thomas Jefferson, 1789 when he was the American Minister to France.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KRERpgHOxpg/Ut0xZS7Q1WI/AAAAAAAAPqg/JjYNHUsXkxw/s1600/mfa03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KRERpgHOxpg/Ut0xZS7Q1WI/AAAAAAAAPqg/JjYNHUsXkxw/s1600/mfa03.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Augustus Saint-Gaudens sculpture. Have you ever visited the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/saga/index.htm">Saint-Gaudens Historic Site</a> in Cornish, NH? Among many historic statues, Saint-Gaudens also designed the U.S. $20 gold piece or <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint-Gaudens_double_eagle">"Double Eagle" </a>that was minted from 1907 to 1933 and is considered America's most beautiful coin.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yvxu9hwi0ZM/Ut0xjPVL4hI/AAAAAAAAPrg/1Tnr04bG3Wc/s1600/mfa11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yvxu9hwi0ZM/Ut0xjPVL4hI/AAAAAAAAPrg/1Tnr04bG3Wc/s1600/mfa11.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Boston's own Dr. <a href="http://www.nps.gov/bost/historyculture/warren.htm">Joseph Warren</a> who died at the hands of the British at the Battle of Bunker Hill.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F-_BP4HlPQA/Ut0xTT9mfAI/AAAAAAAAPqU/xSHGE4Hhvos/s1600/mfa01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F-_BP4HlPQA/Ut0xTT9mfAI/AAAAAAAAPqU/xSHGE4Hhvos/s1600/mfa01.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And my grandson, Sebastian, enjoying all that there is to see with his father.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q3VeInRZmpU/Ut0xZJlkP8I/AAAAAAAAPqk/mSPGP-vD22Q/s1600/mfa02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q3VeInRZmpU/Ut0xZJlkP8I/AAAAAAAAPqk/mSPGP-vD22Q/s1600/mfa02.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sebastian likes dogs... big dogs.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Rand Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208678958267684589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734047681144204689.post-49510526300986335212014-02-05T10:53:00.001-05:002014-02-05T10:53:45.971-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Rand Peck Antiques</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">has expanded and added toys from the 1930's through 1960's. We're specifically collecting Marx, Wyandotte, Tonka and other cast iron and pressed metal trucks and airplanes. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XEF_B33nzW0/UvJcnM7P50I/AAAAAAAAPu0/S1L-9hKx5yE/s1600/P1100975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XEF_B33nzW0/UvJcnM7P50I/AAAAAAAAPu0/S1L-9hKx5yE/s1600/P1100975.jpg" height="312" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is a quick look at our new glass cabinet at the NH Antique CO-OP.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6HZX1obez8/UvJZguT6hsI/AAAAAAAAPuY/xGo_KH9el8I/s1600/t1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6HZX1obez8/UvJZguT6hsI/AAAAAAAAPuY/xGo_KH9el8I/s1600/t1.jpg" height="237" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
We're having just one small problem though; he has blond hair and weighs 28 pounds. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7aNk3PLJ5kU/UvJZgmJEPaI/AAAAAAAAPuU/SjtCN1R77Ok/s1600/t2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7aNk3PLJ5kU/UvJZgmJEPaI/AAAAAAAAPuU/SjtCN1R77Ok/s1600/t2.jpg" height="209" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
When we find a new piece to add to our collection for sale, Sebastian has found that he likes them too.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4D4bP18zCec/UvJZgpTlAhI/AAAAAAAAPuQ/TVxo9FNC7B4/s1600/t3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4D4bP18zCec/UvJZgpTlAhI/AAAAAAAAPuQ/TVxo9FNC7B4/s1600/t3.jpg" height="230" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
We're delighted to see that kids still enjoy playing with old metal toys.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8eAbgfVt6Vg/UvJZhYIIg9I/AAAAAAAAPuk/BKpAROGVu-4/s1600/t5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8eAbgfVt6Vg/UvJZhYIIg9I/AAAAAAAAPuk/BKpAROGVu-4/s1600/t5.jpg" height="220" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So come on down and see our collection of Marx, Wyandotte, Tonka and Buddy L toys before Sebastian decides that he wants them.</div>
<br />Rand Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208678958267684589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734047681144204689.post-86085112153717034832014-01-25T09:15:00.000-05:002014-01-25T09:15:02.014-05:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><u>Whatever happened to all the Silver Dollars?</u></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.investopedia.com/terms/g/greshams-law.asp">Gresham's Law!!</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But we'll get into that later.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Do you know America's most collectible coin?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This is it, the Morgan Silver Dollar.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vi2ZuRHR3ac/UpTX9sjZDqI/AAAAAAAAPVs/dPj88xtJnu8/s1600/msd1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vi2ZuRHR3ac/UpTX9sjZDqI/AAAAAAAAPVs/dPj88xtJnu8/s320/msd1.jpg" height="275" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>One Hundred Morgan Silver Dollars in a box.</i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When I was 12 years old and shoveling driveways and mowing lawns for a dollar an hour, my goal was to accumulate $100 dollars. That represented an enormous amount of wealth to me and seemed a worthy goal. The picture of 100 Morgan Silver Dollars above represents that ambition. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">What is a <a href="http://coins.about.com/library/US-coin-values/bl-US0100-Morgan-Dollars-Prices.htm">Morgan Dollar?</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Minted by the US Treasury from 1878 to 1904 and again in 1921, they came about due to the <a href="http://www.infoplease.com/encyclopedia/history/bland-allison-act.html">Bland-Allison Act</a> of 1878 during the Rutherford B. Hayes administration. Hundreds of millions of these coins were struck in five different mints: Philadelphia, New Orleans, Denver, San Francisco and most famously, Carson City in Nevada. Most languished for years in canvas bags, never leaving the mint and eventually, due to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pittman_Act">Pittman Act</a> of 1918, 270,000,000 were melted, or half of the total mintage. The War Time Silver Act of 1942 melted even more Morgans, thus aiding considerably to the coins scarcity. So, how many Morgan Dollars exist today? Due to lost mint records, mass melting's and general usage no one really knows, but one leading authentication service estimates that it has seen more than 1.4 million of these highly collectible coins.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Designed by Englishman, George T. Morgan in 1878, and acclaimed as one of the most beautiful coins ever minted, it's composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, giving it a total silver content of 0.77344 troy ounces. Or more simply, it contains a little more than 3/4's of an ounce of silver. These are not the only silver dollars produced by the mint, but certainly the most recognized and collected.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TqoePGOISOk/UpTX8YE-CrI/AAAAAAAAPVQ/-4w8kklSmEg/s1600/msd2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TqoePGOISOk/UpTX8YE-CrI/AAAAAAAAPVQ/-4w8kklSmEg/s320/msd2.jpg" height="186" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Obverse on the left and Reverse on the right of these (BU) brilliant uncirculated examples.</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This is an 1889 Morgan. You undoubtedly know heads from tails, but coin collectors refer to the front as the obverse and the back as the reverse. It's a beautifully detailed, hefty coin and when flipped into the air by your thumb nail, it <i>"rings."</i> Try this with a current "clad" coin and it <i>"thuds." </i>If you look closely beneath Miss Liberties neck you'll discover a tiny "M" that indicates the engraver, Mr. Morgan. This was a highly controversial issue within the Mint at the time. On the reverse below the tail feathers is where you'll locate the "mint mark" or where the coin was struck. There is no mark here which indicates it was struck in Philadelphia. An O represents New Orleans, an S San Francisco a D Denver and the highly coveted CC is Carson City. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1L1R3-_9R5Y/UpTX8UGd1LI/AAAAAAAAPVU/TqcMK7PYvcs/s1600/msd3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1L1R3-_9R5Y/UpTX8UGd1LI/AAAAAAAAPVU/TqcMK7PYvcs/s320/msd3.jpg" height="320" width="248" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Want to know more about this beautiful, highly collectible U.S. coin? Then you should probably purchase this book, <a href="http://www.golddealer.com/morgan.html">MORGAN SILVER DOLLARS</a> by Q. David Bowers from Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. Really, he's from New Hampshire! And no, I don't know him. Mr. Bowers writes in great detail about its history, production, design and investment analysis. He'll teach you about scarcity, rarity, condition, mintage and all the factors that determine value. Though equally beautiful, not all Morgan Silver Dollars are created equal from an investment viewpoint. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I equate learning about, searching for and negotiating for Morgan Silver Dollars the same as I learn about, search for and negotiate for early American furniture. Both represent value, beauty and long term investment. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z7_7fgO5Bd0/UpTX83J4klI/AAAAAAAAPWE/Z7FxD_gMPIg/s1600/msd4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z7_7fgO5Bd0/UpTX83J4klI/AAAAAAAAPWE/Z7FxD_gMPIg/s320/msd4.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On the left is an 1884 Morgan in fair condition valued probably at $30.00 or so. To the right is an 1888, very highly worn example in poor condition that I'd estimate at $25.00. Both of these coins in a "proof state" would be valued between $3,000 to $4,000.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-THuxPHnlDDA/UpTX818LgjI/AAAAAAAAPVo/h7bvLAVHUVg/s1600/msd5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-THuxPHnlDDA/UpTX818LgjI/AAAAAAAAPVo/h7bvLAVHUVg/s320/msd5.jpg" height="171" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The reverse of the two coins above.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zXii_Z1ZUCw/UpTX9EfpruI/AAAAAAAAPV4/EhbnEmjmzQQ/s1600/msd6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zXii_Z1ZUCw/UpTX9EfpruI/AAAAAAAAPV4/EhbnEmjmzQQ/s320/msd6.jpg" height="176" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A 1921, a Morgan in uncirculated condition vs our 1888 well worn example. Although the 1921 is in very nice condition, it's the last year they were minted and more than 2 million were struck and only in Philadelphia. Even the uncirculated specimens have dings and marks that are called bag marks. They occurred while large canvas bags of coins were moved about causing abrasions. Even the least expensive, common date, "almost uncirculated" Morgan with nice brilliance sells in a good coin shop for $50 to $75 today.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What makes a Morgan valuable? A combination of factors like; date, mintmark and condition. For example, an 1889 CC in excellent condition is worth in the neighborhood of $300,000. I'll have to go through my little box and see if I have any.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sjaH7KB7d4k/UpTX9v4LyyI/AAAAAAAAPWA/-89T61xyFeE/s1600/msd7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sjaH7KB7d4k/UpTX9v4LyyI/AAAAAAAAPWA/-89T61xyFeE/s320/msd7.jpg" height="320" width="314" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As a contrast here's an example of a U.S. Peace Dollar minted from 1921 to 1928 and then again in 1934 and 1935. It has the same specs as the Morgan but has failed to capture the imagination of collectors and demands far less money. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Morgans are generally accepted as numismatic coins, meaning that they have collectors value on top of their "bullion" or silver melt value. There are many on line coin shops where you can go to learn the values of these coins, such as <a href="http://www.littletoncoin.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Home%7C10001%7C10001%7C-1%7C">Littleton Coin</a> in Littleton, NH. I don't know these folks either.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>Here's the formula though to determine the silver value of a silver dollar.</u> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Today's Silver Price X .03215 X 26.73 X .90 = Silver value</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Silver today is $20 so the formula would look like this.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">20 X .03215 X 26.73 X .90 = $15.46</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To watch live gold and silver prices click over to <a href="http://www.fastmarkets.com/thebulliondesk/gold/gold-prices">BULLION DESK.</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To watch gold and silver trends click over to <a href="http://www.kitco.com/charts/livegold.html">KITCO</a>.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>What about this <a href="http://www.investopedia.com/terms/g/greshams-law.asp">Gresham's Law</a>.</b> It's an economic axiom that in the vernacular argues, <i>"cheap stuff forces good stuff off the market."</i> Remember when our daily change/coinage was made from silver? Silver halves, quarters and dimes were common, plentiful and all that we knew. In 1965 the Treasury Department during Lyndon Johnson's administration, debased our coinage and created today's <a href="http://www.coinsite.com/content/faq/CladCoinage.asp">"clad" coins.</a> The silver was replaced with a cheaper alloy of copper and nickel. Consequently these coins lacked intrinsic value and when you stumbled across a silver dime or quarter you'd bring it home and put it in a jar with others because it was intrinsically valuable. It wasn't just you, everyone did this and in no time our beautiful, artistic silver coins became a memory. In other words, the inferior or clad-coins drove the valuable coins off the market and into your jar.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oAz73dtGOyA/UpYdLEaTMkI/AAAAAAAAPWU/gMOLCmvEriA/s1600/coins1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oAz73dtGOyA/UpYdLEaTMkI/AAAAAAAAPWU/gMOLCmvEriA/s320/coins1.jpg" height="267" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i> This picture represents "Junk Silver" or pre 1965 U.S. coinage. 1942 Walking Liberty half dollar, 1958 Franklin half dollar, 1964 JFK half dollar, 1928 Standing Liberty quarter, 1964 Washington quarter, 1935 Mercury dime and a 1963 Roosevelt dime. All of these coins were in common circulation until 1965. This little $2.20 pile of coins equals 1.57 ounces of silver that equals $31.40 today in silver value. (11/27/13 silver = $20.00 per ounce)</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kO2wda2Smck/UpYl9PQ9UqI/AAAAAAAAPWo/ds0_yOV7zPU/s1600/P1100292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kO2wda2Smck/UpYl9PQ9UqI/AAAAAAAAPWo/ds0_yOV7zPU/s320/P1100292.jpg" height="320" width="241" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Here are four "Washington" quarters on edge. Would you venture a guess as to which are silver and which are clad? </i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Today, these pre '65 silver coins are called </span><a href="http://www.providentmetals.com/junk-silver.html" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"junk silver"</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> and you'll pay dearly at a coin shop to purchase them. One dollar of junk silver face, which means, any combination of silver change that adds up to a dollar equals .715 ounces of silver or $14.30 at todays silver price. So $100 face value of real silver change equals 71.5 ounces of silver and 71.5 ounces of silver equals $1,430 in today's currency. A quick check of the <a href="http://www.providentmetals.com/coins/us-silver-coins/coin-90-silver-us-junk.html">Provident</a> website indicates that they're selling $100 face of junk silver for $1,563.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">To better emphasize my point, would you rather have handed to you a crisp, clean, new, $100 bill or $100 dollars in pre 1965 U.S. silver coins? I hope that you opted for the coins, because the difference is worth $1,330 at today's silver price.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Often I'm asked, <i>"what is your box of 100 Morgans worth?" </i>In today's market I "value" them at $50 to $60 a piece, but the real answer is, they're "worth" whatever someone will pay for them. Have you ever watched <a href="http://www.boston.com/cars/newsandreviews/overdrive/2011/05/chasing_down_wayne_carini.html">Wayne Carini</a> from Chasing Class Cars take a rare automobile to a high-end auction like Pebble Beach? He sets out with a number in mind and might say that he expects it to sell for $100,000, only to see it fetch $75,000 on the auction block. On that day at that location it was worth $75,000 as determined by a sea of free market bidders, seeking quality with a finite number of dollars. Free market capitalism at its best.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you live anywhere near Nashua, NH and you're interested in numismatics, you might consider attending the <a href="http://www.coinshows.com/nashua_eb.html">Nashua Coin Show</a>. It occurs the third Sunday of each month and attracts vast crowds of buyers and sellers.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Happy collecting! What ever it is that you value.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Rand</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Rand Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208678958267684589noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734047681144204689.post-70469976208864446932014-01-15T13:11:00.001-05:002014-01-15T13:14:49.861-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Watchmaking and Watch Repair</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I had a dilemma not too awfully long ago. I'd purchased several, very nice, antique railroad pocket watches off EBAY, but they underperformed. Which is a nice way of saying that they didn't run very well. Both their internal and external appearances were spectacular and rather than return them I set out in search of someone who could diagnose/repair these complex little antiques. My son also called complaining that his 1960, Rolex GMT, that we'd just had refurbished wasn't running well either. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I love detective work and my investigation lead me to the door of David Searles in Milford, New Hampshire.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kMf4K7tCIdQ/UsHPuRbKIkI/AAAAAAAAPmo/dVWDEfsoCT8/s1600/stuff3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kMf4K7tCIdQ/UsHPuRbKIkI/AAAAAAAAPmo/dVWDEfsoCT8/s320/stuff3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">David, a 1976 MIT graduate, (a classmate of Benjamin Netanyahu) is a watch maker, antiquarian, horologist and all around interesting fellow, whom I approached with my balky collection. After just a couple of weeks they were back in my possession, ticking away happily, keeping near perfect time. Don't forget, they're nearly 100 years old. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Since my retirement I rarely wear a watch these days, but my railroad timepieces are beautiful, intricate display pieces that represent a piece of complex, mechanical art. Their gold or silver cases, made smooth by the touch of many hands before mine, energize my imagination and feed my curiosity. Where have they been? Who owned them? Did they actually guide a railroad conductor and help orchestrate the movement of giant steam locomotives over our nations labyrinth of rails?</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vDqJTahXW4o/UsHPuYMAIxI/AAAAAAAAPmw/CuynU83rDPs/s1600/stuff1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vDqJTahXW4o/UsHPuYMAIxI/AAAAAAAAPmw/CuynU83rDPs/s320/stuff1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">David's "parts" collection alone warrants a full scale magazine article and took years to build. This picture shows wooden cases of watch crystals in huge quantities to satisfy all different sizes, makes and ages of watches. Then he showed me his collection of pins, wheels, springs, levers, stems, gears, grommets and other internal parts that simply amazed me. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NVIOquc8Fng/UsHPuxhYQ7I/AAAAAAAAPm8/5igL_4frKcg/s1600/stuff4-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NVIOquc8Fng/UsHPuxhYQ7I/AAAAAAAAPm8/5igL_4frKcg/s320/stuff4-3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As seen here, lighting, vision enhancers and specialized tools have a premier role in his shop as David addresses a complex, antique watch that will soon be available at auction.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He explained to me how accuracy has improved over time, from the 16th century until today, as watchmakers painstakingly developed new parts, tools or techniques. Then others would tweak these parts and increase accuracy yet again. Open the back of an old pocket watch sometime and marvel at how all these tiny parts, that you need magnification to see, work perfectly in unison. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eAteMMpXNWE/UsHPuU6_4zI/AAAAAAAAPm0/JKCkIf0S5f4/s1600/stuff2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eAteMMpXNWE/UsHPuU6_4zI/AAAAAAAAPm0/JKCkIf0S5f4/s320/stuff2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">One of hundreds of boxes of small parts.<i> "One doesn't just run out and purchase these items"</i> David explained, <i>"they come from buying out old watchmakers, saving parts from other watches and keeping your eyes open at flea markets and auctions."</i> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lmA4lP3pPsQ/UsHPvHBsarI/AAAAAAAAPnE/pujLMAsDBOI/s1600/stuff5-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lmA4lP3pPsQ/UsHPvHBsarI/AAAAAAAAPnE/pujLMAsDBOI/s320/stuff5-3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So what does David do when he's not repairing watches? </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He's an indépendant consultant who writes catalogs, condition reports and pricing guides for <a href="http://www.jones-horan.com/">Jones and Horan Auction Team</a> in Goffstown, NH. They hold four auctions per year in Manchester, NH that exceed $3 million in sales. I've been to several and they're very exciting.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">David's a member of the National Association of Clock and Watch Collectors, the Swiss Association of Chronometrophilia and other organizations that keep him supplied with study and reading material. He also rents space at the New Hampshire Antique CO-OP in Milford, NH where he sells selective pieces.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As my readers know, I enjoy meeting people who are passionate about what they do. These are people who don't understand about <i>"just going to work,"</i> they're people who can't wait for the sun to rise so they can get under way and create, produce, teach, fix, learn and enjoy their labor. David is such a guy.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He can be reached at: watchperson@hotmail.com</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Rand Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208678958267684589noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734047681144204689.post-27007636206913766212013-12-12T08:37:00.001-05:002013-12-12T08:37:57.795-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><u>Visiting More Auctions</u></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><u>Amherst Village Foliage</u></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cSuZhv2F8kk/UmQFYG9PK6I/AAAAAAAAPGs/9AkH8-eBmJA/s1600/W.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cSuZhv2F8kk/UmQFYG9PK6I/AAAAAAAAPGs/9AkH8-eBmJA/s320/W.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On Saturday, 5 October, I ventured north again to attend another Withington Auction. The last had been very productive and the people I met very helpful. But this time when I pulled into the field to park I saw what every small New Hampshire dealer dreads. The field was full of E350 vans with Massachusetts plates. The Mass dealers were here today in large numbers, which means one thing. The prices would be driven up. I did run into John Delaney from Delaney Clocks in Townsend, Ma and also saw Linnea from a previous visit here so it wasn't a total lose. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pN0SoZocmWA/UmPjo9BWUuI/AAAAAAAAPGU/Dprbp8k8inA/s1600/NB4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="309" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pN0SoZocmWA/UmPjo9BWUuI/AAAAAAAAPGU/Dprbp8k8inA/s320/NB4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Next weekend brought a Cobb Auction in Peterborough, NH. Cobb is a large, well known auctioneer so I expected the same results as above. But I was pleasantly surprised to be able to win this little Queen Anne style tavern table via my telephone bid. It can be a little dangerous purchasing with only photos and a short written description to guide your strategy, but it has worked well for me. The base and legs date to the late 1700's but the bread-board end top had been replaced at some time. They match well though.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jixB5E2ZDlI/UmPjoW8QVWI/AAAAAAAAPGQ/gyHee9exyfI/s1600/NB3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jixB5E2ZDlI/UmPjoW8QVWI/AAAAAAAAPGQ/gyHee9exyfI/s320/NB3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It has a beautiful look though with excellent patina and quickly added it to our collection. If you have an interest in this piece, I plan to market it at the NH Antique CO-OP eventually for $475. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Foliage Tour of Amherst Village: 10/20/13</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qBV1o5v5ZL4/UmPjokGpU-I/AAAAAAAAPGc/-oH3EP6RHoE/s1600/NB1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qBV1o5v5ZL4/UmPjokGpU-I/AAAAAAAAPGc/-oH3EP6RHoE/s320/NB1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Looking north along Boston Post Rd.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FHdHi38Ya1A/UmPjodVs0zI/AAAAAAAAPGY/yAy8-WHNkz4/s1600/NB2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FHdHi38Ya1A/UmPjodVs0zI/AAAAAAAAPGY/yAy8-WHNkz4/s320/NB2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Looking east along Carriage Rd towards the Common and the Congregational Church.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nUWlYkX1Ch8/UmQMQUr_2AI/AAAAAAAAPHA/rYHdKX7i5t0/s1600/FOL2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nUWlYkX1Ch8/UmQMQUr_2AI/AAAAAAAAPHA/rYHdKX7i5t0/s320/FOL2.jpg" width="304" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Church Street</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uELZevD_fwc/UmQMQilSuqI/AAAAAAAAPG8/6cskT6ol1GA/s1600/FOL3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uELZevD_fwc/UmQMQilSuqI/AAAAAAAAPG8/6cskT6ol1GA/s320/FOL3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Church Street</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fs0TYAkWBMI/UmQMRvcgFJI/AAAAAAAAPHg/nf1GbLPyJs4/s1600/FOL5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fs0TYAkWBMI/UmQMRvcgFJI/AAAAAAAAPHg/nf1GbLPyJs4/s320/FOL5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Church Street</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TGqBZRrw2Q8/UmQMQZImYYI/AAAAAAAAPG4/-zpydM2ceSE/s1600/FOL1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TGqBZRrw2Q8/UmQMQZImYYI/AAAAAAAAPG4/-zpydM2ceSE/s320/FOL1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Middle Street</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ghHJUzQoXmo/UmQMQ1d-EvI/AAAAAAAAPHY/OBYdg0XxkmE/s1600/FOL4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ghHJUzQoXmo/UmQMQ1d-EvI/AAAAAAAAPHY/OBYdg0XxkmE/s320/FOL4.jpg" width="280" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Church Street</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ga1S5g6d2Mo/UmQMRDwGDPI/AAAAAAAAPHk/GjA45WtKbAM/s1600/FOL6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ga1S5g6d2Mo/UmQMRDwGDPI/AAAAAAAAPHk/GjA45WtKbAM/s320/FOL6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Soldiers Monument on School Street</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XAfiWx0GpFA/UmQMRXaZC4I/AAAAAAAAPHs/GTnD4I4NJ8M/s1600/FOL7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XAfiWx0GpFA/UmQMRXaZC4I/AAAAAAAAPHs/GTnD4I4NJ8M/s320/FOL7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Brick School<br />
<br /></div>
Rand Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208678958267684589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734047681144204689.post-86053693985269165282013-11-27T13:54:00.001-05:002013-11-28T07:25:40.436-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>WMUR'S, NEW HAMPSHIRE CHRONICLE</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Visits The New Hampshire Antique CO-OP</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For those from away, <i><a href="http://www.wmur.com/new-hampshire-chronicle">New Hampshire Chronicle</a>, </i>is a TV show, sponsored by ABC affiliate WMUR in Manchester, NH. It's a "newsmagazine" that airs weeknights at 7:00 pm and highlights New Hampshire people, places, history, and lifestyle. Launched in 2001, it has become a very popular mainstay in local television.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D1dDGyUZ7WE/Uo03_xlYPFI/AAAAAAAAPS4/3janEqKIows/s1600/NHAC3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D1dDGyUZ7WE/Uo03_xlYPFI/AAAAAAAAPS4/3janEqKIows/s320/NHAC3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Jason, awaiting WMUR personnel, inspects the front lobby.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On Wednesday, 21 November 2013, WMUR Producer Mary Paige Provost and Videographer Chris Shepherd stopped in to visit with the folks who run the <b><i><a href="http://www.nhantiquecoop.com/">NH Antique CO-OP</a></i></b> in Milford, NH. The Hackler family is in their 30th year at this location and continually hosts interesting events to keep their business fresh. Not one to sit on their laurels, Father Sam and son Jason with a very loyal and engaged group of employees keep the place hopping.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iFYybnocTsc/Uo03_9bSuvI/AAAAAAAAPTQ/QZL3d9hHHjk/s1600/NHAC1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iFYybnocTsc/Uo03_9bSuvI/AAAAAAAAPTQ/QZL3d9hHHjk/s320/NHAC1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Mary Paige Provost, started the interview with a tour, lead by Jason through the interesting "streets" that define the CO-OP. Here he demonstrates an antique, Wurlitzer Mahogany Disc Music Box, made in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1900 or so. It comes with 20 discs of music guaranteed to entertain your friends.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OoBPZ2jCwM8/Uo09YF51TmI/AAAAAAAAPT4/ZHEUQEvdAYI/s1600/3089.3L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OoBPZ2jCwM8/Uo09YF51TmI/AAAAAAAAPT4/ZHEUQEvdAYI/s320/3089.3L.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here's a little closer look at the box and the 18 1/2" discs that it plays. It's in superb condition and has a deep, mellow sound.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zlidD6MGe54/Uo03_6w6IhI/AAAAAAAAPTU/Pywm0fSIkcE/s1600/NHAC2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zlidD6MGe54/Uo03_6w6IhI/AAAAAAAAPTU/Pywm0fSIkcE/s320/NHAC2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After presenting several displays of Early American Antique furniture, Jason lead them to the glass display cases to highlight the "smalls." With more than 200 exhibiting dealers and 20,000 square feet of floor space, the CO-OP has a wide variety of antiques to interest most any collector. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KN5FH0sSCuo/Uo04AsF3txI/AAAAAAAAPTc/Z77qal8tzhU/s1600/NHAC4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KN5FH0sSCuo/Uo04AsF3txI/AAAAAAAAPTc/Z77qal8tzhU/s320/NHAC4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Seated in the lobby, Jason fields questions concerning antiques, business, the economy and his exhibitors. He became most animated when asked <i>"how he became involved with antiques and the business." </i>He recounted attending auctions, estate sales and flea markets with his parents as a small boy and being more interested in antique auction catalogs then comic books. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N00kM7fBOD0/Uo04A4YsO1I/AAAAAAAAPTk/TlNQhc6Mpq4/s1600/NHAC5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N00kM7fBOD0/Uo04A4YsO1I/AAAAAAAAPTk/TlNQhc6Mpq4/s320/NHAC5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Several days of filming is hard work!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T6xdQGaibGw/Uo04A1PY0wI/AAAAAAAAPTo/vy-hQfUcKi4/s1600/NHAC6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T6xdQGaibGw/Uo04A1PY0wI/AAAAAAAAPTo/vy-hQfUcKi4/s320/NHAC6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Jason's dad, Sam Hackler, (seated facing us) started this business with his wife Eileen in 1983. To say that they created a "group shop" would be a vast understatement; what they've built is an extensive "marketplace" that continually flourishes and keeps pace with an ever changing antique world.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WUz3a9iqqqU/Uo04BAzeoUI/AAAAAAAAPTs/cZTs3MOeBpU/s1600/NHAC7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WUz3a9iqqqU/Uo04BAzeoUI/AAAAAAAAPTs/cZTs3MOeBpU/s320/NHAC7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Sam Hackler behind the window, being interviewed by the Chronicle Team.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To survive and flourish in the antique world after 30 years is no small task. The Hackler family's business acumen, enthusiasm and presentation for their product is greatly apparent. If you have a passion for antiques, or think that you might and want to learn more, a visit to the NHAC will do much to foster your enthusiasm. Their inventory is constantly changing so frequent visits are not only necessary... but fun.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #ffe599;"><span style="font-size: large;">To see what's going on at the NHAC during this holiday season, </span><a href="http://myemail.constantcontact.com/December-2013-e-News--Holiday-Open-House---SALE---NH-Chronicle---20-fab-gift-ideas---More---.html?soid=1101282300137&aid=957S8F8ooBo"><span style="font-size: x-large;">CLICK HERE</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> to read their 2013 Holiday e-Newsletter. And don't forget to show up for the annual open house festivities on December 7 and 8.</span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thanks very much for reading and happy antiquing.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Rand </span></i></div>
</div>
Rand Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208678958267684589noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734047681144204689.post-73369399506392963122013-11-18T16:54:00.001-05:002013-11-18T16:54:48.531-05:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Sebastian</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-67eQa4poXNI/UoJSNk1EJeI/AAAAAAAAPPU/c5E_NrROM50/s1600/P1080783.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-67eQa4poXNI/UoJSNk1EJeI/AAAAAAAAPPU/c5E_NrROM50/s320/P1080783.jpg" width="268" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So who is this little boy that has us doing headstands when we visit our daughter and son-in-law in Marblehead? I'm a retired airline captain and have flown large jets throughout the world, spanning oceans and continents with as many as 400 passengers at a time. But when I'm in Sebastian's company I'm a driveling fool, making strange faces and even stranger noises. Such is the role of a grandfather. But admitting that I'm old softie isn't the purpose of this post.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0JTlioOQC4M/UoKB644BXFI/AAAAAAAAPPk/uVr7P2FPotU/s1600/P1090985.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0JTlioOQC4M/UoKB644BXFI/AAAAAAAAPPk/uVr7P2FPotU/s320/P1090985.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Market Square and the Old Town House, built in 1727.</i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Linda and I were visiting in Marblehead, which has become a regular activity lately and Sebastian needed a bit of a diversion. No longer happy watching his parents and grandparents, hang shades, paint fences or mow lawns... he wanted out! I think his parents wanted him out too, so I grabbed the stroller by the horns and out we went.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gLF_016wmwE/Une-_IOT_OI/AAAAAAAAPLs/P9rcH7DiHG4/s1600/Sacks1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gLF_016wmwE/Une-_IOT_OI/AAAAAAAAPLs/P9rcH7DiHG4/s320/Sacks1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Marblehead Harbor, late October.</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you're looking for a wonderful place to get out and walk, particularly if you love New England, the ocean and beautifully restored architecture, this is the right place. And doing this with your one year old grandson only enhances the opportunity. We'd spent considerable time at the town wharf observing working boats off loading their catch and met many who stopped to chat with him. He's a real gadfly!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But what I noticed from the wharf, while Seb was busy entertaining others, was that the front door to <i>Sacks Antiques</i> was open. This was the first time that I'd noticed this during many such strolls.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Jg61weQctc/Une-_C0NwDI/AAAAAAAAPLw/HrStzIjNejw/s1600/Sacks2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Jg61weQctc/Une-_C0NwDI/AAAAAAAAPLw/HrStzIjNejw/s320/Sacks2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Stan Sacks from Marblehead</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I came dangerously close to never meeting Stan Sacks and that would have been regrettable. He's only open one day per week at his little shop near the corner of State and Front Streets. Built in 1727, the diminutive clapboarded building has served many owners over the 18th, 19th 20th and now 21st centuries. His Grandfather Hyman Sacks, an antique restorer on Charles Street in Boston, found his way here in 1899 to open his shop and sell as well as restore prized antiques.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Stan told me that this is the oldest, continuously operating antique shop in Massachusetts. His father, Abraham, a WWI veteran succeeded his father Hyman in 1912 and continued to build the business. With a valued reputation, Abraham, or Jim as locals called him, imported English antiques into the country and participated in furnishing The White House in Washington DC and the Lee Mansion, now a prominent museum in town. He was consulted as well and provided antiques for several homes in Colonial Williamsburg and for Hollywood movies, most notably, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejWq467Fcik" style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">The Philadelphia Story</a> produced in 1940 starring Cary Grant, Katherine Hepburn and Jimmy Stewart. Apparently, seeking authenticity in the background was important to Director George Cukor.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lhi5PMQP6dI/Une-_AQCCGI/AAAAAAAAPLo/YKSvdOTs4xY/s1600/Sacks3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lhi5PMQP6dI/Une-_AQCCGI/AAAAAAAAPLo/YKSvdOTs4xY/s320/Sacks3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Interior of Sacks Antiques</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify;">Stan gave me the grand tour, pointing out specific pieces native to Marblehead. He's a gregarious man, easy with a smile and a story; an excellent businessman I'm sure. But at 88 with no one in the family interested in continuing this fabled business, he plans to shut it down after the 43rd annual, </span><a href="http://marbleheadchamber.org/christmas-walk-38.html" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify;"><b style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">Marblehead Christmas Walk</b></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify;"> that will be from December 5 - 8, 2013.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jpBLqrn2MVg/UoKClu97haI/AAAAAAAAPPs/uasFO0-vFYQ/s1600/P1090959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jpBLqrn2MVg/UoKClu97haI/AAAAAAAAPPs/uasFO0-vFYQ/s320/P1090959.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Just one of the many beautiful homes you'll encounter in "Old Town."</i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When Stan asked me what I did, (I knew that he'd get around to that) I was almost embarrassed to say that I was an antique dealer. After all, my experience, when compared to his is nearly negligible. But he chastised me when I mentioned that and advised that even he was still learning 88 years later and for me not to forget that.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now you understand why it would have been regrettable if I'd missed the opportunity to meet Stan Sacks of Marblehead.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thanks for reading and I hope to see you at the Marblehead Christmas Walk.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Rand</i></span></div>
</div>
Rand Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208678958267684589noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734047681144204689.post-51516299051874558032013-11-05T09:19:00.002-05:002013-11-25T08:36:44.342-05:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><u style="background-color: #cccccc;">Let's talk about clocks.</u></i></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Some 25 years ago, Linda and I were driving through West Townsend, Mass, I've long since forgotten why, but we spotted a sign that said, <b><a href="http://delaneyantiqueclocks.com/">Delaney Antiques</a></b>. We love old things; early American furniture, old houses, antique cars, trucks, motorcycles, even airplanes so were unable to drive past without stopping.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N6mqPntNw00/UhNfpLW1jXI/AAAAAAAAObM/RfPDLHko43Q/s1600/d6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: xx-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N6mqPntNw00/UhNfpLW1jXI/AAAAAAAAObM/RfPDLHko43Q/s320/d6.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i style="background-color: #fff2cc;">435 Main Street (route 119) W. Townsend, Mass (978) 597-2231</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #cccccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As you're driving past on route 119, this is what you'll see if you're paying attention; a beautifully restored carriage house next to a three story brick home of elegant proportions. A most tranquil, unpretentious setting for what is the finest collection of antique "Tall Clocks" in the United States. You may be at the stage where you'd call them "grandfather clocks," but you'll know better by the time you leave.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jPLgWlJ74RY/UhNfpd3VHiI/AAAAAAAAObQ/TD8A235vCB4/s1600/d5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jPLgWlJ74RY/UhNfpd3VHiI/AAAAAAAAObQ/TD8A235vCB4/s320/d5.jpg" width="295" /></a></span></div>
<i style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Russ Greenwood is one of several highly regarded repairmen, who cleans and maintains the Delaney's collection, with an extensive reference library behind him.</i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As you step through the door into the entrance hall you'll immediately be dazzled by the handsome collection of mahogany, maple, cherry, walnut or birch tall clocks from the 18th and 19th centuries. These fully restored, weight driven, running clocks are pieces of art, some as old as 250 years that keep excellent time. Keep in mind that most of the tall clocks surrounding you here, were built during the Washington, Adams and Jefferson administrations with hand tools.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I remember being overwhelmed when we first stepped inside and realistically we didn't have the wherewithal to purchase such an antique, but after an hours discussion with Mr. Delaney Sr., who knew we wouldn't be purchasing anything anytime soon, we stored the information and knew that we'd return one day.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4aMz1_NL9Nk/UhNgABX-r_I/AAAAAAAAObg/Rn32v1gjhdk/s1600/d1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4aMz1_NL9Nk/UhNgABX-r_I/AAAAAAAAObg/Rn32v1gjhdk/s320/d1.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;">The main floor, there's another above to explore too.</i></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Delaney's have on hand at any time, 150 to 160 American Tall Clocks, mostly of New England origin. <a href="http://delaneyantiqueclocks.com/products/maker/4/">Simon Willard</a> 1753-1848 of Massachusetts, <a href="http://delaneyantiqueclocks.com/products/maker/49/">Timothy Chandler</a> 1762-1848 from Massachusetts and Connecticut, <a href="http://delaneyantiqueclocks.com/products/maker/109/">Benjamin Swan</a> 1792-1867 from Maine and <a href="http://delaneyantiqueclocks.com/products/maker/8/">Abel Hutchins</a> 1763-1853 from New Hampshire just scratch the surface of their far-flung collection. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
T<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">he clockmaker crafted the "works" or gears and drive train that were made from wood or brass, a cabinet maker built and finished the fine wooden cases and an artist generally painted the wooden, iron or brass dials. No two are alike and each is a treasure to own.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zHrs45vEo0M/UhNf_w5zQFI/AAAAAAAAObc/z_mRp_AdyxY/s1600/d2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zHrs45vEo0M/UhNf_w5zQFI/AAAAAAAAObc/z_mRp_AdyxY/s320/d2.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Tall clocks to the rear and shelf clocks to the front. Listening to the rhythmic beat from these antique machines is soothing, but being here on the hour when they strike is exciting. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iV9nXcEE2mI/UhNgAJPDlVI/AAAAAAAAObk/9kdnRerpqxo/s1600/d3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iV9nXcEE2mI/UhNgAJPDlVI/AAAAAAAAObk/9kdnRerpqxo/s320/d3.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Not in search of a tall or shelf clock? How about an 18th or 19th century Chelsea Clock Company wall clock, or a Seth Thomas Connecticut wall clock. Most clocks here are "regulators" or "time pieces" which mean that they don't strike. Sean taught me that a regulator clock was of high standards and accuracy and was used by the clock maker to "regulate" or adjust other clocks that he was working on. They must be weight driven and not have a strike.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To clarify a few terms; strike means to chime, beat means to tick and a face is a dial. Learning the language of clocks will be a part of your education at </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Delaney's. But acquiring knowledge is as enjoyable as acquiring a clock; the more you know... the more pleasure it will bring.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lwvBCs-K-Dg/UhNgAd-HRxI/AAAAAAAAOb0/3Am8zsNsH4U/s1600/d4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lwvBCs-K-Dg/UhNgAd-HRxI/AAAAAAAAOb0/3Am8zsNsH4U/s320/d4.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify;">About prices. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify;">They aren't cheap! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify;">- - -</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify;">But nothing of value is, so if you're looking for an ordinary "grandfather" clock that you'll lose interest in quickly, visit Jordan's Furniture. But if you're in search of an investment, a quality antique with provenance that your children will covet, with someone who will stand behind it, Delaney's has an impressive selection of clocks to fit a variety of budgets. Want to upgrade a few years later? Call brothers John or Sean and discuss that too.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s_I4wuum2aE/UhNybNWV4aI/AAAAAAAAOdE/ipYK4OLoP3c/s1600/sean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s_I4wuum2aE/UhNybNWV4aI/AAAAAAAAOdE/ipYK4OLoP3c/s320/sean.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Sean Delaney and Linda when Sean delivered our tall clock.</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Twenty years after first stopping in, Linda and I returned and purchased this circa 1820, Concord, New Hampshire tall clock of maple and birch from Sean. You may recognize him from this photo. He and his brother John appear </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">regularly </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">on Antique Roadshow. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XuMSKvo0Kqc/UhNxRWx5FdI/AAAAAAAAOc8/WWQ20AILv98/s1600/clo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XuMSKvo0Kqc/UhNxRWx5FdI/AAAAAAAAOc8/WWQ20AILv98/s320/clo.jpg" width="275" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Our cape was built in 1790, but this room is a new addition that connected the ell to the garage. Our goal was to purchase antiquity and quality and this New Hampshire Tall Clock goes a long way in achieving that goal and helping the room appear older than it is. It's the center piece of the room and all else revolves around it with its timeless beat.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GSi6C9ySqpI/Unf8oIva03I/AAAAAAAAPNc/uTidCdKX-RQ/s1600/P1100024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GSi6C9ySqpI/Unf8oIva03I/AAAAAAAAPNc/uTidCdKX-RQ/s320/P1100024.jpg" width="273" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Chelsea Clock Company Model #1</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We've purchased several clocks from Delaney's now, each experience as enjoyable as the last. This is an 1890, Chelsea Clock Company Regulator. Every clock that we've purchased has come with a one year guarantee and is sent to Russ Greenwood, whom you met above, for a cleaning and inspection before delivery. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">All of our purchases have been eight day, brass movement, weight driven clocks that I wind every Saturday morning. Without fail, each is within 30 seconds to a minute of the correct time a week later. So stop in, say hello, learn and enjoy the experience and the education. Ours continues.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Rand</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Rand Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208678958267684589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734047681144204689.post-86544217298159557182013-10-31T12:04:00.000-04:002013-10-31T15:36:00.687-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Red Sox win their 3rd World Series title in 10 years!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">30 October 2013</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Df7PqlK-qKc/UnJ-l_JHMKI/AAAAAAAAPI0/F3sZGXVGJrY/s1600/hat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Df7PqlK-qKc/UnJ-l_JHMKI/AAAAAAAAPI0/F3sZGXVGJrY/s320/hat.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Antique autumn door decoration in the Amherst Historic District.</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e7KKNjWhOMI/UnKws2eMJjI/AAAAAAAAPJI/fSIw19DSFf0/s1600/NHAC2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e7KKNjWhOMI/UnKws2eMJjI/AAAAAAAAPJI/fSIw19DSFf0/s320/NHAC2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>And over at The New Hampshire Antique CO-OP it's Halloween!</i></span></div>
<br />Rand Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208678958267684589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734047681144204689.post-87189385354292587142013-10-22T23:00:00.000-04:002013-10-23T15:17:02.893-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><u>YANKEE</u></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It's a state of mind.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My wife is a <a href="http://www.questers1944.org/">QUESTER</a> in Amherst, NH and was able to include me in their latest meeting. Now you may be wondering <i>"what's a Quester?"</i> Let me answer that with a direct quote from their website.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<h2 style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large; line-height: 28px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-weight: normal;">
Questers are people who enjoy antiques and history. We belong to a non-profit International Organization which encourages an appreciation for antiques and the preservation and restoration of historical landmarks.</span></h2>
<h4 style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 8px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<em style="font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-weight: normal;">Have you ever looked at an old item and wondered about its history?</span></em></h4>
<h4 style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 8px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<em style="font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-weight: normal;">Have you ever looked at an old house and wished that you could help it by restoring it to its original dignity?</span></em></h4>
<h4 style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 8px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<em style="font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-weight: normal;">Do you enjoy learning about the history of people, places, events?</span></em></h4>
<div>
<em style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><br /></em></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This is right up my alley; antiques, architecture and New England humor. I was excited to attend this meeting as Judson Hale, the Editor in Chief at Yankee Publishing was the guest speaker.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uc5D935vapo/UjuyRMHP40I/AAAAAAAAO2Y/a2r-RJ0SpJU/s1600/jh1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uc5D935vapo/UjuyRMHP40I/AAAAAAAAO2Y/a2r-RJ0SpJU/s320/jh1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you're a New Englander, you no doubt know of <a href="http://www.yankeemagazine.com/">YANKEE MAGAZINE</a> and the <a href="http://www.almanac.com/">OLD FARMERS ALMANAC</a> published in Dublin, NH. Yankee was "born," as founder Robb Sagendorph announced in September of 1935. The Old Farmers Almanac was founded in 1792 and is the oldest, continuously published periodical in the country. A young man in 1958, Mr. Hale went to work for his Uncle Robb with the intention of working for a year, learning the publishing business and then moving to Boston or New York to get a<i> "real job."</i> Fifty-five years later he's Yankees Editor in Chief which allows him, as he explained it, <i>to sit and look out the window and take periodic naps."</i> I need to contact Yankee; I retired myself just a year ago and am looking for just such a position. I know that I'd be good at it.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In 1970, just prior to his death Mr. Sagendorph summoned his nephew Judson Hale and his son-in-law, attorney Rob Trowbridge, to his bedside and turned control of the business over to them. Yankee was still operating from its original building, an antique cape that had roots to the late 18th century. <i>"Boys"</i> he offered, <i>"don't grow anymore, the plumbing won't take it."</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Seventy-eight years after its founding Yankee enjoys a paid circulation of more than 295,000 and a readership of nearly two million. It's the wry humor, New England wit and pride of our ancestral land, passed from Mr. Sagendorph to his nephew, son-in-law and all employees, that crafted such a successful business.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wp5HcZj2YQ4/UjuyRJKY81I/AAAAAAAAO2U/03ZWaV_MlqM/s1600/jh2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wp5HcZj2YQ4/UjuyRJKY81I/AAAAAAAAO2U/03ZWaV_MlqM/s320/jh2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Mr. Hale, speaking from the "old kitchen" in the Nathan Kendall Jr. Mansion in Amherst Village.</i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The consummate Yankee in his khaki trousers, blue button down oxford shirt, wool sport coat and woolen tie, just a little disheveled as he anguished over his announcement that the Red Sox had lost to the Baltimore Orioles the night before. His self deprecating humor, sharp wit, New England stories and love of all things New England shines through. At 85 he said he had<i> "no plans to retire and move to Florida." </i>He conceded though, that he no longer drives at night, but if caught out after dark, drives faster to lessen his exposure. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Kendall mansion, which dates to 1771, is actually two buildings joined to make one and is a fine example of New England craftsmanship. It has many of course, but certainly it's most unique feature is the hinged wall on the second floor between the parlor chamber and the center hall, that can be raised flush with the ceiling creating a large meeting or ball room. When restoring their home, the current owners found wooden leaf springs in the second level floor to absorb <a href="http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/shm.html">harmonic motion</a> that could be destructively exerted from large crowds.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Notable as well is the pumpkin colored raised paneling, aged to a perfect patina and the soft beat from several historic, tall case clocks located throughout the home. To be here on the hour is a most pleasurable experience.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Bdf2bHedf4/UjuyRFkwRsI/AAAAAAAAO2Q/J-gHtBisa9k/s1600/jh3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Bdf2bHedf4/UjuyRFkwRsI/AAAAAAAAO2Q/J-gHtBisa9k/s320/jh3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Born in Boston, raised in Maine and educated at Dartmouth, Mr. Hale kept his audience amused with his New England humor and insight. I approached him after he'd concluded his remarks and asked; <i>"Mr Hale, I submitted a manuscript to Yankee some 30 years ago and it never was published, do you know why?" </i>He looked at me thoughtfully, rubbed his chin and shot right back, <i>"why yes I do... it was no good."</i> His nimble reply exceeded my expectations.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Just one of Mr. Hales quick stories.</span></u></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>"Excuse me... can you tell me how to get to Millinocket?"</i> asked a tourist from away.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>"Well, let's see, continue on this road until you pass where Jones barn used to be, then.. No... turn left ahead when the pavement turns to gravel and follow the coast road north... Hmmmm, on second thought, go straight when you see the diner, I think... Come to think of it, you can't get there from here!"</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Would you like to hear a little Maine humor? Just click<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhK-dadngtM"> right here</a> to listen to Tim Sample.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bqo3z0OE7_k/Umc6X3eGaTI/AAAAAAAAPII/PLqoY-P6NYQ/s1600/P1060291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bqo3z0OE7_k/Umc6X3eGaTI/AAAAAAAAPII/PLqoY-P6NYQ/s320/P1060291.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Primitive painting on board of the Nathan Kendall Jr. Mansion.</i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Thank-you to the Amherst Questers for allowing me to sit in on their meeting and enjoy Mr. Hale's quick wit and the beauty of the Nathan Kendall Jr. Mansion, it was a wonderful morning. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Rand</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Rand Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208678958267684589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734047681144204689.post-63271530166752281702013-10-15T09:05:00.000-04:002013-11-05T10:24:51.107-05:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>It's all about Stonewalls.</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r8C8YPjwA8M/UmPcQ2mJIpI/AAAAAAAAPF8/j0tjqMBxWg8/s1600/sw1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r8C8YPjwA8M/UmPcQ2mJIpI/AAAAAAAAPF8/j0tjqMBxWg8/s320/sw1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><u>The Amherst Garden Club </u></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">3 October 2013 </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Featured Speaker</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">☟</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Kevin Gardner</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qXlw2PG0-b0/UlLeIXBPk-I/AAAAAAAAO_Q/14rKrf4sKCA/s1600/IMG_9049.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qXlw2PG0-b0/UlLeIXBPk-I/AAAAAAAAO_Q/14rKrf4sKCA/s320/IMG_9049.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo: Marti Warren</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.stoddardnh.org/files/Kevin%20Gardner%20brochure.pdf">Kevin Gardner</a>,</span> from Hopkinton, NH, is a very well rounded man. He lists among his accomplishments, 25 years of stonewall building, including large restoration projects at Canterbury's Shaker Village and Acadia National Park in Maine. He's also a writer, actor and producer at New Hampshire Public Radio. But on October 3rd, he kept a large gathering from the <a href="http://www.amherstgardenclub.org/Amherst_Garden_Club/Welcome.html" style="background-color: white;">Amherst Garden Club</a> highly entertained with a witty, often humorous speaking style and vast knowledge of New England stonewalls and their history. While he spoke to his audience, he casually emptied a container of rocks upon his table and constructed a miniature stonewall before our eyes to illustrate his points and enlighten us with facts. A rather ingenious method to ensure engaging your audiences attention.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Did you know that most stonewalls in New England were built between 1750 and 1850? At one time more than 250,000 miles of stonewalls existed in the northeast; more miles than the entire US coastline, or the distance to the moon. These rocks were deposited here some 15,000 years ago as the last great ice sheet departed North America, leaving what our ancestors called "boney soil." This gave New England farmers something to do now as they cleared their fields, fenced them in, built house foundations and boundary markers with this heavy, granite rubble.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nf72SAkoMGI/UlLeIc56ngI/AAAAAAAAO-8/vc94fSrVyCg/s1600/IMG_9054.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nf72SAkoMGI/UlLeIc56ngI/AAAAAAAAO-8/vc94fSrVyCg/s320/IMG_9054.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
</span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo: Marti Warren</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Here, Kevin illustrates the fundamentals of constructing a stonewall that will survive for decades. Always place one rock on top of two, or two upon one to stabilize and interlock the project. Never line up your seams as this is "stacking" the stones and does nothing to make the unit a whole. He as well spoke about "chinking," proper drainage, foundation preparation and maintenance. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4s_8Ucp78E/UlLeIWp-GEI/AAAAAAAAO_U/zGet0ZkRjjY/s1600/IMG_9068.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4s_8Ucp78E/UlLeIWp-GEI/AAAAAAAAO_U/zGet0ZkRjjY/s320/IMG_9068.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo: Marti Warren</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">After speaking to his audience he took questions from individuals using his newly constructed wall to emphasize his points. Rather than just <b>tell</b> us how it is done, he could <b>show</b> us how it is done. Did you know that a cubic foot of granite, which really isn't all that large, weighs 165 pounds? Kevin shared with his audience a variety of methods and devices used to efficiently move and position such weight.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1TaKmgO3pu4/Ul04zGFcZaI/AAAAAAAAPCk/h-nYlgwbWQA/s1600/Archimedes_lever_(Small).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1TaKmgO3pu4/Ul04zGFcZaI/AAAAAAAAPCk/h-nYlgwbWQA/s320/Archimedes_lever_(Small).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">According to Archimedes, you remember him the Greek who said, </span><i><span style="font-size: large;">"give me a long enough lever and a place to stand and I can move the earth."</span></i><span style="font-size: large;"> Some might recognize this as</span><span style="font-size: large;"><i> </i><u>The Law of the Lever</u> or<i> MA = F</i></span><i>B</i><span style="font-size: large; font-style: italic;">/F</span><i>A </i><span style="font-size: large; font-style: italic;">= a/b. </span><span style="font-size: large;">But I wouldn't be among them!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mtYG4232Qyg/UlLeIuie0sI/AAAAAAAAO_Y/tmsqd8TIfA4/s1600/stone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mtYG4232Qyg/UlLeIuie0sI/AAAAAAAAO_Y/tmsqd8TIfA4/s320/stone.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo: Rand Peck</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Kevin also brought copies of his book entitled, <i>THE GRANITE KISS, (</i>published 2001<i>) </i>which he sold and autographed for many in the audience. It's an interesting title don't you think? You need to read the book though to learn of its significance but it's available at the<span style="background-color: white;"> <a href="http://www.amherstlibrary.org/">Amherst Town Library</a> </span>and at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Granite-Kiss-Traditions-Techniques/dp/0881505463/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1381166618&sr=8-1&keywords=kiss+of+granite" style="background-color: white;">Amazon</a>. I'd planned to purchase a copy but by the time I got to speak with him he was sold out, so I took it from the library. If you become particularly enthralled with this topic, another interesting book concerning stonewalls is Robert Thorson's <i>STONE BY STONE</i> (published in 2003) where he acknowledges and gives thanks to Kevin Gardner. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Thank-you very much to the Amherst Garden Club for sponsoring such an interesting speaker and allowing the general public to attend. And thanks to Marti Warren for photos and an introduction.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;"><i>On another note, I received a message from local artist Lori Woodward who wrote concerning my blogpost about marine artist Bill Davis. Her work, mostly landscapes that I've seen, are beautiful and available to be seen and purchased at the New Hampshire Antique CO-OP. Lori, thanks very much for your comments and I highly recommend that readers visit her site. <a href="http://loriwords.com/" style="background-color: white;">Click here</a> or click her on in the right margin. </i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O0BFZaAw5V4/Umltttb87NI/AAAAAAAAPIc/eP2nOUiX21Q/s1600/LW1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O0BFZaAw5V4/Umltttb87NI/AAAAAAAAPIc/eP2nOUiX21Q/s320/LW1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VvgV_nFcMUM/Umltttf7qOI/AAAAAAAAPIY/qBsuf05r_X8/s1600/LW2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VvgV_nFcMUM/Umltttf7qOI/AAAAAAAAPIY/qBsuf05r_X8/s320/LW2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;"><i>Here are a couple examples of Lori Woodwards work exhibited at the New Hampshire Antique CO-OP</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<i style="color: #666666; font-size: x-large;">Thanks for reading,</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;"><i>Rand</i></span></div>
</span></div>
Rand Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208678958267684589noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734047681144204689.post-56415745900467015662013-10-08T07:35:00.000-04:002013-10-08T15:21:33.752-04:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Artist, William Davis</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>spoke at the </i></span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>New Hampshire Antique CO-OP</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>29 Sept 2013.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dqgubHyUL0k/UklwoTxOq0I/AAAAAAAAO7g/ss1BzOnzNMo/s1600/j1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dqgubHyUL0k/UklwoTxOq0I/AAAAAAAAO7g/ss1BzOnzNMo/s320/j1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Samantha and Jackie greeted us in the foyer of the <i><a href="http://www.nhantiquecoop.com/" style="background-color: white;">New Hampshire Antique CO-OP</a></i> on Sunday, 29 September 2013 when we arrived to meet and listen to <a href="http://artstore.worldofartshowcase.com/Artists/William-Davis.aspx" style="background-color: white;">William Davis</a> from Harwich, Mass speak of his history and painting techniques. An enthusiastic gathering of nearly 60 people gathered upstairs in the art gallery of the CO-OP to view and learn of Bill's background. If you've never ventured upstairs into the art gallery here, you've missed a wonderful opportunity to view an interesting and ever changing exhibition.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zk0oWR_8nik/Uklwo5LcvxI/AAAAAAAAO78/_d2N2TLS2Pw/s1600/j3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zk0oWR_8nik/Uklwo5LcvxI/AAAAAAAAO78/_d2N2TLS2Pw/s320/j3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Jason Hackler, one of the principals at the CO-OP and artist William Davis, stand before one of Bill's paintings. Bill grew up on Cape Cod, has no formal art training other than mechanical drawing instruction received while in high school and is completely self-taught. He started painting as a teenager and was fascinated by sailing vessels that transited Hyannis Port. As his skills and reputation progressed, he concentrated on 19th century vessels, as well as techniques employed by such 19th century artists as James Bard and Fitz Hugh Lane. He has painted full time since 1982 and has earned a reputation as one of the finest marine artists in the United States.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Apparently his approach and vision are working as this appeared in a 1992 issue of SOUNDINGS.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<big><big><span style="font-family: Copperplate Gothic Light;"><small><b><span style="color: #99ffff;"><big> </big></span><span style="color: blue;">In the September 1992 issue of <u>Soundings</u>, former Mystic Maritime Gallery Director, J. Russell Jinishian, described Davis by saying "His work evokes the gentility and natural beauty of the 19th century, a time we look back on with some nostalgia as it was a time less complicated and more civilized".</span></b></small></span></big></big></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eYKUvEDfS5E/UklwpIge3VI/AAAAAAAAO8A/XfXenuRSRCQ/s1600/j4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eYKUvEDfS5E/UklwpIge3VI/AAAAAAAAO8A/XfXenuRSRCQ/s320/j4.jpg" width="316" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">A friendly and unassuming man, <a href="http://www.eldreds.com/biographies/artists/William_R_Davis/" style="background-color: white;">Bill</a> comfortably fielded questions from the audience.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">NOTE:</span></u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As you enjoy the paintings below, keep in mind that I shot these, hand-held in low light conditions.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eCkPeBAY7qo/Uklwn7kq20I/AAAAAAAAO7c/8KDgNTzfXjg/s1600/art1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eCkPeBAY7qo/Uklwn7kq20I/AAAAAAAAO7c/8KDgNTzfXjg/s320/art1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Bill's use of light, referred to as "luminosity," can be seen throughout his portfolio. It's not just about the sun, but concerns, in these examples, the water, clouds and sails.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Lv9H390DtQ/UklwoJxfPqI/AAAAAAAAO74/HdRRdkVvY4k/s1600/art3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="274" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Lv9H390DtQ/UklwoJxfPqI/AAAAAAAAO74/HdRRdkVvY4k/s320/art3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">His attention to detail is remarkable. As he stated during the lecture, <i>"the lines that make up rigging have to be factual, actually go somewhere and perform a function."</i> He's seen paintings where the artist simply painted in lines to no where to <i>"create"</i> rigging.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UdO-Mzg6qaw/Uklwn2tP3WI/AAAAAAAAO7s/w9cgK6snuIg/s1600/art5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UdO-Mzg6qaw/Uklwn2tP3WI/AAAAAAAAO7s/w9cgK6snuIg/s320/art5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>The transparency of the sails on this gaff-rigged schooner is spectacular. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I'm neither an artist nor an art critic, but I know quality when I see it and was enthralled with Bill's work. We visit the CO-OP gallery often and are learning from each experience. Thanks very much to the NHAC and Bill Davis for a great fall day.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Just the day before, the CO-OP sponsored another lecture by <a href="http://dungan-tingleychairworks.com/reproduction-furniture.html" style="background-color: white;">Bill Morse</a> concerning Windsor Chairs and Colonial Tables. Bill is a master craftsman who builds his furniture to quality, 18th century standards. He has a line of furniture on display, for sale at the CO-OP, or you can custom order from him through Jason as well.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--qLvBqGnx1c/UlPxWVH-_rI/AAAAAAAAO_8/Fk1NYsAMbiQ/s1600/maple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--qLvBqGnx1c/UlPxWVH-_rI/AAAAAAAAO_8/Fk1NYsAMbiQ/s320/maple.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>This is a seven foot, tiger maple dining room table, with four Windsor side chairs and two Windsor sack back arm chairs, built by Bill Morse nearly ten years ago.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I wish that we could have made this lecture as well, but attended the Weston, Massachusetts antique show at the Golden Ball Tavern, built in 1768. There just aren't enough hours in a day!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Keep an eye on <a href="http://www.nhantiquecoop.com/" style="background-color: white;">NHAC website</a> as they periodically feature new artists, craftsmen and speakers that are always available to the general public free of charge.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Rand Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208678958267684589noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734047681144204689.post-36382866212452005012013-10-01T08:33:00.001-04:002013-11-25T13:57:54.370-05:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Fall Maintenance around an olde Cape.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eMSTw8IQdoQ/UkV6c9BpixI/AAAAAAAAO5g/PmvhHfhCAF8/s1600/Todd+Wilkins14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eMSTw8IQdoQ/UkV6c9BpixI/AAAAAAAAO5g/PmvhHfhCAF8/s320/Todd+Wilkins14.jpg" width="269" /></a></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>View of the Spruce from the front dooryard as Todd inches his way skyward.</i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This is a project that Linda and I have waited several years to initiate. It's all a matter of priority though and finally this tree made it to the top of the list. It's a very large and very old Spruce that really adds nothing of significance to the property. It's surface roots spread far and wide and dominate this corner of the yard. It created un-wanted morning shade and robbed a nearby garden of water. It was time to go. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I8t5w5lifu8/UkV6cpRkz2I/AAAAAAAAO5c/8ZoyEaG8Ms4/s1600/Todd+Wilkins09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I8t5w5lifu8/UkV6cpRkz2I/AAAAAAAAO5c/8ZoyEaG8Ms4/s320/Todd+Wilkins09.jpg" width="310" /></a></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>From the backyard as he continues to disassemble this old tree.</i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So we called Todd Wilkins from Mont Vernon, NH and he and his crew arrived loaded for bear, because this Spruce is nearly 100 feet tall, 48 inches in diameter and is flanked by two antique capes that date to the 18th century. There's little room for error. Todd used his bucket truck for as far as it would reach, then donned his spikes, roped himself in and bravely continued up the tree on his own. After limbing the tree that left a tall thin obelisk, we considered handing Todd a pot of flowers and using it as a planter. Rather though, he continued to dismantle the tree by cutting it into eight foot lengths and dropping them to the ground with the aid of gravity and his crew.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QFx59XO_Lqs/UkV6clEb6PI/AAAAAAAAO5k/ziILhw0zrww/s1600/Todd+Wilkins08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QFx59XO_Lqs/UkV6clEb6PI/AAAAAAAAO5k/ziILhw0zrww/s320/Todd+Wilkins08.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>By this time a large gallery of interested observers gathered to watch Todd work.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Todd seemed unconcerned for his safety... but we were as we watched him move about effortlessly. After a few hours this massive tree was down, cut into manageable pieces, the branches shredded into wood chips and the trunk hauled off to a nearby saw mill to be cut into boards. It was not going to waste, not even the wood chips that were sold to a business who uses them to fire their furnaces.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NhSh4Ugy5Po/UkmRPOk5yYI/AAAAAAAAO8o/hiTNSAr1b90/s1600/tw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NhSh4Ugy5Po/UkmRPOk5yYI/AAAAAAAAO8o/hiTNSAr1b90/s320/tw.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Todd analyzing the cleanup. He had to drive his heavy bucket truck into the backyard, but before he did, he laid out a configuration of plywood sheets to drive on, saving us the work of having to repair deep ruts. When he was done, it was as clean and neat as when he started. I'll either have someone come in and grind out the stump or have Jim Sickler spend some time with his backhoe to eradicate it.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RCh7W-zY8vA/UkWmpnhCNfI/AAAAAAAAO6U/Sx_y0OPVrCE/s1600/T2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RCh7W-zY8vA/UkWmpnhCNfI/AAAAAAAAO6U/Sx_y0OPVrCE/s320/T2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Let me show you another project that Todd completed for us just a couple of years ago. This is the view in our backyard. When we purchased this property you wouldn't have known that this existed as it was simply an overgrown wall of green. In three visits, he limbed up and out until the desired view was achieved. He also eliminated many, much smaller trees, that were being chocked out by their larger neighbors. I didn't want to do this all at once for fear of going too far and destroying the look. We lived a month or so with each cut, slowly expanding the view. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PL6nN04VBRU/UkWmpxHinjI/AAAAAAAAO6Y/WnlVKM1uXGU/s1600/T3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PL6nN04VBRU/UkWmpxHinjI/AAAAAAAAO6Y/WnlVKM1uXGU/s320/T3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>I think you'll agree that Todd is an artist with a chainsaw.</i></span></div>
<br />
This is the final product. In fact while Todd was here taking down the old Spruce, he spent an hour or so cleaning up small areas that have grown back. The result of Todd's work not only enhanced the view, but created wonderful breezes, gave us a more enhanced view of the sky, local wildlife and and contributed greatly to the health of the remaining maples and black-cherry trees. If you need tree work done, we recommend Todd very highly. To learn more about him or to contact Todd, click on <a href="http://www.toddwilkins.com/about.html">TODD WILKINS TREE & LANDSCAPING SERVICES.</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s6_IHYKevoo/UogHkxHxRGI/AAAAAAAAPSg/_kNhXqVVgIg/s1600/DSC_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s6_IHYKevoo/UogHkxHxRGI/AAAAAAAAPSg/_kNhXqVVgIg/s320/DSC_0001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Same as above only a few months later</span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ofqddwwZkX4/UkrCCcCxGgI/AAAAAAAAO9Y/D3UK74EOEAE/s1600/woods1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ofqddwwZkX4/UkrCCcCxGgI/AAAAAAAAO9Y/D3UK74EOEAE/s320/woods1.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Before Todd arrived</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I acquired this photo from a previous owner. This is how the backyard appeared before Todd rescued the view. It was chocked with </span><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">foliage, there was no air movement and the mature trees were suffering badly. The spruce just to the right of the gate is the tree that Todd removed today.</span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sometime in the future I plan to create a list of contractors and stores where I've purchased goods and services, something like an "Angie's List," to let readers know of local businesses with sterling reputations. After owning two antique homes over the last 32 years we have a pretty good feel for who does quality, dependable work. Stay tuned.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I9vqxMeYd3E/UkV-3XIGhOI/AAAAAAAAO58/yOgAUSVVaos/s1600/Maint1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I9vqxMeYd3E/UkV-3XIGhOI/AAAAAAAAO58/yOgAUSVVaos/s320/Maint1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In the very first photo you may have noticed that the bulkhead doors had been removed. Linda, the perfectionist that she is was tired of their appearance. They're cedar, but must have been wet when painted some time ago as the paint was peeling off exposing bare wood. The hinges and handle had suffered through many paint jobs and were covered with old, crusted paint and rust. So off they came, and into the garage they went, where she attacked them with a scrapper, sand paper and an orbital sander. After priming and two coats of paint that match the house, they look beautiful once again. The metal work was removed, run through our wire wheel and painted as well. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DsbDAh9PLDE/UkV-3fgWdxI/AAAAAAAAO54/RlIl9lNUu8o/s1600/Maint2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DsbDAh9PLDE/UkV-3fgWdxI/AAAAAAAAO54/RlIl9lNUu8o/s320/Maint2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">While the doors were off we purchased a 3/4" insulation board, cut it to size and attached it to the inner door with liquid nails. Interesting product that I'd never used before. It's dispensed with a caulking gun to the two surfaces, but once you get the material in place don't waste time fitting it exactly into position. Within a minute the surfaces were bonded and moving the insulation board wasn't going to happen. This should help seal this door better and keep drafts to a minimum on this north facing wall.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TggW5FIhauA/UkbS7jbc2gI/AAAAAAAAO64/V_DCEL7uK2Q/s1600/rand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TggW5FIhauA/UkbS7jbc2gI/AAAAAAAAO64/V_DCEL7uK2Q/s320/rand.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Autumn is here, winter is quickly approaching and there is much yet to do to prepare for it. Next I need to check both my generator and snowblower; change the oil, clean the filters and charge their systems to insure that they're functioning perfectly. </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oS4Kf5_ScVk/Ukm7GqMPXoI/AAAAAAAAO84/B_IKooQhp0s/s1600/P1090431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oS4Kf5_ScVk/Ukm7GqMPXoI/AAAAAAAAO84/B_IKooQhp0s/s320/P1090431.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Happiness is a 7500 KVA generator, humming away on a cold, windy night when ice coated wires are down and a nor-easter is slamming its way through the village. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I try to run my generator once a month for a half hour, so I won't be surprised on that freezing cold night without electricity when it won't start. Secondly to maintain familiarity with the machinery. I also attach the power cord into the house receptacle, in the background, and actually power the house with generator power. I know the generator is running but want to insure that the transfer unit is functioning properly as well. Don't forget to stabilize your fuel!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">But you may ask, <i>"how large of a generator do I need?"</i> For a very simplified chart <a href="http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/resources/images/video/wattage_calculator/wattage_calclulator.html">click here </a>to read Consumer Reports answer to that question. Read through their list, determine what you want/need to power and add up the wattage. I ran this exercise and then added 1,000 watts to ensure capability and arrived at this 7500 watt unit. For my mother who is older and lives a few miles away, I selected a permanent unit that auto starts when it detects a loss of street power.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
Rand Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208678958267684589noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734047681144204689.post-11157445826734896312013-09-21T11:48:00.000-04:002013-10-03T22:18:22.397-04:00<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>OLD HOMES</i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2SLKUQAuIWY/Uj2w2SFwL-I/AAAAAAAAO3o/jZDSQ_L5ciA/s1600/P1090148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2SLKUQAuIWY/Uj2w2SFwL-I/AAAAAAAAO3o/jZDSQ_L5ciA/s320/P1090148.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Amherst, NH Common</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the previous post I wrote about the upcoming <span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://hsbanh.blogspot.com/">ANTIQUES ON THE GREEN</a>, </span>sponsored by the Amherst, NH Historical Society. That event occurred on 13 September and was highly successful with 35 dealers attending and a gate of nearly 700 enthusiastic antique collectors. To visit the post that I wrote concerning the event, please click<a href="http://hsbanh.blogspot.com/"> HERE.</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="color: #45818e; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></i>
<i style="color: #45818e; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">The Understated Graciousness of an Old Home </i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">One of my favorite topics is New England architecture and the reason that I enjoy attending antique auctions and shows is that it affords me the opportunity to drive throughout New England and experience that architecture. Let me share with you my recent drive through Francistown, NH on my Withington trip.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r-ACID13pbU/UjCbmIMQs8I/AAAAAAAAOqs/c1mcwcRlT48/s1600/ft2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r-ACID13pbU/UjCbmIMQs8I/AAAAAAAAOqs/c1mcwcRlT48/s320/ft2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Located in the Monadnock Region of New Hampshire, Francistown was founded in 1772 and today supports a year round population of 1,562 residents. It's Main St, originally known as the Second New Hampshire Turnpike, that wandered from Amherst to Claremont and connected Boston to Montreal via stagecoach, is a splendid example of early New England architecture. Don't blink as you drive through town or you'll miss the <a href="http://francestownvillagestore.intuitwebsites.com/" style="background-color: white;">General Store </a>with its gas pump and Library. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This beautiful brick cape with granite eyebrows over the windows, gable-end fireplaces and a magnificent sugar maple in its front yard is quintessential New England. In a few weeks orange, gold and red leaves will be on the ground and the aroma of woodsmoke will fill the air. I suspect that this building was built in the early 1800's, but as families grew or it exchanged hands, more space was needed bringing about the ell built off the back. Like most of us with old homes, we have a tendency to live in the ell, which is roomier, more efficient and quieter away from the street.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2hEAbCFxvZY/UjCbmEP7kDI/AAAAAAAAOqo/wL4xvbOn1MQ/s1600/ft3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2hEAbCFxvZY/UjCbmEP7kDI/AAAAAAAAOqo/wL4xvbOn1MQ/s320/ft3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify;">A little further north on Main Street I encountered a couple sitting out on their front porch enjoying the late afternoon light and shadows on their historic property. They'd recently retired, left Indiana and purchased this five over four, clapboard, twin chimney, colonial in Francistown. They'd just scrapped and painted it as well; no easy choir on a building this large. I love the color and trim against a blue sky and dark green grass. This is the Dr. Farley House built in 1833. It's 180 years old, built during Andrew Jacksons administration, only 50 years after our constitution was ratified by the state of New Hampshire.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JoeNzp2tdWo/UjCbmt-mf1I/AAAAAAAAOqw/4v8joIk2uU8/s1600/ft4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JoeNzp2tdWo/UjCbmt-mf1I/AAAAAAAAOqw/4v8joIk2uU8/s320/ft4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Just south of the Farley House is this five over four, clapboard, brick-end colonial with gable end chimneys. Again, the ell off the back I'm sure came at a much later date as necessity required. What's most pleasing about these homes are their functional, simple lines and lack of ostentation.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i_vLgQx0Ymc/UjCbmFr9XEI/AAAAAAAAOqg/DD32xlh_mkg/s1600/ft1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i_vLgQx0Ymc/UjCbmFr9XEI/AAAAAAAAOqg/DD32xlh_mkg/s320/ft1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Jonah Davis House, built in 1829 during the waning days of the John Quincy Adams Presidency has been beautifully restored and is an excellent example of a five over four, twin chimney structure with a recessed door, side-lights and exquisite dental molding. Do you see the white painted chimneys with black rings? I've read, but have never really seen it verified though, that this was a secret sign identifying the home owner was a loyalist or supported the King during the Revolutionary War. This would have made him a Tory rather than a Whig who supported independence. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Davis House was built in 1829, 46 years after the end of the Revolution (1775-1783) so I suspect it was painted thusly for aesthetics. Besides, why would one want to identify himself as a "traitor" amongst his neighbors? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When these homes were built, in-door plumbing didn't exist so an outhouse or a privy would have been constructed out back. Most would have been two holers, but larger homes like the Means Mansion in Amherst, NH where Franklin Pierce was married, had a three-holer. Their fireplaces were the only source of heat and as we know today are terribly </span><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">inefficient. Far more heat goes up the chimney rather than into its room. Many NE homes of this era had no insulation in the walls but if they did, they were crammed full of crumpled newspapers, corn cobs or any available material that would help create a dead air space.</span></span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-viwcVpJRopA/UjCbntyntwI/AAAAAAAAOrQ/EgNVKEzWDX8/s1600/peck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-viwcVpJRopA/UjCbntyntwI/AAAAAAAAOrQ/EgNVKEzWDX8/s320/peck.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>The Jesse Smith House, 1840, Mont Vernon, NH</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: center;">This solid, 1840 colonial in Mont Vernon, NH is an excellent example of Yankee ingenuity. It sports twin, gable end chimneys with fireplaces on both floors, but still must have been very cold before central heating was added. The builder elected to face the front of the building to the west, allowing the morning sun to heat the house from the back and continue to heat it from above and the front as the day progressed. Solar planning at its best as used by builders in the mid 19th century.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But, what do you do in the summer when the sun beats down on this building all day long and temperatures soar into the 80's or 90's after the noon hour? To combat this problem a large deciduous tree, a sugar maple in this case, was planted in front of the house to block the days strongest sun exposure and reduce the buildings interior temperature considerably. As summer turned into autumn and the days grew shorter and cooler, the leaves would fall off, once again allowing full sunlight to warm the house for the winter months.</span></span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If your home is situated like this just watch your cat. In the morning he'll snooze by the windows that face east, but move to the westerly windows by the afternoon. Who needs a compass?</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--KOO6O0_lYU/UjCrE9vaoII/AAAAAAAAOrk/6LWPPBEna5w/s1600/cut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--KOO6O0_lYU/UjCrE9vaoII/AAAAAAAAOrk/6LWPPBEna5w/s320/cut.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But the ravages of time take their toll and this is what happens to old trees after nearly 100 years of faithful service. Mont Vernon is 800 feet above sea level and after windy nights the home owners would awaken to find large parts of their beloved maple on the lawn. Fearful of injuring someone walking or driving past, the decision to take it down was sadly reached.</span></span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gn55qqQUxoM/UjCrEmVEQQI/AAAAAAAAOro/w1QzcyfSUkg/s1600/T1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gn55qqQUxoM/UjCrEmVEQQI/AAAAAAAAOro/w1QzcyfSUkg/s320/T1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But the frugal (former) owner, fully comprehending the roll of that formerly magnificent maple, planted another in its spot. After only five years this "October Glory" maple is significantly larger and already supplying welcomed shade to the Jesse Smith House.</span></span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Most old homes, when land allowed, were built facing west or southwest for exactly this reason, but once central heating was perfected, neighborhoods could be built without regard to the sun and neighborhoods grew without solar influence. </span></span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PbgZc78T7Bk/UjCbm_oluXI/AAAAAAAAOrU/9TNk5w75HSM/s1600/ft5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PbgZc78T7Bk/UjCbm_oluXI/AAAAAAAAOrU/9TNk5w75HSM/s320/ft5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">All right, back to Francestown, which incidentally is 10 miles north of Mont Vernon on the Francestown Turnpike. I've been unable to find much information about this building, located directly across the street from the Meeting House. It did serve at one time as the Francistown Academy. Note the horse stalls to the right.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bjuDvOOFP34/UjCbnKK20kI/AAAAAAAAOrE/dqf1xWaRYGg/s1600/ft6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bjuDvOOFP34/UjCbnKK20kI/AAAAAAAAOrE/dqf1xWaRYGg/s320/ft6.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As you enter Francestown from the south, this spectacular, beautifully restored building greets you. It's the Old Meeting House, constructed from 1801 through 1803. It's seen many restorations, has been jacked up and turned to face southwest and is now owned by the <span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://francestownmeetinghouse.com/">Old Meeting House of Francestown Inc</a> </span>which is a 501(3)(c) non profit organization. The interior is as inspiring as the exterior and if you need a picturesque location for a wedding or some other event, give them a call.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DKUw_uWSIeA/UjCbncV9ACI/AAAAAAAAOrA/IvgpBB9JZTU/s1600/ft7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DKUw_uWSIeA/UjCbncV9ACI/AAAAAAAAOrA/IvgpBB9JZTU/s320/ft7.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A little closer examination of its steeple shows damage received on 10 July from a lightening strike. The name Francestown comes from Governor John Wentworth's second wife, Frances Deering. A tract of land was designated in 1772 as the "New Boston Addition." Governor Wentworth decided to name the new town Frances Town after his new wife and used her surname, Deering, to name another town nearby. There was some scandal though. It seems that Frances' first husband died only ten days before she became Mrs. John Wentworth. A rather quick mourning period! </span></span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gpDfUGfH1zE/UkA3sklZGsI/AAAAAAAAO5E/Hx2Q-fEyM5k/s1600/P1080056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gpDfUGfH1zE/UkA3sklZGsI/AAAAAAAAO5E/Hx2Q-fEyM5k/s320/P1080056.jpg" width="242" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I'm sure that you'll enjoy this poem by Fredrick Branch, written I think in the 1920's. I've used it many times but it seems particularly appropriate here.</div>
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: center;">New England history sidetracked me just a bit near the end, but I hope that you enjoyed our visit down main street in Francestown and our detour through Mont Vernon as well.</span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thanks for reading.</span></span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Rand </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Rand Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208678958267684589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734047681144204689.post-9983687616363273992013-09-12T15:23:00.000-04:002013-09-17T08:33:58.732-04:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">After reading our latest post</span></i><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>please read</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>our ANNOUNCEMENTS down below.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>September Withington Auction</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>Hillsborough, New Hampshire</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Friday morning, September 6, dawned bright but very cool at 42F here in Amherst, NH as I pulled out of my driveway and turned north towards Hillsborough, NH to attend my first <a href="http://www.withingtonauction.com/" style="background-color: white;">Withington Auction</a>. The auction company, is in its 57th year of business, started by Dick Withington who was known as the <i>"Bob Hope of the auction block."</i> Dick died in 2008 at the age of 90 but his company lives on, still strongly influenced by its founder as his name was mentioned often during today's event by the auctioneer, runners and members of the audience. Apparently he was quite a guy and wished that I'd had the opportunity to have known him.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--X6Dtce5oQE/UistA1DAApI/AAAAAAAAOmc/0IvLuNUGGuE/s1600/auction01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--X6Dtce5oQE/UistA1DAApI/AAAAAAAAOmc/0IvLuNUGGuE/s320/auction01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Rolling hills, stonewalls, ancient sugar maples and a white tent beneath a blue sky is the perfect setting for a New England country auction.</i></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This was an on site auction with tents and catering in Hillsborough and a very large and enthusiastic crowd. I recognized many dealers from other auctions and shows that I've attended this summer. Today's preview ran from 8 to 10 a.m. with more than 500 lots going under the hammer. Furniture, rugs, paintings, </span><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">porcelain, glass, clocks and other items were available.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9z1sP9hsCII/UistAmF5JCI/AAAAAAAAOmQ/8XHnpwvMC2w/s1600/auction02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9z1sP9hsCII/UistAmF5JCI/AAAAAAAAOmQ/8XHnpwvMC2w/s320/auction02.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Most everyone in attendance knew one another, I was one of the few "outsiders," but they all made me feel right at home.</i></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Promptly at 10:00 a.m. Martha invited everyone to take their seats, explained the ground rules, chided many, whom she obviously knew in the audience and got down to business. The tent was full but this mornings clear skies and light wind created a very cool, almost cold environment. From time to time many would abandon their chair and stand in the sun by the catering tent and enjoy hot coffee. Of course I was wearing shorts, but retreated to my truck where I store my emergency down parka and used to to pad and heat my cold, metal seat bottom.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YIbdUHBnx4M/UistA8iYYtI/AAAAAAAAOmU/A3yf7WNROHI/s1600/auction03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YIbdUHBnx4M/UistA8iYYtI/AAAAAAAAOmU/A3yf7WNROHI/s320/auction03.jpg" width="310" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>The two round top candlestands are mine, the single drawer stand is Linnea's and the ladder back side chair is Bill's. </i></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I met Linnea Steeves and Bill Wallace soon into the bidding. Linnea lives in town, once worked for Dick Withington and owns an antique shop just down the street from this location. Bill owns a summer home in nearby Stoddard, NH but lives on Beacon Hill in Boston. Both are avid, knowledgeable collectors who offered much to further my education in our new endeavor. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Linnea had bid on and won a set of 3 chairs with a fourth thrown in. The fourth happened to be the mate to a single chair that I'd purchased some time earlier. She turned to me and asked, <i>"would you like that chair for $15?" </i>Her price was more than fair and I now had a matched set. I was thrilled. A little later I won a lot of three area rugs but really only had plans for two of them. I offered the third to Linnea for $5 who was happy to have it. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Interestingly, merchandise and capital were exchanging hands within the auction amongst the audience as Martha plied her craft from the podium. This is certainly an excellent example of capitalism or free-enterprise at work. Now I see how this game is played!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sIQq0BXmZjo/UistBHa6IxI/AAAAAAAAOnE/r85jFcXBE1g/s1600/auction04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sIQq0BXmZjo/UistBHa6IxI/AAAAAAAAOnE/r85jFcXBE1g/s320/auction04.jpg" width="295" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Packed into my cab are rugs, footstools and fireplace equipment, but the reason for this photo is to proudly display the new Garmin GPS on my dashboard. I'm not a Luddite!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1AL2J3KhkLQ/UistBfsMwxI/AAAAAAAAOmk/XqvKV9TQ93E/s1600/auction05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1AL2J3KhkLQ/UistBfsMwxI/AAAAAAAAOmk/XqvKV9TQ93E/s320/auction05.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Packed up and ready to use my new GPS to find my way home. The candlestands are folded and lying on the bed floor beneath the chairs. Although space isn't a problem today, I've learned to pack effeciently and how to keep items from moving and chafing. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QsZwTvddt-Q/UistBnP2cgI/AAAAAAAAOms/b4SwBTLK9AY/s1600/auction06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QsZwTvddt-Q/UistBnP2cgI/AAAAAAAAOms/b4SwBTLK9AY/s320/auction06.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Just a mile or so south of the auction I stopped to take pictures of the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/presidents/franklin_pierce_homestead.html" style="background-color: white;">Franklin Pierce homestead. </a>Our 14th president was born here in 1804, served NH in both the House of Representatives and in the Senate as well as a commissioned officer in the Mexican-American War. (1846-1848) He was the first president born in the 19th century and the youngest to have served in this office until that time. He married Jane Means Appleton in 1834 in Amherst, NH, a very short walk from our home. We know the present owners of the "Means Mansion" and have stood in the room in which they married. They suffered a great tragedy though in 1853 en route to Washington for his inauguration, when the train in which they traveled crashed killing their 11 year-old son Benjamin. Pierce finished his term in 1857, returned to New Hampshire and died in 1869.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bqWzdAiMSho/UistBysXAlI/AAAAAAAAOm0/buKqQ1lSpLo/s1600/auction07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bqWzdAiMSho/UistBysXAlI/AAAAAAAAOm0/buKqQ1lSpLo/s320/auction07.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">While leaving the Pierce homestead I noticed this woman, whom I'd seen at the auction, walking home with a fairly large burden and offered to give her a lift. She's <a href="http://www.hillsboroughartisans.com/artist%20pages/HoffmanCarole.html" style="background-color: white;">Carole Hoffman</a>, a local artist and a member of the <a href="http://www.hillsboroughartisans.com/index.html" style="background-color: white;">Hillsborough Area Artisans</a>. She invited me into her studio that was filled with her award winning artwork. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J-a5jdRpUTQ/UistCdoxXuI/AAAAAAAAOm8/8eUUFMY6des/s1600/auction08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J-a5jdRpUTQ/UistCdoxXuI/AAAAAAAAOm8/8eUUFMY6des/s320/auction08.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i><a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/windsor-cottage-hillsborough" style="background-color: white;">WINDSOR COTTAGE ANTIQUES</a></i><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify;">But back on the road I had one more stop to make before heading south. This is Linnea's antique shop just a short walk south of the Pierce homestead at 289 Second New Hampshire Turnpike. She was still at the auction but I had a great time touring her shop with Pauline who was manning the store. She has a wonderful collection of furniture, rugs, glass and textiles that are beautifully displayed and attracts a large clientele. In fact, she purchased this shop several years ago from Dick Withington. Thanks very much to Linnea for her help today and I hope to run into her again on future buying trips.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jcrcQW7D7ts/Uiyd0REG5sI/AAAAAAAAOoE/bue1V7nHvmc/s1600/auction11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jcrcQW7D7ts/Uiyd0REG5sI/AAAAAAAAOoE/bue1V7nHvmc/s320/auction11.jpg" width="263" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The chair on the left is the piece that I purchased and the chair on the right is the one Linnea offered me. They're maple with carved tops and embroidered seats that I suspect were made in 1920 or so. Not real old, but very strong and attractive. I also purchased the two embroidered footstools at this auction. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-he6Ng-H-d7c/Uiyd0umcz-I/AAAAAAAAOoo/qp1a6kODVkA/s1600/auction13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-he6Ng-H-d7c/Uiyd0umcz-I/AAAAAAAAOoo/qp1a6kODVkA/s320/auction13.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">These are the other two footstools that I acquired.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4Gl87Xd_2yo/Uiyd0050iiI/AAAAAAAAOoM/aL79UBUqWSw/s1600/auction14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4Gl87Xd_2yo/Uiyd0050iiI/AAAAAAAAOoM/aL79UBUqWSw/s320/auction14.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A little better view of the four footstools. They're constructed of hardwood and the embroidery is in excellent condition.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W9HqvWwLFmw/Uiyd1LvI_II/AAAAAAAAOoU/eIUVCsuS3xo/s1600/auction15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W9HqvWwLFmw/Uiyd1LvI_II/AAAAAAAAOoU/eIUVCsuS3xo/s320/auction15.jpg" width="278" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Above and below: The two candle stands that I acquired. One is mahogany and the other maple. I also purchased the brass pot that sits between the two candle stands.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XksqOwc3Ptg/Uiyd1Vl5anI/AAAAAAAAOoc/Vo7AtPYli-k/s1600/auction16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XksqOwc3Ptg/Uiyd1Vl5anI/AAAAAAAAOoc/Vo7AtPYli-k/s320/auction16.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">They're in excellent condition, strong and level. The mahogany version has cabriole legs with ball and claw feet and a rimmed top. The maple has spider legs and a plain foot. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q4dUvseAkuc/Uiyd1ovXCUI/AAAAAAAAOog/aBQwVzbU-hE/s1600/auction17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q4dUvseAkuc/Uiyd1ovXCUI/AAAAAAAAOog/aBQwVzbU-hE/s320/auction17.jpg" width="289" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The undersides are in wonderful shape and the cleats, although I think replaced on the maple, are in excellent condition too.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2KPeDAJ7uVQ/Uiyd19Rio5I/AAAAAAAAOpE/yvMsRvxJhyg/s1600/auction18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2KPeDAJ7uVQ/Uiyd19Rio5I/AAAAAAAAOpE/yvMsRvxJhyg/s320/auction18.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A closer look at the original locks and receivers</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qC_OhAiUIII/Uiyd2BmTzxI/AAAAAAAAOo4/PGLyWij8gFs/s1600/auction19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qC_OhAiUIII/Uiyd2BmTzxI/AAAAAAAAOo4/PGLyWij8gFs/s320/auction19.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This gives a better perspective of the size of the brass pot as it hangs from a crane.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kIaG3LtFRY4/UizG2cdVENI/AAAAAAAAOpk/MAOt_MxqgAg/s1600/fg2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kIaG3LtFRY4/UizG2cdVENI/AAAAAAAAOpk/MAOt_MxqgAg/s320/fg2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I also purchased two brass, fireplace fenders. This is the smaller of the two after I attacked it with a can of Brasso. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-brvzrk5vpkU/UiyfSqpGZbI/AAAAAAAAOpM/z8n3H7I1idA/s1600/P1080989.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-brvzrk5vpkU/UiyfSqpGZbI/AAAAAAAAOpM/z8n3H7I1idA/s320/P1080989.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And why this picture you may be wondering. I'm in my workshop area cleaning the rug I purchased in Vermont while attending the Smith Auction a couple of weeks ago. I wanted to demonstrate that yes, males can multitask. I'm vacuuming the rug and babysitting my 11 month old grandson. I think that he looks pretty happy!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">These items will eventually find their way into our space at the NH Antique CO-OP in Milford, NH but if you're interested in any of them presently, you can email me at: </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">randpeckantiques@gmail.com</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><u>- Important Announcements -</u></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C8Q2kMvkB6g/UjHtV6uEQLI/AAAAAAAAOr8/sW5JQaV4_Yw/s1600/A1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C8Q2kMvkB6g/UjHtV6uEQLI/AAAAAAAAOr8/sW5JQaV4_Yw/s320/A1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My mother, wife and niece at Amherst's Antiques on the Green 2012</span></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you find yourself near Amherst, NH on <b>14 September 2013</b>, please stop in and visit us at the Historical Society's" 18th annual,<a href="http://www.hsanh.org/"> <span style="background-color: white;">Antiques on the Green</span></a>. The Amherst Common is one of the most beautiful in New England, surrounded by spectacular and historic architecture. The event will run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. rain or shine and will be supported by more than 30 New England antique dealers. Society members will be admitted gratis and others will be charged only $5 to browse through antiques, visit with friends and enjoy the day on the common. Or, you can join the <span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.hsanh.org/">Amherst Historical Society</a> </span>for a mere $15 per adult (there are other options too) enjoy all it has to offer and learn a little about your town. Do you know how many Amherst residents participated in the Battle of Bunker Hill or at the Battle of Lexington and Concord?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i8HMAcXUxP8/UjH92WqrbkI/AAAAAAAAOsQ/QOc_k_h2EMM/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i8HMAcXUxP8/UjH92WqrbkI/AAAAAAAAOsQ/QOc_k_h2EMM/s320/1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There's always a lot going on in Amherst. The Antique Show, Book Sale and the Farmers Market every Thursday 3 to 6 pm.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CrjzihiMECM/UjH92jXd77I/AAAAAAAAOsg/y1QZ41DuCLg/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CrjzihiMECM/UjH92jXd77I/AAAAAAAAOsg/y1QZ41DuCLg/s320/3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This is the Amherst Village Green where the Antique Show will be held on Saturday, 14 September. Jason Hackler from the <i>New Hampshire Antique CO-OP</i> will be on hand to appraise your antique. The Amherst weather forecast for Saturday predicts clear skies, abundant sun with temperatures in the low 70's. Nearly perfect! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IOve9sBNGfo/UjH92ijUVKI/AAAAAAAAOsY/pYqDZopksKc/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IOve9sBNGfo/UjH92ijUVKI/AAAAAAAAOsY/pYqDZopksKc/s320/2.jpg" width="272" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And this is the Congregational Church adjacent to the village green where the library will hold its annual book sale.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I3vpQoWOkNs/UjHtVpjiZdI/AAAAAAAAOr4/zROg8kcyYXQ/s1600/a2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I3vpQoWOkNs/UjHtVpjiZdI/AAAAAAAAOr4/zROg8kcyYXQ/s320/a2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>New Hampshire Antique CO-OP</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Appreciators of antiques and fine art, mark Saturday and Sunday, <b>September 28 and 29</b> on your calendar and plan to attend the 30th Anniversary Open House celebration of the <a href="http://www.nhantiquecoop.com/" style="background-color: white;">New Hampshire Antique CO-OP,</a> on 323 Elm Street in Milford, NH. With more than 200 dealers on site and 20,000 square feet of exhibitions, your choices are unlimited.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Noted Cape Cod artist William Davis will hold a marine painting lecture upstairs in the gallery and a Windsor Chair making demonstration by NH Master craftsman Bill Morse will highlight the event. Mr. Morse will speak on Saturday the 28th at 1 pm and Mr. Davis on Sunday the 29th at 1 pm. Each lecture will be followed by a wine and cheese reception.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Hackler family has run the CO-OP for thirty years now and have distinguished themselves as a </span><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">premier antique and art facility with friendly, outstanding service. If you have any questions you can click them on above or call them at 673-8499.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thanks to the </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://www.amherstcitizen.com/" style="background-color: white;">AMHERST CITIZEN</a> </i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">for this information.</span></span></div>
</div>
Rand Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208678958267684589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734047681144204689.post-38422215276042590512013-09-04T12:55:00.000-04:002013-09-05T10:47:30.317-04:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">- New Hampshire Troubadour -</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I received an email recently from a reader questioning a photo that I'd posted recently concerning a little known magazine called TROUBADOUR. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>"Rand, I remember seeing this little magazine around our home as a kid. What can you tell me about them?"</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EuDPcopPRM0/UhNqGGIw44I/AAAAAAAAOcI/wlGKm06WVOQ/s1600/a1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EuDPcopPRM0/UhNqGGIw44I/AAAAAAAAOcI/wlGKm06WVOQ/s320/a1.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Here's my stack of TROUBADOUR MAGAZINES, about 70 or so, that I've acquired over the years. Their popularity seems to be increasing and normally sell for between $3 to $4 a piece in off the beaten track antique shops. If you resort to Amazon or Ebay, they can be as expensive as $18 each plus shipping. I bought a stack of 45 at <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/homestead-bookshop-marlborough" style="background-color: white;">Homestead Bookstore</a> in Marlboro, NH for $25 six months or so ago and then stashed them away in a cubby hole in my slant lid desk. They looked neat, but I failed to recognize their value at first glance.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-49k-TK1_F_Q/UhNqGabpkpI/AAAAAAAAOcQ/u669_NdJWnk/s1600/a2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-49k-TK1_F_Q/UhNqGabpkpI/AAAAAAAAOcQ/u669_NdJWnk/s320/a2.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<i>Four issues from 1948, '49 and '50.</i><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The covers are beautiful and did much to attract the attention of those seeking a slower pace.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">At the time I was only mildly interested in this publication that spanned from 1931 until 1951 that was published and sold by the state of New Hampshire by subscription only. More specifically by the State Planning and Development Commission, charged with attracting new residents and businesses. When publication began in 1931 the population of the NH was merely 465,000 vs 1.3 million today. To accomplish its mission, the magazine published articles concerning New Hampshire's White Mountains, the seacoast region, the Lakes Region, covered bridges, maple syrup, autumn leaves, hunting, antiques, the <a href="http://www.thecog.com/" style="background-color: white;">Mt Washington Cog Railway</a> and other bucolic interests to stir the imagination of those from away. Each issue was only 16 pages or so and really was hardly more than a brochure that served to sing the praises of the Granite State.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JH0CGg_4oHg/UhNqGKk7xLI/AAAAAAAAOcE/751WX6tOvYc/s1600/a3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JH0CGg_4oHg/UhNqGKk7xLI/AAAAAAAAOcE/751WX6tOvYc/s320/a3.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<i>Earlier issues from 1931 and 1934 before color photos were introduced.</i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The issue to the far right highlights Mt. Washington's summit, Tuckermans Ravine and its famous Headwall. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have to admit, the little magazine did little to excite me and I went several years before even opening an issue. But then on a winter day, stuck inside due to heavy snow and with nothing to read, I reluctantly dragged them out and opened an issue concerning old houses and their restorations. I was hooked and have read every one in my collection. How could I have been so blind I thought. The writing and photography are very good, it revolves around New England and even published poetry in every issue. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'm missing a few issues and I carry that list with me so when out visiting antique or old bookstores I can fill in those holes as I discover them hidden under other books or behind old tools. I may have to succumb to Ebay, but will continue my search to try to avoid this easy, but rather expensive alternative.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sxXC8WM02p0/UhNqGtS9VAI/AAAAAAAAOcY/vIBg0wBxBLw/s1600/a4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sxXC8WM02p0/UhNqGtS9VAI/AAAAAAAAOcY/vIBg0wBxBLw/s320/a4.jpg" width="244" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>1934 and 1935 issues</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">These two issues leaned heavily upon the draw of 6,288' foot <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.mountwashington.org/">Mt. Washington</a>,</span> the highest peak east of the Rockies and north of the Carolinas that experiences its own weather systems. Winds on Mt Washington exceed hurricane force nearly 100 days each year, the summit temperature has never exceeded 71 degrees and more hikers have died on this mountain than on any other in the world. Until 2010, the worlds highest recorded windspeed was measured atop Mt Washington at 231 mph in 1934. It may have exceeded that but we'll never know because the anemometer blew away. Headlined here on these pages are Tuckermans Ravine and the Headwall, treacherous skiing available only to hearty hikers as no lifts lead to them. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">From the <a href="http://www.outdoors.org/" style="background-color: white;">Appalachian Mountain Clubs</a> base lodge at Pinkham Notch, a skier straps his/her skies to a backpack and hikes for a couple hours to reach the Tuckerman Ravine Hut. After a short rest you'll depart on a strenuous climb (note I said climb, not hike) over rocky terrain that will take nearly another hour just to get to the base of the headwall. From there, put your skis over your shoulder and join the congo-line to start the straight up climb on the headwall. The headwall varies from between 40 to 60 degrees angle and when you need a rest, just put out your arm and lean against the wall. There are no services up here, you might get two or three runs in before having to pack up your skis and journey back down to Pinkham Notch. See what I mean about hearty?</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q8-CG8-yQXk/UhNqg973oiI/AAAAAAAAOco/nub1LSOFqcg/s1600/b1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q8-CG8-yQXk/UhNqg973oiI/AAAAAAAAOco/nub1LSOFqcg/s320/b1.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Grandmother sitting on her porch preparing the bounty from her harvest. Fall must be closing in because she's wearing a heavy sweater and the mountains in the background will soon be covered in snow. And if Editor Heath has done his job... skiers too. Interestingly, each issue started with a poem on page one. This poem is titled, WHEN AUTUMN TURNS THE LEAVES and corresponds to the associated picture on the fly leaf.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="webkit-fake-url://0BBFF416-AA8A-4395-8F68-41188DE7DBEF/image.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="webkit-fake-url://0BBFF416-AA8A-4395-8F68-41188DE7DBEF/image.tiff" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fmsOM8B9AoA/UhNqgrQ-BSI/AAAAAAAAOck/hMj06mNXKt4/s1600/b2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fmsOM8B9AoA/UhNqgrQ-BSI/AAAAAAAAOck/hMj06mNXKt4/s320/b2.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This little magazine terminated in 1951 when the state started publishing NEW HAMPSHIRE PROFILES MAGAZINE. To give you a better sense of Troubadours size, I've placed two issues next to a Profiles. Profiles itself survived into the middle 1980s before they too terminated publication. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><u>Here's a funny quip or piece of New England humor I read in the July 1943 edition.</u></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>At a largely attended auction in a NH town the local physician put up a squawk that he had made a higher bid than a woman further back in the crowd. The auctioneer, who was also the town undertaker, insisted that he didn't hear his bid. Finally the doctor lost his temper and yelled, "Trouble with you is, you made a mistake and now you're trying to cover it up." Pretending to be hurt the auctioneer turned sadly to his old friend and inquired, "Why Doc, don't you believe in reciprocity? I've been covering up your mistakes for more'n forty years and never told a soul."</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0WPAsYtJhA0/UhPEUKrr-CI/AAAAAAAAOew/ijH2auIlOWs/s1600/P1080565.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0WPAsYtJhA0/UhPEUKrr-CI/AAAAAAAAOew/ijH2auIlOWs/s320/P1080565.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This is the photo that I'd used a while back that caught Steve from Michigan's attention and caused him to remember TROUBADOUR MAGAZINE. Thanks for writing Steve and enticing me to research this wonderful little antique magazine. I plan to write about Wallace Nutting too.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cxl1U0I_n2s/UidSBijlO8I/AAAAAAAAOlw/CeAo-KECKMk/s1600/Scan.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cxl1U0I_n2s/UidSBijlO8I/AAAAAAAAOlw/CeAo-KECKMk/s320/Scan.jpeg" width="226" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Now that I've been hooked and am seriously interested in collecting Troubadours, I've created this spread sheet to keep track of my progress. The X indicates I'm still searching for that issue, so if you have any that fall into this category and you'd consider disposing of them, drop me a line.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6r1wIOV2e1o/UhSybqSEHFI/AAAAAAAAOfg/jTuas3rjf1M/s1600/xtucks9.jpg.pagespeed.ic.60VcLGb4XF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6r1wIOV2e1o/UhSybqSEHFI/AAAAAAAAOfg/jTuas3rjf1M/s320/xtucks9.jpg.pagespeed.ic.60VcLGb4XF.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">But before I go, I wanted to leave you with a more contemporary photo of the Headwall and <a href="http://www.friendsoftuckerman.org/" style="background-color: white;">Tuckermans Ravine</a>. We're standing on the Lions Head Trail on the east side of the ravine, the summit is up to your right. This photo better illustrates just how steep this glacial cirque, formed 10,000 years ago as the last ice sheet retreated from North America, really is. Now, envision yourself skiing over the top of the headwall and down into the bowl. GERONIMO!!!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And lastly. Frederick W. Branch was a noted poet who wrote during the 1940's and much of his work appeared in TROUBADOUR. My favorite, probably because I've lived in two antique homes (1840 and 1790) he titled FULFILLMENT. I've added it here for you to enjoy.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"></span></span></div>
<div align="center">
<center>
<table border="0" style="width: 600px;"><tbody>
<tr><td><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"></span><br />
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><small><span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5734047681144204689" name="FULFILLMENT"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>FULFILLMENT</i></span></a></strong></span></small></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
</span>
<br />
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><small><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The man who built this house of mine<br />A hundred years ago,<br />With Christian doors of smooth, clear pine<br />And chestnut timbers, row on row,<br />Whose oxen hauled the bricks and lime,<br />Who squared the hearth’s broad stone,<br />Could not foresee that Fate and Time<br />Would someday make it all my own.<br /><br />He must have known that it would stay,<br />Here, on its sturdy sills,<br />Long after his last Spring should lay<br />Her fragrant mornings on the hills:<br />So, even if he didn’t know<br />Just who its owners were to be,<br />I’ll still maintain that, years ago,<br />He planned and built this house for me.</span></span></small></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
</span>
<br />
<div style="font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><small><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></small></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</center>
</div>
</div>
Rand Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208678958267684589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734047681144204689.post-5457320503959455332013-08-25T11:10:00.000-04:002013-09-25T08:36:22.514-04:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<u> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Why Purchase antiques vs. buying from Bernie & Phyl's?</span></u><br />
<u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you're in a rush to furnish your home, then by all means, run out to Jordans or Bernies, throw down plastic and wait six weeks for a truck to pull up and off load furniture that instantly loses value. And if you pay the balance over time, likely you will have gotten rid of it before you pay the final installment. It's like buying a new car and driving it off the lot; as soon as your tires hit the road its lost much of it's financial value. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>"But"</i> you exclaim, <i>"I need an automobile and furniture."</i> I understand, but there are better ways, more interesting avenues to pursue these items. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Let me be clear though. <i>(I know, this sounds like another insincere, self absorbed politician.)</i> I'm not talking about all of your furniture, I'm talking about signature pieces, those that define your room, or for that matter you. The pieces that will stand out and make a statement. Jordan's is the place to purchase a box spring and mattress, a sleep sofa or everyday chairs, but for the pieces that make a statement you might consider an antique.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r3vbVOtXNDI/UTYhNbHHq7I/AAAAAAAAN_A/WbjkwVQExYk/s1600/blogs2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r3vbVOtXNDI/UTYhNbHHq7I/AAAAAAAAN_A/WbjkwVQExYk/s320/blogs2.jpg" width="279" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Research by a previous owner<i> (Elna Howard, who lived in our home from 1902 until 1985)</i> indicates that our home was built circa 1790, (1780 if you believe the town records) but this room was added in 2010 to connect the ell (early 1800's) off the cape to the garage. An essential room in northern New England when the snow is up to the bottom of the windows. </span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MAAd24n8fAg/UTdIRjw9X5I/AAAAAAAAN_w/kZrvy5-D7Yk/s1600/P1030792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MAAd24n8fAg/UTdIRjw9X5I/AAAAAAAAN_w/kZrvy5-D7Yk/s320/P1030792.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>See what I mean!</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Front of the new addition.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Our goal when we designed and added this room, was to make it look as though it had always been here. I think that we succeeded and here's how we did. First, and most importantly, we contracted with Paul Flahive who enjoys an excellent reputation in the antique home restoration business. He was highly recommended by our neighbor Terry Mayo (who once owned our home) and had Paul restore his connected barn into living space.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Our new floor is constructed of wide pine, old growth boards, some as wide as 20 inches. The walls are plastered and we insured that the woodwork that defines the doors and windows was prominent and matched the woodwork in the cape. But what grabs your attention as you enter the room? Yes, the early 1800's New England secretary and drop leaf table. Even in a new room they do much to "antiquate" it. The wood is inviting and the colors are warm and rich.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GozMgR1XK3c/UTYhNj1B1pI/AAAAAAAAN_E/oKNeu-ijVxQ/s1600/blogs1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GozMgR1XK3c/UTYhNj1B1pI/AAAAAAAAN_E/oKNeu-ijVxQ/s320/blogs1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">To carry the look even further, when you open the doors and drawers old New England artifacts (maps, books, brochures, tin-types, etc..) will greet you and further grab your attention. Rather than displaying a static piece, it's staged with years worths of collected treasures. We purchased this piece from Jason Hackler at the <i><a href="http://www.nhantiquecoop.com/index.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">New Hampshire Antique COOP</span></a></i> some time ago. It's a great place to go, immerse yourself in the "antique culture" and learn. Even with free coffee and cookies, you'll never look at Jordan's Furniture quite the same way again.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Rather than looking at a highly polished, glistening piece of furniture with no personality, or blemishes, this secretary has lovely wood, pegged and paneled doors, beautiful dovetailing and a distinct patina. The drawers require a little effort to open, squeak just a bit, there are dings and scratches applied carefully by generations of families who have gone before and it has felt the touch of a thousand hands prior to mine. All of this only piques my curiosity concerning whose homes it has graced before. In 1800, John Adams, who lived only 60 miles south of here was our 2nd president when we think that this piece was built by a craftsman using hand tools in his barn. Just imagine, no assembly line and no power tools.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The <a href="http://antiques.about.com/od/furniture/a/WindsorChair013010.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">bow back Windsor armchair</span></a> is made of oak and came out Harvard's <a href="http://hcl.harvard.edu/libraries/houghton/exhibits/widener/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">"Widener Library"</span></a> some 60 years ago. Built as a memorial to her son who died aboard the Titanic, Widener is the nations oldest library and the worlds largest private library. Presidents, Senators or other Statesman may have relaxed in it during their undergraduate days at Harvard.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gz6V1ZGJEJ4/UTYhNYYWeWI/AAAAAAAAN_I/WIQcpKDJpfY/s1600/blogs3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gz6V1ZGJEJ4/UTYhNYYWeWI/AAAAAAAAN_I/WIQcpKDJpfY/s320/blogs3.jpg" width="314" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This circa 1810, birch and maple, New Hampshire Tall Clock defines the room. Everything else was collected to support it. The clock was purchased from <a href="http://delaneyantiqueclocks.com/"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Delaney's Antique Clocks</span> </i></a>in West Townsend, Massachusetts. Open the "coffin" door and you'll find rough, crude, iron weights that power the beat and strike. The "beat" is distinctive and the "strike" is a simple bell that pleasantly sounds throughout our home. The cabinet was likely constructed by a local Concord cabinet maker of a simple, functional design. <a href="http://clockway.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=C&Product_Code=CHM611F044&gclid=CPuxkLf27bgCFZCe4AodMiIANw"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">New <i>"grandfather"</i> clocks</span></a> are obtrusively large and ornate, have shiny, brass weights, prominently displayed through glass doors. Their beat is faint and the melodious strike sounds like Westminster Abby in London. You might expect to see the Queen waltzing through the door. They posses neither patina nor provenance but require no effort to seek out and purchase. Craigslist is full of them.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Spend time at Delaney's with brothers Sean and John <i>(whom I'm sure you've seen on Antique Roadshow) </i>and the thought of purchasing a "new grandfather clock" will fade very quickly. We visited Delaney's several times over a period of years, learning, before we committed to our first purchase. It was time well spent.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KqH7ZQqTeX8/UTYhOJ2ejRI/AAAAAAAAN_M/l9M4rdwe59w/s1600/blogs4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KqH7ZQqTeX8/UTYhOJ2ejRI/AAAAAAAAN_M/l9M4rdwe59w/s320/blogs4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The tall clock, candle stand, child's rocker, small upholstered sofa and four drawer pine chest with accoutrements are all antiques in a new room that help age it significantly. On the other hand, the two wooden and upholstered arm chairs are from Jordans Furniture. They are of very nice quality and mix well with the antiques and withstand everyday use.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o1Hz1mzjgkM/UTYhOfhZGkI/AAAAAAAAN_U/zaBdy3kntRM/s1600/blogs5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o1Hz1mzjgkM/UTYhOfhZGkI/AAAAAAAAN_U/zaBdy3kntRM/s320/blogs5.jpg" width="295" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>In the cape.</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Another Delaney Clock on the wall. This time a stunning Chelsea Clock Company, Model #1, eight-day, oak Regulator that's not only beautiful, but at nearly 125 years old is never more than one minute off every seven days. This is a "regulator" clock, or to be even more specific it's a "timepiece" so it has no strike. Why no strike you may be wondering? Ask Sean or John, they'll explain this to you as they did to me.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The circa 1790 highboy (George Washington was president) is a piece we waited years to acquire. We needed one on the diminutive side due to the size of the room and would be close in color to the Chelsea Clock. Sam Hackler at New Hampshire Antique CO-OP found this piece for us. A red wall is not easy to decorate around. Patience paid off as we think it's a wonderful combination. An 80 year-old Persian rug with a certain level of wear always lends itself to setting off a room. Think of it as a fabric painting on your floor that's comfortable to walk on.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The tilt top tea table is another antique with a few small repairs, but the two wing backs (brand new) came from the Pottery Barn. Smaller than most chairs of that style, they enhance the room, blend in nicely with the vintage pieces and withstand daily use. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">All of this is fine, but a good deal of enjoyment derives from the hunt and following leads to uncover the exact piece that you're looking for. Weekends in coastal Maine towns, or time spent in northern New Hampshire villages in the White Mountains or Vermont's Green Mountains, poking through dusty, dimly lit (bring a small flashlight) antique shops during foliage season with the scent of woodsmoke in the air is delightful. Talking with shop owners, learning more about their pieces and following their leads down the road and around the bend past where <i>"Smith's barn used to stand,"</i> is great fun. Hours spent at a big box store full of humanity simply can't compare to the education and conversation enjoyed at an old antique shop.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ICU4IRQ_zy0/UhohL0A_1qI/AAAAAAAAOh4/O16zkv0wJN0/s1600/warwick-store-view-photos.ashx.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ICU4IRQ_zy0/UhohL0A_1qI/AAAAAAAAOh4/O16zkv0wJN0/s320/warwick-store-view-photos.ashx.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Now, which appears more inviting? It's a personal choice.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YTTR51O44PE/UhohQXvv0YI/AAAAAAAAOiA/yYc_zUAHLdU/s1600/shop1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YTTR51O44PE/UhohQXvv0YI/AAAAAAAAOiA/yYc_zUAHLdU/s320/shop1.jpg" width="311" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Marblehead, MA</i></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And don't be afraid to make a mistake and purchase the wrong piece. If it's wrong and no longer fits, take it to your local antique shop and sell it on consignment. Or call us! You'll likely be made whole and re-armed to venture out and replace it. But that imitation, pressed wood bureau or flimsy chair that you purchased just a few years ago at a commercial furniture store and now hate... what do you do with those? They certainly haven't appreciated and will probably end up in the dump because your kids didn't want it, nobody took it off the end of your driveway with the FREE sign taped to it and not a single call from Craigslist. I finally learned the difficult lesson that junk (although it may look nice) doesn't appreciate but quality does. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Furnishing your home with antiques is fun, very satisfying and something that I wished I'd started a lot earlier than we did. It's never too late, but be careful... it's addictive. And our antiques you ask? Not to worry, our kids have already earmarked their choices and divided up the cache. We're delighted to know that these cherished items will remain in our family for generations to come.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gIXDb567_gw/UTkG14zx4nI/AAAAAAAAOAA/zzmhZ0bLqL0/s1600/P1070237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gIXDb567_gw/UTkG14zx4nI/AAAAAAAAOAA/zzmhZ0bLqL0/s320/P1070237.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Fourth of July parade, Amherst, New Hampshire</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Each and every piece of early American furniture has a great story to tell. Once you learn the language you're going to love the story, so jump in and enjoy the education.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VfG8Zui85B0/UgOaxSb1NJI/AAAAAAAAOTo/eo93rqGW8Qo/s1600/P1080589.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VfG8Zui85B0/UgOaxSb1NJI/AAAAAAAAOTo/eo93rqGW8Qo/s320/P1080589.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Our local militia on the march, possibly headed to Lexington and Concord or to Breeds Hill in Charlestown, Ma.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M7XAQx9duIY/UhtraXbxSCI/AAAAAAAAOiU/uwtv5dgWRWI/s1600/DSC04851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M7XAQx9duIY/UhtraXbxSCI/AAAAAAAAOiU/uwtv5dgWRWI/s320/DSC04851.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Rand Peck Antiques at the NH Antique CO-OP.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Thanks very much for taking the time to read my thoughts. I look forward to your comments. Also, if you find yourself in the vicinity of Milford, NH stop by the </span><a href="http://www.nhantiquecoop.com/" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">NH ANTIQUE CO-OP</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> and browse through our display. If you're looking for a specific piece let us know, we're always out scouring New England for new and interesting antiques.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Rand</span>Rand Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208678958267684589noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734047681144204689.post-87139871683534800322013-08-16T14:53:00.000-04:002013-08-21T17:26:35.329-04:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">- Out on the Auction Trail Once Again -</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">12 - 14 August 2013</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">More interesting finds!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This Monday morning dawned clear and cool so Linda and I packed up our truck and headed to the</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> <a href="http://www.mcinnisauctions.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">McInnis Auction</span></a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> in Amesbury on the historic </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Massachusetts North Shore. It was our first visit to McInnis and we came away with three new pieces and a very positive impression of John McInnis and family. Many smalls were auctioned as well as early American furniture and art work that saw bidding rise as high as $40,000. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OsrGuRLtfIU/UglWJ0tQ7EI/AAAAAAAAOWU/T2OuvX-ISuQ/s1600/new+stuff01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OsrGuRLtfIU/UglWJ0tQ7EI/AAAAAAAAOWU/T2OuvX-ISuQ/s320/new+stuff01.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>A Jelly Cabinet, Tilt Top Tea Table and a Sack back Windsor Arm Chair fit comfortably into the bed of our pickup truck.</i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Leaving the McInnis parking lot in Amesbury, Mass. John McInnis's entire family is involved with his and their own auctioning businesses. I met one of his sons, a young fellow who starts his freshman year at Maine Maritime Academy this September. Not only was he working the auction, but he bid on and won a four drawer, antique, Hepplewhite bureau that he said h</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">e needs when he starts school. Now how many kids purchase an antique bureau when they leave for college. He's way ahead of the next generation of collectors and was a very nice kid to boot. </span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4msA5oPwmc/UglWJxlzbjI/AAAAAAAAOWY/7VaybSEAobE/s1600/new+stuff02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4msA5oPwmc/UglWJxlzbjI/AAAAAAAAOWY/7VaybSEAobE/s320/new+stuff02.jpg" width="258" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I purchased this very late 18th century, probably 1790, sack-back Windsor arm chair, that came out of a home in Amesbury. The term bow-back is also used with this Windsor chair style which gets its name from the town in England from where they originated. By the mid 1700's American artisans, particularly from Philadelphia, had tweaked this design into a finer, more refined, less bulky look and they were often called Philadelphia Chairs.</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WSXqvp0Ru0w/UglWJ55jTDI/AAAAAAAAOWQ/pzfrSgDNA5A/s1600/new+stuff03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WSXqvp0Ru0w/UglWJ55jTDI/AAAAAAAAOWQ/pzfrSgDNA5A/s320/new+stuff03.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Handsomely proportioned with great strength, it will easily withstand everyday use. (Although I wouldn't use it that way.) It displays beautifully here next to our 18th century, maple and birch secretary. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This design was very popular in the colonies by 1750. George Washington and Thomas Jefferson owned many and the Second Continental Congress, meeting in Philadelphia, used them in their chamber. Others from this era fond of their Windsor chairs were James Monroe, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and Benedict Arnold. </span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l21LzIxQrJY/UglWKZJwOlI/AAAAAAAAOWg/z87MjmjNBj8/s1600/new+stuff04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l21LzIxQrJY/UglWKZJwOlI/AAAAAAAAOWg/z87MjmjNBj8/s320/new+stuff04.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Closer inspection reveals its wonderful patina and detail. Quality, "new," sack-back Windsors sell upwards of $500. They're beautiful... but they're "new" with no patina or mystery about them. Thomas Jefferson is known to have written the Declaration of Independence while sitting in a Sack-Back Windsor Chair... it may very well have been this one! If you're interested, call or email as we plan to market this sea port "original" for $575.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GzO-QImK4Nw/Ug_ONrscycI/AAAAAAAAOZk/4Z6bWm6Dml0/s1600/chair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="159" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GzO-QImK4Nw/Ug_ONrscycI/AAAAAAAAOZk/4Z6bWm6Dml0/s320/chair.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Just in case you think I'm exaggerating <i>(because occasionally I get carried away)</i> here's a picture of an engraving by Edward Savage that shows Congress debating independence with Franklin and Charles Carroll sitting in Windsor chairs. Four Windsors are easily discernible in this engraving. Carroll, from Maryland, was the longest lived and last surviving signer of the Declaration of Independence, dying in 1832 at age 95.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4GeWXmBznNw/UglWKcVXvMI/AAAAAAAAOWw/MGzrumMaXEc/s1600/new+stuff05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4GeWXmBznNw/UglWKcVXvMI/AAAAAAAAOWw/MGzrumMaXEc/s320/new+stuff05.jpg" width="251" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This is a tiger maple tea table with a turned base, cabriolet legs and snake feet. It is in very good condition with excellent cleats and its original metal locking mechanism.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hg9QeFDztr4/UglWK9a5QPI/AAAAAAAAOW4/LDe_1k3bXvM/s1600/new+stuff06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hg9QeFDztr4/UglWK9a5QPI/AAAAAAAAOW4/LDe_1k3bXvM/s320/new+stuff06.jpg" width="283" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This is a mid 1800's piece from a home in Amesbury, Mass and will add elegance to yours. But why would a furniture maker from the 18th or 19th century design this so it would tilt? Answer: So they could save space when it wasn't in use. Look at the picture above to see how much space this table takes. Now look at the picture below. It tilts up so it can fit flush against a wall and you can now hold a dance in your parlor. Ingenious!</span></div>
</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PFj8Q8Sk-ZY/UglWKwiU_iI/AAAAAAAAOW0/YeqIHHtjU68/s1600/new+stuff07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PFj8Q8Sk-ZY/UglWKwiU_iI/AAAAAAAAOW0/YeqIHHtjU68/s320/new+stuff07.jpg" width="251" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Here's a nice view of the top surface. Depending upon which books you study, this could be refereed to as a curly maple tea table as well. For Sale for $675</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4vcIAQh7gU0/UglWLehsMLI/AAAAAAAAOXE/qnpb6Xof9X0/s1600/new+stuff08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4vcIAQh7gU0/UglWLehsMLI/AAAAAAAAOXE/qnpb6Xof9X0/s320/new+stuff08.jpg" width="310" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">What a great find. A single door, pine cupboard or jelly cabinet with exceptionally beautifully patina that could be the signature piece for any kitchen or a means to showcase many of your collections. Linda looked at this picture and said, <i>"where did you buy the outhouse?" </i>I told her that if it were an outhouse, it would have a half moon cutout on the door. Come on!</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2T67NFBUlRk/UglWLqaV1ZI/AAAAAAAAOXM/B138gqeGBSw/s1600/new+stuff09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2T67NFBUlRk/UglWLqaV1ZI/AAAAAAAAOXM/B138gqeGBSw/s320/new+stuff09.jpg" width="275" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It has four shelves, stands 57" tall, 30.5" wide, 16" deep and came out of a home in Newburyport, Mass.</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jc9-GO8DTyg/UglWLoBFyiI/AAAAAAAAOXY/GcWRVagICgc/s1600/new+stuff10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jc9-GO8DTyg/UglWLoBFyiI/AAAAAAAAOXY/GcWRVagICgc/s320/new+stuff10.jpg" width="276" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The back of this mid to late 1800's cabinet and I guarantee that it's never seen duty as an outhouse. For sale at $725.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2wtVrIfgSyg/UglfbjicIUI/AAAAAAAAOXo/55FvIz8ojus/s1600/P1080893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2wtVrIfgSyg/UglfbjicIUI/AAAAAAAAOXo/55FvIz8ojus/s320/P1080893.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">After finishing our business in Amesbury we headed for Hampton, NH where we found these architectural pieces languishing in a pile of granite. They're granite balustrades and we learned that they came from the<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"> </span><a href="http://www.mfa.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394;">Museum of Fine Arts</span> </a>on Huntington Avenue in Boston. They were part of a fencing complex that enclosed a garden behind the museum in the Fens section of the city. We've kept one and placed it in our garden with a pot of flowers prominently displayed. They're certainly unique, have a fabulous provenance and are for sale for $195 a piece. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VtES5r0CKVE/UglqTpV68GI/AAAAAAAAOX4/-5SGQ4UHp7k/s1600/bal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VtES5r0CKVE/UglqTpV68GI/AAAAAAAAOX4/-5SGQ4UHp7k/s320/bal.jpg" width="242" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Or get really creative and try one next to your dining room fireplace supporting a plant or some other fine antique that you've collected. Get used to hearing, <i>"where did you find these,"</i> as you explain that they came from the MFA. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FCXBkX4vEOA/UgwMJEsjzxI/AAAAAAAAOYw/L-NzhmfFwB8/s1600/P1080687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FCXBkX4vEOA/UgwMJEsjzxI/AAAAAAAAOYw/L-NzhmfFwB8/s320/P1080687.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Here's the balustrade that we've kept and have placed in one of our gardens at home.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZeNpPY8p0Bw/UgzLgCtGeBI/AAAAAAAAOZI/ag16dxNN66k/s1600/gt0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZeNpPY8p0Bw/UgzLgCtGeBI/AAAAAAAAOZI/ag16dxNN66k/s320/gt0001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />I did a google search of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and found a picture of the fence that I referred to above. It appears that these granite pieces were mined from the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.massmoments.org/moment.cfm?mid=330"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Quincy Granite Quarry</span></a>.</span> This quarry came to be in 1825 when a committee was formed to find appropriate granite to construct the battle monument at <a href="http://www.nps.gov/bost/historyculture/bhm.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394;">Bunker Hill</span></a>, which was dedicated in 1843.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4M1v5NOSK9Y/UgwKbGwC3EI/AAAAAAAAOYY/aLua1Sk_wLk/s1600/chair1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4M1v5NOSK9Y/UgwKbGwC3EI/AAAAAAAAOYY/aLua1Sk_wLk/s320/chair1.jpg" width="262" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And our last little treasure. Skinner recently held an on line, computer bidding only auction. It was different but may be the way of the future. No floor bidders, no auctioneer, no phone participants and no banter. Simply enter your bid on line and see what happens when the time runs out. All lots and I think that there were 700, end at the same time, which makes it difficult to budget your resources. If I win lot 100 for instance, but have to extend myself to do it, I may not have enough left to purchase lot 110, but I won't know this until the auction terminates and it's too late. You can however, enter a max bid that will incrementally increase as the bid moves forward solving part of this problem. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I did win this late 1700's, Bannister-back armchair that was the object of my attention though. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F-C4TPVyzwk/UgwKbXAHJoI/AAAAAAAAOYc/p87eW8DQEGA/s1600/chair2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F-C4TPVyzwk/UgwKbXAHJoI/AAAAAAAAOYc/p87eW8DQEGA/s320/chair2.jpg" width="275" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It's in extraordinarily good shape with an excellent seat, great finials and downward sloping arms ending in scrolled handholds. </span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you're interested in these or any of the previous pieces that I've posted, call me at 603.930.2866 or email me at randpeckantiques@gmail.com. Thanks for looking and as soon as I have space, I'll move these down to the NH Antique CO-OP in Milford, NH.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
Rand Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208678958267684589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734047681144204689.post-42089570648478160732013-08-09T16:54:00.000-04:002013-08-16T08:09:57.431-04:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><u>Antiques Week in New Hampshire</u></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">August 2 through August 10 was the 56th annual antique show in the Granite State sponsored by the NH Antique Dealers Association. I plan to write about it later in detail but for the moment this is one of the nations largest and most important shows. Dealers and private collectors from throughout the country, descend on the state with trucks to enjoy a huge quantity and variety of quality pieces in one general area. The event also coincides with the Brimfield Antique Show in nearby Brimfield, Mass. As one dealer mentioned to me, "I need a larger truck to bring my treasures back to Indiana."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wFS2MNv56fU/UgVUEyszOYI/AAAAAAAAOVA/G8Z2gVzIR8M/s1600/sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="98" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wFS2MNv56fU/UgVUEyszOYI/AAAAAAAAOVA/G8Z2gVzIR8M/s320/sign.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Anyway, more about all of this later so you can plan for next season, but I picked up several pieces myself. My floor space at the New Hampshire Antique CO-OP is full so I'll display two pieces here for sale that will eventually move to the shop when space is available.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-45pdTqmIF-M/UgVIFOFcACI/AAAAAAAAOT4/g0fdLlIok-g/s1600/furniture1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-45pdTqmIF-M/UgVIFOFcACI/AAAAAAAAOT4/g0fdLlIok-g/s320/furniture1.jpg" width="280" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This beautiful piece is a cherry, Hepplewhite, Vermont slant lid desk that we date to between 1790 to 1820. George Washington was the President of the United States when this piece was built. It came from a home in southern Vermont in the Connecticut River Valley. Some refer to this style as a Fall Front desk as well.</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g_r75wF02LQ/UgVIFElMLQI/AAAAAAAAOUE/xu6xrbO0rZo/s1600/furniture2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g_r75wF02LQ/UgVIFElMLQI/AAAAAAAAOUE/xu6xrbO0rZo/s320/furniture2.jpg" width="281" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The lid is a single board with a very unusual framing design that incorporates the lid in the frame. You really need to see it. The top is a single board with exquisite dovetailing. The ends are two boards that terminate in a bootjack design at the floor. The four chamfered and dovetailed graduated drawers are in excellent condition as are the french feet.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m9-TsZDLwYU/UgVIFPuoieI/AAAAAAAAOT8/AuKc5kCJffg/s1600/furniture3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m9-TsZDLwYU/UgVIFPuoieI/AAAAAAAAOT8/AuKc5kCJffg/s320/furniture3.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Seven interior drawers, eight compartments and one door opening that are in perfect condition enhance our maple desk.The desk measures 42.5" tall, 42.5" wide and 19" deep. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kyyx-_oPEP8/UgVIFteKCuI/AAAAAAAAOUs/eBZ_SBbxpkI/s1600/furniture4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kyyx-_oPEP8/UgVIFteKCuI/AAAAAAAAOUs/eBZ_SBbxpkI/s320/furniture4.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The back boards appear to be pine. Over all this is an excellent example of a New England, slant lid desk from the late 18th century to the very early 19th century with a consistent, pleasing patina throughout. This is for sale for $3250. If interested, please call me at 603.930.2866 or email me at randpeckantiques at gmail.com.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-17YgRNwoR-g/UgVIF4GBcNI/AAAAAAAAOUM/ubeZSSc3wDg/s1600/furniture5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-17YgRNwoR-g/UgVIF4GBcNI/AAAAAAAAOUM/ubeZSSc3wDg/s320/furniture5.jpg" width="259" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I also purchased this mahogany, tilt top tea table recently with a turned shaft, cabriolet legs, snake feet and its original metal locking device. The cleats, as seen here are in excellent condition too. The term "snake foot" is a more modern term. Wallace Nutting in his book FURNITURE TREASURY, VOL I (1928) refers to them as a Dutch Foot.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qsKROtN9If4/UgVIGOY9gQI/AAAAAAAAOUU/6S_xzF_JzXQ/s1600/furniture6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qsKROtN9If4/UgVIGOY9gQI/AAAAAAAAOUU/6S_xzF_JzXQ/s320/furniture6.jpg" width="237" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It's a three board plain top that has a 36" diameter. The table stands 26" high.</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tkZ7U6a9hU0/UgVIGXw3fSI/AAAAAAAAOUc/ZSTVcgs08sg/s1600/furniture7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tkZ7U6a9hU0/UgVIGXw3fSI/AAAAAAAAOUc/ZSTVcgs08sg/s320/furniture7.jpg" width="285" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A simple piece that is both decorative and functional that dates to the mid 1800's.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5LS7UOhkrao/UgVIGvQKzLI/AAAAAAAAOUk/KT0UHJPepPc/s1600/furniture8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5LS7UOhkrao/UgVIGvQKzLI/AAAAAAAAOUk/KT0UHJPepPc/s320/furniture8.jpg" width="286" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I purchased this this tilt top tea table right and it's for sale for only $575. If you're interested, please call me at 603.930.2866 or email me at randpeckantiques at gmail.com.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Thanks very much for looking. Rand </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you're a seasoned collector/historian/investor you probably won't need the information in my next posting, but if you're new to this, you may enjoy my viewpoints expressed in </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">that posting.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">PURCHASING ANTIQUES Vs. FURNISHING YOUR HOME FROM BERNIE AND PHYL'S</span>.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>I just came home from the last day of the Manchester, NH antique show, purchased a new secretary and wanted to post it for sale before it goes over to the NH Antique CO-OP.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f7HfX0Q4xvc/UgaLK3PAgOI/AAAAAAAAOVk/rG1nO7fpV-E/s1600/old1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f7HfX0Q4xvc/UgaLK3PAgOI/AAAAAAAAOVk/rG1nO7fpV-E/s320/old1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>It will be out of my truck in a moment and in the house.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kzT3D9VAy0w/UgaOfOK0u9I/AAAAAAAAOV0/Ia48AAubAL8/s1600/new3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kzT3D9VAy0w/UgaOfOK0u9I/AAAAAAAAOV0/Ia48AAubAL8/s320/new3.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This is an 1810 to 1825 birch and maple, Hepplewhite Secretary with glass doors and poplar as the secondary wood. Most of the glass is original, we think only two panes have been replaced. It's in wonderful shape and has beautiful patina as you can see.</span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VsjgdQ9wuYw/UgaOfBX7gBI/AAAAAAAAOV4/BxfKKIANGh8/s1600/new4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VsjgdQ9wuYw/UgaOfBX7gBI/AAAAAAAAOV4/BxfKKIANGh8/s320/new4.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>It opens to a very attractive working desk area with seven drawers and seven storage holes. I suspect that both the brass pulls and finials have been replaced, but the wood is in excellent condition with only one ding on the molding above the center drawer below the glass doors. We also think that it is not a married piece but built as matching set probably in the Concord, NH area. A very beautiful, useful piece that will enhance any room. For sale for $3750.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Thanks for looking at a small portion of our inventory and please visit us at the New <a href="http://www.nhantiquecoop.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Hampshire Antique CO-OP</span></a> if you're out and about. But until I make space down there and if you're interested in the pieces above, email me at randpeckantiques@gmail.com.</i></span></div>
</div>
Rand Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208678958267684589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734047681144204689.post-20979064694118624862013-08-01T18:31:00.000-04:002013-08-22T10:33:05.687-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">I've retired !!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Now what ??</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wFCdes6gRZc/Ufk2LGApB6I/AAAAAAAAOOU/FRsbuZMc5sI/s1600/rp1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wFCdes6gRZc/Ufk2LGApB6I/AAAAAAAAOOU/FRsbuZMc5sI/s320/rp1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Approaching the International Dateline (is it Tuesday of Wednesday?) over the Bering Straits in Russian airspace. We're just northwest of Anchorage, Alaska at 67 degrees north latitude flying the Great Circle Route.</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">After flying my final flight I retired from a rewarding, 38-year airline career. That last flight was a 13 hour jaunt from Nagoya, Japan to Detroit, Michigan in a Boeing 747-400. It was a grand lifestyle that afforded my family and me a great life, but on 1 October 2012 it was time to close up my flightbag, stow it and walk away. But after 40 years of flying airplanes, 38 of which drew an airline paycheck, just exactly what was I going to do with myself?</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4mnZVEOg2Go/UfqYbw-1bsI/AAAAAAAAOPI/CQen4opfQWU/s1600/ant1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4mnZVEOg2Go/UfqYbw-1bsI/AAAAAAAAOPI/CQen4opfQWU/s320/ant1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Influenced by our friends, Dave and Sue Clark, Linda and I resumed our fascination with early American antiques. We'd enjoyed this activity for many years, but when our kids entered college and later graduate school, our priorities changed and funds redirected. Now graduated with all sorts of degrees, it was time to hit the road and reacquaint ourselves with early American furniture. We're in Concord, MA with the Clarks visiting the first of many antique shops. Just a few months later we returned to Concord to attend the Annual Concord Antique Show.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uxqmpaOOI0U/UfqcoV5dW6I/AAAAAAAAOQI/ZYVYMCghZ9A/s1600/bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uxqmpaOOI0U/UfqcoV5dW6I/AAAAAAAAOQI/ZYVYMCghZ9A/s320/bridge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">While in Concord, we carved out a few minutes to visit the Minute Man National Park and cross the Old North Bridge that witnessed the first battle of our Revolutionary War on 19 April 1775. The first skirmish took place a few hours earlier, just south of here in Lexington where eight Americans died and ten were wounded. On the far side of the bridge is Daniel Chester French's famous "Minute Man" Statue, dedicated in 1875. If this place doesn't pique your interest in antiques and early American history, well... then you'll probably never be interested.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XyYjW_woLcs/UfrEetMO-YI/AAAAAAAAOQY/-A9vaHw2GHg/s1600/ci.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XyYjW_woLcs/UfrEetMO-YI/AAAAAAAAOQY/-A9vaHw2GHg/s320/ci.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Before heading out of town we made a quick stop at the Colonial Inn for lunch. If you enjoy antiques in a perfect setting this is a worthwhile detour. Now on the National Register of Historic Places, parts of the building date to 1716 and was utilized to store arms and provisions in 1775. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In fact, that was why 700 British Regulars were dispatched from Boston. They were on a search and destroy mission of "rebel" supplies as well as hunting down dissidents John Hancock and Samuel Adams. They limped back to Boston later that evening empty handed, with nearly 50% casualties as militiamen effectively sniped at them from behind stone fences, trees and barns.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YTOWDIAVj8A/UfqYb4R92qI/AAAAAAAAOO0/GXSLcsvtVkA/s1600/ant4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YTOWDIAVj8A/UfqYb4R92qI/AAAAAAAAOO0/GXSLcsvtVkA/s320/ant4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Skinner preview room at Marlborough, Ma</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A month of so later we visited the Skinner Auction facilities in Marlborough, MA to attend a "Discovery" Auction. as it turned out, this was just the first of several trips here after we made the decision to venture into the antique business. Bidding against seasoned and knowledgeable competitors was interesting, but fun as well. It made me wonder though; why was I still bidding after the pros had dropped out? I no doubt have much to learn.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yrNMkcoBpf8/UfqYb2fGOjI/AAAAAAAAOO4/0F4mHcRBX00/s1600/ant6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yrNMkcoBpf8/UfqYb2fGOjI/AAAAAAAAOO4/0F4mHcRBX00/s320/ant6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This is how my truck appeared after my third auction experience as I'd packed up and returned to New Hampshire. I'd not created our LLC yet so was resigned to pay Mass sales tax. That killed me. But I'm now armed with New Hampshire LLC paperwork and business number and will save this expense in the future. Which is good because I can pass those savings along to customers.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-woTQ6tknBRc/UfqYcEUOu6I/AAAAAAAAOPA/RxCKf3umoVM/s1600/ant7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-woTQ6tknBRc/UfqYcEUOu6I/AAAAAAAAOPA/RxCKf3umoVM/s320/ant7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Linda and I teamed with the Clarks once again and journeyed south to Fitzwilliam, NH to attend another antique show. Just a week or so ago we traveled north to New London, NH, near beautiful Lake and Mount Sunapee. Both of these annual events had a wonderful variety of antiques, knowledgeable and friendly dealers, situated in stunningly beautiful parts of the Granite State. And for those of you from away, you don't need a business to avoid paying a sales tax because NH doesn't have one.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zqw4F9Jydxk/UfqZkhssEhI/AAAAAAAAOPo/5avrwuUSIQA/s1600/bus1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zqw4F9Jydxk/UfqZkhssEhI/AAAAAAAAOPo/5avrwuUSIQA/s320/bus1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As I'd mentioned, Linda and I had made the decision to get into business. We'd been purchasing antiques for our homes over the last 30 years and were armed with a "little" knowledge. This is the first of two trips that we made from our home in Amherst, Village to the New Hampshire Antique COOP in Milford, NH, just four miles away. This commute to work is far easier then my 660 mile commute to Detroit when I was still flying. My new uniform is far more comfortable too, but I do miss airline coffee though!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bJgvB5Dhack/UfqZlIVX7nI/AAAAAAAAOP4/QdYaBKorVhY/s1600/bus5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bJgvB5Dhack/UfqZlIVX7nI/AAAAAAAAOP4/QdYaBKorVhY/s320/bus5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.nhantiquecoop.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">NEW HAMPSHIRE ANTIQUE COOP</span></a> is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Founded in 1983 by Sam & Eileen Hackler, they were joined several years ago by their son Jason and Daughter-In-Law Rebecca where the family operates one the finest group shops in New England. Spacious, clean, accessible and run like a business, they enjoy a sterling reputation with dealers and collectors alike.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">They're located at 323 Elm Street in Milford, NH. Click<a href="http://www.mapquest.com/"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">here</span></a> for <a href="http://www.mapquest.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">MapQuest</span></a> to find us easily. Want to learn more about NHAC? Click <a href="https://www.facebook.com/nhantiquecoop"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">here</span></a> and<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"> <a href="http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Summer-2013-e-News---30th-Anniversary-Sale----NH-Antiques-Week---Open-House---Marine-Art---More---.html?soid=1101282300137&aid=-jcup8CVFyM"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">here</span></a></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Near the back of the store they have a booth that sells <i>ANTIQUE MAGAZINES</i>, dating to the early 1930's and hundreds of SOTHEBYS and CHRISTIES auction catalogs. These are great reference material and make for wonderful reading. I particularly enjoy the advertisements from the 1930's or 1940's editions that describe an 18th century highboy for $250. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Jason told me a funny story once. He'd mentioned that most eight year olds went to bed with a flashlight to read a comic book under their covers. But not him. He was armed with his flashlight but poured over Christie's auction catalogs instead. And it shows in his depth of knowledge.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jWCF6rMh5JY/UfqZkQaHLhI/AAAAAAAAOPg/PKlqGkJoxvk/s1600/bus2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jWCF6rMh5JY/UfqZkQaHLhI/AAAAAAAAOPg/PKlqGkJoxvk/s320/bus2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We've just set up in this 10' X 12' room and really do hope that you'll visit.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l7ptwhnzxa4/UfqZkjS6DKI/AAAAAAAAOPw/InyKVdgLHEY/s1600/bus3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l7ptwhnzxa4/UfqZkjS6DKI/AAAAAAAAOPw/InyKVdgLHEY/s320/bus3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">After all, we're in business to sell.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iPn2V6pKBU8/UfqZlCi7UEI/AAAAAAAAOP8/VJR9Y7-DdEM/s1600/bus4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iPn2V6pKBU8/UfqZlCi7UEI/AAAAAAAAOP8/VJR9Y7-DdEM/s320/bus4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We're focusing on early American furniture, but do you see my RAND PECK ANTIQUES sign in the background? The sign business is another sideline. If you need a sign that will capture customers attention, looks old without that "shabby chic" look, give me a call. I'm busy, but can always find time to design and build another.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nWxSocjasSI/UgIu4jaOtGI/AAAAAAAAOTY/w4dchwRHfDs/s1600/P1080785.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nWxSocjasSI/UgIu4jaOtGI/AAAAAAAAOTY/w4dchwRHfDs/s320/P1080785.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Thanks very much for following along as I write about our New England antiquing adventures. </span></div>
Rand Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208678958267684589noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734047681144204689.post-73848360691270423492013-03-28T14:10:00.000-04:002013-07-22T09:15:13.177-04:00<u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">IN THE BEGINNING:</span></u><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Linda and I moved from Magnolia, along the scenic and historic Massachusetts North Shore, from an apartment with a spectacular North Atlantic ocean view, to the wilds of Stowe, Vermont during mud season in 1978. We'd purchased five secluded acres in Stowe Hollow, high up on the Worcester Mountain Range, cleared the land ourselves the summer before and contracted with Green Mountain Builders to construct an 1,800 square foot saltbox. When we pulled up in our U-Haul rental truck, the house was complete (sans paint) from the outside, but when the front door opened it looked like a construction site. No interior walls; simply rough, plywood sub flooring, 2 X 6 wall studs and exposed plumbing and wiring. We had a lot of work to do and I remember Linda looking at me like I had two heads. We unloaded our few meager possessions, it didn't take long and then moved the truck away from the front door. Well, we moved it a few days later after the sun finally appeared, the mud dried out and the wheels found traction. Thus began our adventure into home ownership and our interest in antiques.</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FAnUXajtpV0/UVR1SPXGQwI/AAAAAAAAOD0/L_H3y2s3v7g/s1600/P1080319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="183" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FAnUXajtpV0/UVR1SPXGQwI/AAAAAAAAOD0/L_H3y2s3v7g/s320/P1080319.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Stowe house after moving our furniture in and getting the U-Haul stuck and a couple of years later after much, very enjoyable work.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Our view was magnificent though. We over looked Stowe Village upon Mt Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak and the famous Von Trapp Family Lodge. Deer, hawks, owls and other creatures that made noise during the night were abundant. Crystalline during the winter months with a coating of fresh snow nearly every night and ablaze during the autumn months with red, orange and yellow foliage that adorned massive, ancient maple trees. The Spring grass in Vermont is an emerald green, punctuated with small white flowers that flourish as the last of the winter snow recedes and announces the arrival of summer. It's a beautiful place.</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You know however, what they say about life in northern Vermont. <i>"Ten months of winter and two months of damn poor sleddin!"</i></span><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--dj0ICVWNKE/UVRuy0yhYvI/AAAAAAAAODk/_g6y1jEpdl8/s1600/ls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--dj0ICVWNKE/UVRuy0yhYvI/AAAAAAAAODk/_g6y1jEpdl8/s320/ls.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Linda and Sam in our Stowe living room in 1980 and again a few years later when we visited the town to show Sam her roots. That's our front door in Stowe and the owners were gracious enough to invite us in and show us our old home.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Samantha was born here in September of 1979, but already, Linda and I were feeling the tug of family and decided to put our new home on the market and migrate south to New Hampshire. It was a good decision as it made my commute to work much easier and we enjoyed living a life closer to grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles nieces, nephews and cousins.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WIMj4PWdIp8/UVR-bgbltdI/AAAAAAAAOEA/ex-XJKoelGo/s1600/home1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WIMj4PWdIp8/UVR-bgbltdI/AAAAAAAAOEA/ex-XJKoelGo/s320/home1.jpg" width="261" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Our parents, mine to the left and Linda's to the right, who were pretty happy that we'd moved south with their new granddaughter.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It took nearly a year for the house in Stowe to sell and we used that time in search of property in Amherst, NH. Linda was a nurse, but since Sam's birth no longer worked. We'd made the decision a long time ago that one of us would be home full time as children appeared. The economy at the time was such that this was possible, but as a young airline pilot with a "commuter airline", my income alone forced us widen our search area and lower our sights from new construction to an older home. We were somewhat disappointed.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sPMfQxuINDg/UVR-bp8hwAI/AAAAAAAAOEE/0fD_Ru7CwRY/s1600/home2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sPMfQxuINDg/UVR-bp8hwAI/AAAAAAAAOEE/0fD_Ru7CwRY/s320/home2.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Six Old Amherst Road. Mont Vernon, NH</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We purchased 6 Old Amherst the day it came on the market. In fact, we viewed the property with the realtors as they familiarized themselves with this new listing. It looked great from the outside but it was old, neglected, smelled and concealed much from view. But it looked like home to us and altered forever our thoughts about ever owning a new home. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And this is where the story begins!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Rand Peckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208678958267684589noreply@blogger.com0