Hunting For Antique Treasure, What
To Look For Antique hunting tips from the Antiques
Trail
Next time you're antique shopping and you
see something you like, buy it! If you wait
to go back another time, the piece you looked
at might very well be gone. This is, without
a doubt, the number one tip from many of the
dealers on the Sullivan County Antiques Trail.
The Trail was created by Rich Delia owner with
his partner, Ron Greco, of Ferndale Antiques Marketplace.
The Trail's popular map is now in its fourth printing.
The new map lists 29 dealers, from the western
town of Callicoon to the eastern border of
Neversink, and from southern Barryville and
Yulan, to northern Roscoe.
Worthless or Priceless?
The antiques industry takes in $80 billion
annually and continues to grow in popularity.
The nostalgia aspect and the thrill of the
hunt that accounts for antiquing's high marks.
People are hungry for reminders of their childhood.
Cheri Brasseale of White Barn Antiques in
Cochecton Center says, "I think there
is beauty to be found in buying old items
that still have apparent craftsmanship."
So how do you know if you've found a treasure?
We asked some dealers for tips, things their
customers should know or questions they should
ask.
What Does the Term Mean
The terms "vintage" and "collectible"
are sometimes used interchangeably with "antiques,"
but experts pretty much agree that an antique
is an object (but not an automobile) that
is at least 100 years old. Harvey Elgart,
owner of Antiques of Callicoon says, "Vintage
is something that is true to the era of when
it was made." So a "vintage ‘60s"
piece means that it has the characteristics
of that period. And the word "collectible"
is more generic, meaning, according to Merriam-
Webster: "an object that is collected
by fanciers; especially: one other than such
traditionally collectible items as art, stamps,
coins and antiques."
Is It Old, New or Clutter & Junk
Now that we have the definition thing out
of the way, here are some expert tips:
"If you're just starting out with antiquing,
it's safe to stick with things you recognize,"
says Ron Greco from Ferndale Antiques Marketplace.
Greco advises looking for gentle wear on a
piece, because anything that's too pristine
might not be an antique. "All antiques
have personality, and it comes from the person
who owned it before." Greco says.
Pat Foddrill, avid antiquer, says that she
asks the dealers what they collect and "then
I get as much information as I can about those
items."
"Learn to zero in and look at a few things
at a time. Look under counters and in the
nooks and crannies. We have clutter, it's
the nature of the business." Indeed it
is and antiquer Pat Foddrill says she likes
to look under counters and in boxes.
"Every home you go into, you'll see old
and new." Remarks Greg Brooks from Out
at The Blue Victorian in Jeffersonville. He
thinks people should embrace the idea of mixing
old and new.
Anne Hart from Domesticities & The Cutting
Garden in Youngsville agrees. "Use your
imagination, don't be put off if something
isn't perfect. If you want planters for your
porch or garden, old enamelware or a washtub
can provide a great look."
At Antiques of Callicoon, Harvey Elgart, says
his customers love "primitive" pieces
from the 1800s to the early 1900s. "We
don't touch them, we don't clean or strip
them. We leave them in their original state
... ten layers of paint on an original piece
adds to the charm."
Learn Your History and Get Educated
Learn by asking questions, antique dealers
love to talk about their pieces and encourage
people to do so.
"I like it when people ask me about the
history of the piece," says Rich Delia
from Ferndale Antiques Marketplace. "That
tells me they're in tune with antiques. It's
a very intelligent question."
At In 2 Collecting Glass & More of Livingston
Manor, Pixie Saberg reveals that Depression
glass, made from the early 1920s to the end
of WWII, was for the common person. "It
was something to cheer the people up ... something
that was pretty, for not a lot of money."
Education is key. "There are Web sites,
books and articles about every collectible
item you can possibly imagine." Says
Cheri Brasseale from White Barn's. Use all
available information to research specific
antiques and Greg Brooks from The Blue Victorian
suggests learning as much as you can about
the specific thing you're into.
Reproduction Pieces
At Memories, Ken Saltzman says, "Many
of my customers come in looking for something
to embellish their home.The person looking
for decorative accessories is the largest
segment of buyers." "I'm doing this
for 40 years. We sell to people who want quality
things and they don't care if it's old or
new. That's why the reproduction market has
blossomed."
Is It Okay to Negotiate
Ron Greco of Ferndale Antiques Marketplace
has a cardinal rule about bargaining for an
antique. "I ask once, very politely,
'Tell me what your best price is.' To ask
more than once, would be an insult."
He also suggests being realistic about your
budget when you shop and consider thoughtfully,
"What do you intend to buy with the money
in your pocket?"
Be Flexible and Have Fun
Hitting the antiques trail is all about enjoying
yourself. If you can remember to be flexible,
you might just add to your enjoyment.
"Don't be intimidated by the word ‘antique'.
Your price range doesn't matter ... look for
something that makes you happy." Says
Anne Hart from Domesticities
"People should come in and be able to
find something that's fun that they can afford,"
advises Mary Ellen Liepins from Town &
Country Antiques.
Fun! That's another thing the dealers agree
on.
Shops on the Antique Trail:
1.
Green
Demolitions
3455 Route 55
White Lake
845-853-8000
2.
Queen's Attic
140 Lake Street Kauneonga
Lake
3.
Blue Victorian
4874 Main Street
(Route 52) Jeffersonville
845-482-5544
4.
Bridgewater Mercantile
4917 Main Street
(Route 52) Jeffersonville
845-482-4044
5.
Country Shop Antiques
3973 Main Street
(Route 52) Youngsville 845-482-4059
6.
Domesticities
& The Cutting Garden
4055 Route 52 Youngsville
845-482-3333
7.
Global Home
4929 Main Street
(Route 52) Jeffersonville
845-482-3652
8.
White Barn Antiques
County Road 115 Cochecton
Center
845-252-7533
9.
Antiques of Callicoon
26 Upper Main Street Callicoon
845-887-5918
10.
Callicoon Flea
Market
43 Lower Main Street Callicoon
845-887-5411
11.
Qly's Vintage
Studio 42
6807 State Route 42 Woodbourne
845-434-3147
12.
Sleepy Bear Antiques
County Route 94
Fremont Center
845-887-4996
13.
Until Next Time
Antiques & Collectibles
12 River Road
Barryville
845-557-0597
14.
Antique Palace
Emporium
300 Chestnut Street (Route
52) Liberty
845-292-2270
15.
Artisans Gallery
110 Mill Street
Liberty
845-295-9278
16.
Aunt
Berti's Collectionz
542 White Sulphur Road (County
Road 143)
White Sulphur Springs 845-292-6510
Country Government Center
100 North Main Street
Monticello, NY 12701
800-822-CATS www.scva.net
email: sctourism@scva.net
Along The Way...
While browsing for those perfect treasures
along the Antiques Trail, you might
want to pause at one of Sullivan County's
diners, pubs or cafés for a snack
or light meal. Then, later in the day,
when your shop-hopping adventure on
The Trail is complete, consider lingering
over a relaxing dinner at a comfortable
restaurant.
The following is just a sample of the
many eateries — from casual cafés
to exclusive culinary establishments
— that are sprinkled throughout
Sullivan County. As you explore the
area's villages and towns, you're sure
to discover other tasty dining spots,
as well. There's also more information
about local dining in the county from
The Sullivan County Visitors Association
at 794-3000, ext. 5010, or visit: www.scva.net.
Last Licks, 89 Sullivan Ave.,
Ferndale, 845-292-2992 This child-friendly, informal
sub shop is popular for lunch or takeout
sandwiches. The menu includes several
types of sub sandwiches, as well as
wraps, grilled panini, salads, soups
and more. They also offer soft-serve
ice cream, and there's outdoor seating
to enjoy the summer weather.
Manny's Steak House, 79 Sullivan
Ave., Liberty,
291-3170 Nearby Manny's has a relaxed
yet upscale ambiance. Sandwiches, salads
and wraps are available at lunch; the
dinner menu features steak, of course
– as well as pasta, fish, poultry
and other specialties.
Matthew's On Main, 19 Lower
Main St., Callicoon,
887-5636 A casual restaurant that features
nouvelle American cuisine. There's a
cozy bar in the front room, a creatively
decorated main dining area, and several
outdoor tables on a rear deck so you
can enjoy cool breezes from the nearby
Delaware River as you dine.
The Front Porch Café
& Martini Lounge, 1577 Route 17B,
White Lake, 583-4838
This intimate eatery, just across the
street from White Lake, is located in
a renovated country home – and
yes, you can dine on the cute front
porch. A fusion menu of American, Asian,
Italian, French influences; also breakfast
and brunch.
The River Market, 3385 Route
97, Barryville, 557-FOOD Their motto is "where
old country charm meets modern convenience,"
and this shop sells everything from
camping gear and supplies for canoers
on the nearby Delaware to gourmet foods
and gifts. Offerings include breakfasts,
salads, signature sandwiches, hot panini
and desserts.
The 1906 Restaurant, 41 Lower
Main St., Callicoon,
887-1906 Here you'll find casual elegance
in a comfortable dining area with lots
of brick and wood. This four-star restaurant
features fine American cuisine and exotic
specials such as ostrich and buffalo
dishes. It has an extensive wine list.
The Fat Lady Café, 13
Horseshoe Lake Road, Kauneonga Lake,
583-7133
Sleek, modern décor in a lakeside
setting, complete with outdoor decks
for al fresco dining. Pasta, fish, poultry,
meats and salads, desserts and more.
Mr.Willy's, 3595 Route 42 South,
Monticello, 794-0888 A well-known local eatery that
features everything from poppy seed
salad and vegetable stir-fry to shrimp
and prime ribs. The weekday lounge menu
includes burgers, salads and dishes
such as shitake mushroom ravioli.
Ted's Restaurant, 4896 Route
52 (Main Street) Jeffersonville, 482-5992 A stroll down Main Street in
Jeffersonville reveals a growing number
of shops and dining spots. One traditional
eatery is Ted's, with a selection of
soups, salads and sandwiches, as well
as Turkish, Greek and Italian specialties.
Lanza's Country Inn & Restaurant,
839 Shandalee Road, Livingston Manor,
439-5070 Located in the rural hills
of Shandalee, Lanza's serves traditional
American and Italian dishes; diners
can also choose from a "pub grub"
menu in its cozy tavern area.
