DEERFIELD — Dealers and collectors from all over New England came to Deerfield this weekend to check out paintings, baskets and other furnishings from centuries past at the Antique Dealers’ Association show.
The show, which has been held in Deerfield every year since 2003, is hosted by Historic Deerfield and the ADA. It’s the organization’s only show each year. The dealers are all ADA members, but anyone could shop the event, where tickets cost $15. The show was held at Deerfield Academy.
The show includes a variety of items, mostly from this region and dated before 1850, according to ADA president James Kilvington.
He said about one-third of the organization’s dealers participate in this show. About one in every three applicants is accepted into the group, because they look for dealers with an in-depth understanding of their antiques.
He said the show is mutually beneficial for the town and the organization because it brings tourists to the area, and the town is an ideal and scenic place to hold the show, especially during the fall.
Laurie Nivison, director of marketing for Historic Deerfield, said the event was successful this year, with a large crowd on Saturday, but less on Sunday.
Judy Loto, a dealer from Northwood, N.H., specializes in books about antiques instead of selling antiques themselves. She said it’s a way to help collectors or casual buyers learn more about their interests in specific types of antiques.
“Knowledge is power and the more you know about what you like, the easier it will be to find something special,” she said.
Loto said the local history of the area gives the event more importance.
Bernie and Bob Boder, collectors who attend the show every year, both said the show is one of the best of its kind. Bernie said she started collecting antiques as a child with her grandmother and her interest continued into adulthood. Her husband then joined her and it’s become a shared passion. She said the show brings in some of the finest antiques available.
“Walking around here, it’s like a museum,” she said.
The couple purchased three antique rugs for their home and said they always like to come both days, the first to scout, and the second day to see if the prices are more negotiable. Bob said the event is always one of the most professional and the dealers are knowledgeable about what they are selling.
“Stuff this year is the best we’ve ever seen,” he said.
Miranda Davis covers Montague, Gill and Erving. You can reach her at:
413-772-0261, ext. 280
or: mdavis@recorder.com