On display
It’s funny how one thing always leads to another.
When I wrote about teacups, I got a flood of calls, e-mails and letters from people who share my fondness for tea in a pretty cup. I got so many calls, in fact, we’re putting together a package of stories about teas and tea parties. You can expect to see that in the next few weeks.
But with those calls were other stories.
Charlotte Peterson called to tell me about her collection of souvenir spoons. Peterson originally collected commemor- ative mugs, but she decided that took up too much space. So, on a family vacation to Disney World, in Florida, she picked up a souvenir spoon.
Soon her children were bringing home spoons for her. Now, Peterson has 65 spoons from across the country and the world that are souvenirs of not just her own travels, but the adventures of friends and family.
“I looked for spoons in every place we went,” Peterson told me. “And then people brought them back to me from the places they had been.”
As Peterson’s collection grew, so did her need to find a way to display the collection.
“My husband John built a display rack so that I can display them, she said.” When I filled that, he made me another one.”
Bloom estate sale
This weekend could prove to be fertile ground for treasure hunters. Contents from the estate of Ed and Thelma Bloom, local collectors and dealers, will be sold at their home on Friday and Saturday.
Contents include a 19th century police baton and physician’s bag as well as a purse that was reputed to belong to the original Miss Spokane.
Other items for sale will include vintage jewelry, clothing, stamps, quilts, advertising memorabilia, railroad collectibles, lunchboxes, coins and knives.
For more information about the sale, see the ad in The Spokesman- Review or call Vonnie Hale (509) 466-5893.
Appraisal Days
Each spring the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture puts together a team of appraisers and antiques authorities. For a $10 per item donation, with a maximum of five items, you can bring your treasures to the museum and get a oral appraisal.
In the past this has proven to be a popular event. I always attend and have a wonderful time talking to people and admiring their finds and family heirlooms. This year, I’m sure, will be no exception.
The 2007 Antique Appraisal Days will be March 16 and 17.
Appraisals are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Proceeds will benefit the historic Campbell House.
For more information call (509) 456-3931 or go to northwestmuseum.org.
Shoes shine
For those of us with a thing for shoes, and I suspect that is quite a few of us, another interesting event at the MAC will be an exhibition titled “If the Shoe Fits.”
Highlights of the museum’s collection of beautiful and regionally significant footwear will be on display from Feb. 24 through June 3.
Roadshow reminder
It’s never too early to plan ahead. The Antiques Roadshow won’t be pulling into Spokane until Aug. 4, but anyone interested in attending can register to enter the ticket lottery now. You can register online or by sending a postcard by May 5 to: Spokane ROAD SHOW, Box 249, Canton, MA 02021.
If you would like to have large pieces of furniture considered for appraisal, submit photos online or by mail to: Antiques Roadshow Furniture, 125 Western Ave., Boston, MA 02134
Note: Please don’t send photos or ticket requests to The Spokesman-Review.