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Small spoons hold big memories

Charlotte Peterson has a collection of souvenir spoons from the United States and parts of the world. She holds a spoon, left, that she believes dates from the opening of Yellowstone Park. The middle spoon is from Egypt and the spoon on the right is from Singapore. (Christopher Anderson/The Spokesman-review / The Spokesman-Review)
Cheryl-anne Millsap Cam@spokesman.com The Spokesman-Review
Charlotte Peterson has a collection of souvenir spoons from the United States and parts of the world. She holds a spoon, left, that she believes dates from the opening of Yellowstone Park. The middle spoon is from Egypt and the spoon on the right is from Singapore. (Christopher Anderson/The Spokesman-review / The Spokesman-Review)

Tiny spoons lead to big collections. That’s the lesson in last week’s Treasure Hunt column.

When I profiled Charlotte Peterson and her collection of 65 souvenir spoons, I knew I would hear from other collectors. Souvenir spoons are popular collectibles. They are small enough to travel well, they can be elaborate and unique and they can be permanent, tangible reminders of a favorite vacation or location.

Sure enough, I got e-mails and calls about spoons.

Vicky Sleasman wrote from Alaska to tell me her mother, Del Schebor, who lives in Spokane, has been collecting souvenir spoons since 1950 and has more than 350 in her collection. “My father, before he passed away, made five spoon racks so she could display the spoons in their home.”

Carmen Fifer is another long-time collector with 312 spoons, and a woman named Frances called and left a message stating that her souvenir spoon collection includes more than 150 treasures.

It just goes to show you that even something as tiny as a little silver spoon can hold big memories of travel, family and friends.

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 is the current exhibition titled “If the Shoe Fits.”

Highlights of the museum’s collection of beautiful and regionally significant footwear will be on display 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 Roadshow, 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.