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- By Sandy Neilly
- When a friend saw the photo (which is actually where we live)
and caption on the front cover of this issue, he commented “Don’t
remind us!”
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- It seems like I am just starting to get into “summer
mode” when the back to school ads start. I find myself wondering
where the summer went and why my “fun things to do”
list is still hanging on the fridge with nary a check mark to
indicate my progress ... no swimming, no hiking, no canoeing.
The truth of the matter is the recent cool temperatures are quite
welcome, although I’m sure that the hummingbirds at the
feeder were shivering just a little this morning and will soon
be getting together to make travel arrangements.
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- I suppose I can live without swimming, and come to think
of it, just about everything else enjoyed out of doors is better
done in the fall anyway. Country auctions, small town fairs,
farmer’s markets, antique “shop hopping” - all
of these activities are pure pleasure when you're invigorated
by the fresh fall air and delightful autumn hues.
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- The summer season, to date, has been one of mixed reviews
from the feedback I'm hearing while talking to show organizers,
shop owners and antique lovers. We've spoken to many dealers
who have had record sales this year and also done some incredible
buying. Much of it seems to lie in the attitude of the dealer
and a very important aspect of it is, of course, what you're
selling. The good “stuff” is always going to sell;
take a look at the Bowmanville Show, Christie, Odessa, Flamboro
and many of the smaller shows who bring in established, knowledgeable
vendors. For many, it's been an excellent year.
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- However, we've all had our moments of commiserating over
the multiple reasons that, for some, sales are down; the price
of gas, the strong Canadian dollar, passport requirements for
Americans - all are contributing factors and the list is beginning
to sound like a mantra of sorts. (Did I mention that GST is no
longer refunded to our American visitors?) There is also the
internet to contend with, which, love it or hate it, is here
to stay.
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- As in all businesses, demographics are constantly changing
in the world of antiques, and if you're just slightly perceptive
you'll be able to adjust to the blips on the screen, hold your
breath for a while and wait until the dust settles. It doesn't
mean that things will return to the way they used to be - that
is contrary to the nature of life - but if you love what you're
doing and have a passion for your business, you'll make the necessary
changes and move ahead. We all know that is easier said than
done (it looks great on paper!) but when we're through riding
out another of the inevitable storms that life throws at us,
hopefully we've grown from the experience and our business will
do the same.
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- The brief, yet brilliant phrase, “knowledge is power”,
is perhaps the benchmark to success when you're dealing with
antiquities (or anything). It gives you that so called “cutting
edge” that renowned dealers are known for. They know their
business and they adjust to the trends and shifts. You will very
rarely hear them complaining about their sales as it's often
a self-defeating exercise.
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- An important topic of discussion with many vendors and well
established show organizers like Wendy and Jeff Gadsden
and Bill Dobson is the question of how to attract more
young people to the world of antiques. It's an important issue
as we, of the baby boomer era, age and retire ... although most
of us will be involved in the business until the day comes when
the “carry-me-out” basket (see photos from the
Odessa show on page 13) is brought to our front door.
We have a great little tale of serendipity from Montana for you
in this issue, a story that will inspire you get out there and
hunt for those elusive eBay-able treasures that really do still
exist.
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- Jay hits the (bent and rusty) nail on the head in Jay’s
Blog explaining how he is somewhat of a junk magnet ... (not
to be confused with a magnate - although that would be a really
good thing) and draws a very observant conclusion about dollar
stores and aforementioned junk.
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- We also have a some very welcome new-comers sharing their
knowledge on tool collecting (Jim Ross), stained glass
(Jennell Hogue), antique telephones (Don Woodbury)
along with Pat Stott-Prince who has graced the pages of
the Wayback Times in previous issues and teaches us about Muffineers.
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- Our other great contributors continue to provide excellent
articles to keep you turning the pages of the Wayback Times.
I always look forward to receiving copy from these talented people
and it's such a pleasure to have the opportunity to share their
words with you, our readers.
Show promoter Jeff Gadsden was kind enough to share his thoughts
and some of the Gadsden Promotions background as our “Out
to Lunch “ guest. (Wendy wasn't available but we got her
“OK” on the proof.) The Gadsdens are a great example
of what hard work and excellent skills can lead to.
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- Once again, the long Thanksgiving weekend will soon be upon
us. Here in Canada we have so much to be grateful for; we are
truly blessed. I hope you can get out there and enjoy the fall
season in all its glory. Personally, it's my favourite time of
the year - there's a blend of excitement for what to come and
a bit of reluctance to let the summer pass - not that we have
a choice.
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- It's a great time to visit shops and shows and purchase those
wonderful old pieces you'll love to have surrounding you in the
winter months to come. Please know how much it's appreciated
when you mention to the shop and market owners and vendors that
you found them in the Wayback Times. It's always nice for them
to know that their advertising is being noticed - and for me,
too.
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- Thanks
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- Editorial Archives: November/December
- 79 - September/October - 78
- July/August
- 77 - May/June - 76 - March/April - 75 - January/February - 74
- November/December
- 73 - September/October
- 72 - July/August
- 71 - May/June - 70 - March/April - 69 - January/February
- 68 - November/December
- 67 - September/October
- 66 - July/August
- 65
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