Written by Gerry Reilly, site manager at Lanier Mansion State Historic Site
After about a year of planning, the first Annual Madison Antiques Market was on Sunday, Oct. 4. There was a wide variety of items from the late 19th and the early 20th century offered by 35 dealers. Some of the treasures I saw were an early 19th century chest of drawers in the Hepplewhite style in good condition and a life-size ceramic bust of Napoleon Bonaparte.
I couldn’t resist making a purchase! I lived in Wheeling, WV, for almost 20 years before I moved to Madison. While walking through the show, I spotted a small ceramic bowl made by the Ohio Valley China Co. which produced true porcelain in Wheeling in the 1880s. This was unusual since most true porcelain at that time was made in Europe. The company only lasted three years. I couldn’t pass up the chance to own a piece made by the company, especially since the price was only $4!
The weather was perfect that day and almost 400 antique-lovers attended. Several dealers commented on the beautiful setting and the hospitality of the sponsoring organizations. The show manager, the Cornerstone Society, and the Lanier Mansion Foundation each received a portion of the admission fees. If you couldn’t make it in 2009, be sure to join us in 2010!
Filed under: culture, history, Lanier Mansion, museums, State Historic Sites | Tagged: Antiques Market, Cornerstone Society, Hepplewhite, Madison, Napoleon Bonaparte, Ohio Valley China Co., porcelain | Leave a comment »