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Collecting Experiences: Home & Garden Tours

Here’s my collection of favorite tours that both educated and inspired:

  • Tour of Bed & Breakfasts, Fernandina Beach, Fla.
  • Candlelight Holiday Tour, Jacksonville, Fla.
  • Candlelight Holiday Tour of Historical Sites, Knoxville, Tenn.
  • Dogwood Festival Neighborhood Tours, Knoxville
  • Chicken-Coop Tour, Rochester
  • Garden Tour, Webster
  • Historic Maplewood Home Tour, Rochester
  • 34th Annual Holiday Tour of Homes, Geneseo
  • 35th Annual Holiday Tour of Homes, Maplewood
  • 36th Annual Holiday Tour of Homes, Brighton, et al
  • 37th Annual Holiday Tour of Homes, “Season of Joy,” presented by the 7th District Federated Garden Clubs of NYS, Fairport, Penfield, Brighton

Sometimes, just seeing the lovely, interesting, and unusual things other people cherish is enough.

Happy Looking, Everyone.

Patti
The Committed Collector

Are you a tour-goer yourself? If so, please leave a comment, and let us know which local tours you like best. We’d like hearing what you’ve enjoyed–as well as what you’ve learned–on these tours.

© 2019 The Collectors of Western New York museum
All Rights Reserved

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Seven Things You Don’t Know about the Rochester Bottle Show

Even though many of us are busy this holiday weekend, committed collectors are already thinking about what next Saturday or Sunday will bring to the Rochester area.  I myself have been looking forward to the 50th Genesee Valley Bottle Collector’s Association’s show and sale, which is set for Sunday, April 28, at Roberts Wesleyan College.

This will be only my fourth year shopping this annual event, so I’m still something of newcomer; however, we’re fortunate to have the show’s chair, Aaron Weber, share his expertise in a guest post.    

According to Aaron, some say this antiques show is the region’s best kept secret, despite being 50 years old.  In fact, he says, this bottle, paper, and tabletop sale will truly amaze you, especially if you have never been—and I have to agree.

So, without further ado, here are Seven Things You Don’t Know about the GVBCA Bottle Show & Sale:

1. The Extensive Size of the Show and Sale

If you are reading this blog post, I’m sure you are no stranger to antiques shows and sales.  Many of you have probably been to several of the local shows held throughout the year in the greater Rochester area.  Most of these feature 20 to 30 dealers.  The GVBCA Bottle Show, however, is a little bigger.  This year we have 125 dealers, who have rented 234 eight-foot tables to display their wares.  What’s more, these dealers are from all corners of New York State, as well as 11 more states, representing almost a quarter of our nation. 

2. The Super-Friendly Atmosphere

If you don’t collect bottles, you might be hesitant to attend a show that’s new to you.  However, you’ll be heartily welcomed here.  Several years ago, a colleague mentioned that “Bottle people are the friendliest of all antiques dealers.”  This seems like a weird thing to say, doesn’t it?  Well, as a “bottle guy,” I feel there isn’t a truer statement.  As our show has grown and diversified, our dealer base has maintained this core value of ours, and they become our family, as you will too.

3. The Wide Variety of Collectibles

The Genesee Valley Bottle Collector’s Association has a motto that says, “We’re Not Just Bottles.”  These words represent our show and sale, too.  Our show, as mentioned above, has diversified over the years.  We are now comprised of about 50 percent bottle dealers, who sell $1 bottles all the way to high-end examples, as well as something for everyone’s taste and level of collecting.  Oh, wait, though.  There is much more!  The show also features paper, postcards, Depression Glass, stoneware, advertising signs, posters, early American glass, military items, toys, books, and so much more.  I could go on and on, but I have been given only so much space.

4. The Incredible Facility

Our show and sale is held at Roberts Wesleyan College in the Voller Gymnasium.  You will not find a more spacious, well-lit room in all of Rochester.  Trust me on this; it was my job to look.  And look I did, until I found this place.  “Wow” sums it up.  Add to that some incredible lunch options served up by the college food service and a great college staff, and you really could not ask for more—except maybe for free parking, which is also provided.

5. The Impressive Displays of World Class Collections

By now, you have probably wondered why we call it a show and sale, right?  That’s a good question, and I have a good answer.  Traditionally, bottle shows feature educational displays of folks’ collections, and we are proud to say we keep this tradition going strong.  This year, we have displays that range from Rochester Stoneware, to insulators found on a specific rail line, to items from Buffalo and Rochester druggists, and, of course, great bottles!  Even our displays represent collections from three states, so this may be your only chance to see them.

6. The Low Admission Fee

Unlike other shows and sales that have higher admission fees, we charge only $5.00 to enter our event, and we admit those 17 and younger for free.  We do what we can to keep our costs down, so you have more money to spend on things you want.  In addition, as part of our 50th anniversary celebration, we’re going to be holding drawings for “show money” that can be used to buy even more treasures.  And it wouldn’t be a real 50th anniversary celebration without cake, so we’ll be serving that, too, to everyone there.

7. Your Enthusiasm for Attending Next Year’s Show

Once you check out everything the GVBCA’s Bottle Show and Sale has to offer, you will be hooked.  I was—24 years ago—and I haven’t missed one since.  Ours is a one-day event, so you might want to make plans now.  The early birds will be there when the doors open at 9:00 a.m., and the die-hards will still be shopping when we close the show at 3:00 p.m.  After that, we’ll all be looking forward to next year’s show.

Until then, you can learn more about the Genesee Valley Bottle Collector’s Association’s show and sale by visiting our website at www.gvbca.org.  While you are there, check out our monthly meeting schedule, and, if you are a collector, consider joining. 

We GVBCA members collect many different things, both as individuals and as a club, and we love to share our passions and hear about each other’s collections and the adventures we embark upon to add to our collections.

Now that you’ve discovered some things you probably didn’t know about the bottle show, Aaron and I hope to see you there.

For now, though, enjoy the weekend—and save up for next Sunday’s show and sale.

Patti
The Committed Collector

So…are you a fan of the local bottle show like Aaron and I are?  Have you been before and were dazzled by the vast array of wares?  If so, please leave a comment and let us know what treasures you found there.  We’d love to hear about them.

© 2019 The Collectors of Western New York Museum.
All rights reserved.

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My Husband’s Advice for Collecting & Curating

Last time, I wrote about my reasons for wanting to fully curate my collections:

**Having an accurate inventory keeps us organized, prevents costly duplications, and might be needed for insurance purposes.

**Storing our treasures properly keeps them safe, organized, and accessible.

**Displaying them is immediate assurance of their appeal, beauty, or interest.

This time, I’d like to share what my husband thinks about taking the time to count thousands of buttons, box fragile porcelain figurines, and hang unwieldy metal advertising signs.

His advice is pretty clear:

**If you haven’t been bitten by the collecting bug, please don’t start.

**If you’ve already started dragging home shopping trophies, bargains, more of the same, and related objects, stop—just stop cold turkey. You’ll be all right

**If your motto is “the more the merrier,” have a change of heart and become a minimalist.

**If you must collect, set a limit, like 10 or 20 items in your collection, and then eliminate an item from your home, storage area, and inventory, every single time you acquire a new piece.

**Better yet, don’t actually acquire the collectibles at all. Just take pictures of them with your smart phone—and your display, storage, and inventory time will be dramatically reduced.

**In other words, take pity on your spouse, partner, or children. They want to live with you—not your collections. They want to see you—not your collectibles.

Hmm. They do say opposites attract.

I say our spouses, partners, or children should give collecting a try. There’s so much variety out there, we’re sure to find things we both enjoy having around.

Happy Collecting—and Curating!
Patti
The Committed Collector

So what do you think? Are you a collector or a long-suffering spouse? Leave a comment and let us know how and where your collections fit in your lives. We’d love to hear from you.

© 2019 The Collectors of Western New York Museum.
All rights reserved.

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Where to Shop when Traveling

Well, barely one week into 2019 and my New Year’s resolution was put to the test. Although I didn’t ace it, I didn’t completely fail it, either.

You see, we traveled halfway across the country to visit family, which meant I encountered one opportunity after another to shop and add to my collections—and if you’re a committed collector like I am, you know that traveling is both an opportunity and an excuse to shop.

Venturing beyond our usual stomping grounds gives us access to retailers, antiques stores, and even online listings that are usually outside our buying range, and that means we have access to collectibles new and old that are usually outside our collecting range.

In other words, one of the first truths of shopping is that different things are available in different parts of the country. For example, things like Hollywood movie memorabilia and Blue Ridge pottery are more plentiful in the regions where they were produced, while farm implements are more plentiful in rural areas, but imported antiques are more readily found in cities with major ports.

This means that another truth of shopping is that you’d better buy the treasure you found while you’re in the neighborhood, especially when you’re traveling.

Knowing that I really don’t need any more of anything, and keeping in mind my intention to curate my current collections, I began our trip with great conviction.

I stayed out of convenience stores along the route because I risked spotting local postcards, which I collected, and even things I never expected. I learned that from a friend’s experience: She once found darling teapot stickers at a rest area along the NYS Thruway, and I spent the next two years making unneeded pit stops during our intrastate trips hoping to find a set for myself.

This time, when I finally entered a gas station during our trip, I did glimpse a line of red ceramic roses decorated with crystals, and I immediately thought, “They should make them in different colors, so collectors will be encouraged to go in and see what’s available at different stops.” Thank goodness they made them only in red because I would have been tempted if there were any pink ones.

During our stay, I went grocery shopping a couple of times and managed to withstand all the possibilities that regional chains offer. Their better store isn’t quite as well stocked as our hometown favorites are with gourmet foods, specialty products, and seasonal giftware, but they do carry brands we don’t have as well as many other interesting things, including a line of adorable mini-purses—all of which I successfully resisted.

Not only are there different retailers in different parts of the country, but national chains often stock different things in different regions. I learned this years ago when I found a series of pitchers shaped like fruit at a discount department store elsewhere in the country. I really wanted to add the apple, pear, and orange pitchers to my collection of cabbageware, but they were big and bulky, so I left them behind because I assumed I could get them at home. Alas, none of our stores carried the line, and my collection still lacks those pieces.

As I ran errands during this visit, I ventured cautiously into DIY and department stores alike. On the one hand, I wanted to see if they might have something we don’t have here. On the other hand, I already have enough in my collections. I remained resistant at the national hardware store and avoided the Christmas decorations (even though they were 50 percent off). I withstood the Valentine’s decorations at the dollar store (even though some would be perfect for a sweetheart’s dessert party).

Knowing both would likely have irresistible merchandise, I completely avoided the craft store in the burgeoning suburbs and all the antiques shops in the old downtown. I even turned a blind eye to all the cute, clever, and charming merchandise at a local gift shop—which is another kind of treasure trove when traveling. All the mom-and-pop shops, one-of-kind antiques malls, and charity thrift stores are great sources for interesting collectibles that you might not find in your own neck of the woods.

Which is what I confirmed when I finally gave in and went to the local thrift store—just to see if there was anything I’d never seen before. Of course, there was, so I bought another fragile teapot as well as two more heavy restaurantware custard cups. In two decades of shopping, I’d never seen these pieces before, so I gave in and lugged them home—after resisting a return trip to the store.

(I also found several pieces of milk glass that reminded me of my mother’s collection. None were exactly what she had, so I left them behind for someone else who will appreciate them.)

I’m a bit sorry that I faltered with my New Year’s resolution within the first two weeks of the year, but I’m glad that I remained mindful. I’m delighted with the pieces I found and will enjoy incorporating them into my collections.

I’m also glad that I knew better than to step into any of the antique shops. Maybe if we go back next year—and if I’ve got my current collections fully curated—I’ll check out what the vintage resale market has to offer.

Past experience tells me that antiques stores, especially those we encounter in our travels, have plenty to add to a growing collection and perhaps even that stellar piece to finish an established one. Experience also tells me that building collections is just fine—as long as we’re able to enjoy them, too.

Patti
The Committed Collector

How do you “enjoy” your collections? Do you display them? Do you actually use them? Please leave a comment and let us know how you make good use of your treasures.

© 2019 The Collectors of Western New York Museum.
All rights reserved.

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My Collecting Resolution

The coming of New Year’s Eve always puts me in a somber mood.

On the one hand, I look forward to the arrival of the new year and all its possibilities. On the other, I’m reminded of all my mistakes over the past 12 months, so I’m left with quite a few regrets.

There were things I did that I shouldn’t have, and things I should have that I didn’t. There were things I said that I wish I could take back, and things I never took the time to say.

I shamelessly acquired too much, and I shamefully donated too little.

I lost too much time shopping, and I wasted too much money buying more things.

I squandered money on silly impulse purchases, and I missed out on genuine treasures because I hadn’t saved up for them.

Worst of all, I spent too little time enjoying the beautiful things I already own—and that reality brings me to my New Year’s resolution for 2019:

Spend less time collecting and more time curating my current collections.

There. I’ve put it in writing. The Committed Collector is putting acquiring on hold and putting organizing and displaying on the agenda for 2019.

My goal for the new year is clear: Appreciate all that I already have—and I do, indeed, have a great deal to appreciate.

My objectives, too, are simple and straightforward. Instead of spending my free time in 2019 searching and shopping and buying, I will invest time in…

I’ve had a good, long run collecting, and 2018 has been a good year for adding to my collections.

  1. Sorting through my current collections, and culling the items that no longer fit in.
  2. Making sure my inventory is up-to-date.
  3. Reading through my identification guides and learning more about my collectibles.
  4. Organizing my collections together, and storing them properly—and labeling, labeling, labeling as I go.
  5. Taking the time to rotate the displays around my house and to put up the holiday and seasonal decorations I have.
  6. Actually using the various china and glassware I’ve collected.
  7. Listening regularly to different CDs: classic rock, big band, and American standards.
  8. Finishing what I started:
    a) Organizing my vintage postcards in an album.
    b) Hanging my department store art and paint-by-numbers paintings.
    c) Washing and ironing my colorful 1940s and 1950s tablecloths.
    d) Stitching up some of the fabric I bought into tablecloths and runners.
    e) Polishing the bits of silverplate I use for tea parties.
    f) Putting a fresh coat of paint on the bookcase I bought last summer.
    g) Making minor repairs to a number of things.
    h) Re-purposing or retrofitting a few more things as planned—and, ultimately, taking care of and enjoying the collections I already have—that’s my resolution for the new year.

Now, I’m of a mind to be more appreciative of my beloved collections and treat them as the prized possessions they are to me.

Thinking of all the beautiful things I already have and devising plans to make better use of them has improved my mood, too. I’ve had a great year, and I’m looking forward to another great one.

I’m ready to say “out with the old, and in with the new” for 2019: gratitude, anticipation, and enjoyment.

Happy New Year, Everyone.

From Patti
The Committed Collector

© 2018 The Collectors of Western New York Museum.
All rights reserved.

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12 Tips for Collecting Antique Postcards

If you haven’t heard, the Western New York Postcard Club has been holding its show and sale for 40-some years, and this time, it’s moving closer to Rochester, so it should be more convenient for many of us hunters and gatherers.

With the sale running from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. tomorrow, Sunday, Oct. 21, I thought it would be a good idea to review my strategy for making the most of my time and money. I thought my plans might be worth sharing with you, too.

To enjoy the event, score some deals, and come home with a few (dozen) more treasures for a (growing) collection, follow these tips:

1. If you already collect postcards, and have the time, look through your collection or your inventory to remind yourself of which ones you already have. (Okay. If your collection is already huge, you might not have time to do that.)

2. If you know you’re looking for something particular, like cards by a certain artist or the last in a series, spend some time searching the Internet first (if you don’t already do that regularly). If what you want is available online, you can do some comparison shopping.

3. If you have a small collection or a small series to complete, consider filing these cards in a pocket photo album and bringing it along with you. That way, you can make sure that your new purchases are indeed new to you or fit your collection. There’s rarely reason to duplicate cards or buy the wrong ones.

4. If you have identification guides, try to find the time to flip through them or bring them along, so you can remind yourself of different series, styles, and features that make some postcards worth more than others.

5. Plan to spend a few hours (or more) at the postcard sale. You probably won’t look through all of the hundreds of thousands of cards for sale, but if you stop at each dealer and look through each category you’re interested in, you could be there for a long while.

6. Remember to ask each dealer about the topics that you’re interested in. In addition, ask if the subjects you want might be filed under related categories. Each dealer knows his or her filing system better than anyone else, so they can direct you to the boxes that are most likely to have something you’ll like.

7. In addition, ask each dealer if he or she specializes in any particular subjects or has a particularly large number of a certain category. Sometimes dealers are drawn to specific topics, have access to certain postcards in their area, or recently acquired a particular collection. Knowing this will often allow you to choose from some special cards or ones that are scarce in your area.

8. If you think you’re finished at a booth, take the time to browse through the category cards and consider what similar subjects there are (or discover some new ones). Chances are a category or two will surprise you.

9. If you find a lot of postcards you like from one dealer, but know you really shouldn’t buy them all, find an area in the booth to spread out your choices and compare them to each other. Seeing them side by side often makes it easy to determine which ones you simply can’t live without.

10. If enough postcards have caught your eye in one booth, and you have a nice stack, ask the dealer if he or she can give you a bulk discount of sorts. When it comes to antiquing, we all believe in the more the merrier.

11. If a booth has some cards that are your second choices, write down which dealer, which category, and which cards have tempted you. Then, after making the rounds, and if you still have time and money left, swing back to the ones you left behind earlier. With your notes, you’ll be able to find them quickly and easily.

12. Most important, talk to the dealers. Ask about their interests and their suggestions. Listen to what they have to say about the artistry, style, or history of the postcards you’re interested in. The dealers are experts and can be a wealth of information to us.

Well, I think I’ve managed to talk myself into going to the postcard show (as if I needed to do that).

Of course, I’m planning to go, even though I’m still a beginner in this field and my postcard collection is still minuscule by most standards—all the more reason to go to the show, right?

I have to admit that I’d love to find more postcards with classic renditions of roses and some with handsome portraits of dogs as well as a few more pastel Easter cards and then a few more Christmas cards in red and green and maybe even some…

Hopefully, I’ll raise my head from the boxes of postcards long enough to see you there.

The show and sale is being held tomorrow, Sunday, Oct. 21, at Perinton’s James E. Smith Community Center, 1350 Turk Hill Road, Fairport.

Admission is $3 a person, but free for members, so you should probably think about joining the club. For more information, visit the club’s website at www.WNYPostcardClub.com.

Patti
The Committed Collector

So will we see you there? Is ephemera a category of collecting that interests you? Do you appreciate graphic arts or the nostalgic sentiments of snail mail? If so, please leave a comment. We’d love to hear from you.

 

© 2018 The Collectors of Western New York Museum.
All rights reserved.

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18 Tips for Collecting Roses

As a member of The Greater Rochester Rose Society, I know that most of the members are rose lovers and readily say they grow roses. Many of them are all-around gardeners, too, so they say they garden with roses. I’m probably the only one who says, “I collect roses,” but I think the other members should consider that’s exactly what they do, too.

Collecting by definition means amassing a quantity of similar or related items, and it seems to me that’s what we members of the local rose society do. Just as another collector might focus on bottles, we focus on roses, and anyone who has 200 rose bushes growing in their yard is a collector in my book.

As we buy additional rose bushes, we rose growers/gardeners/collectors also take into account features like color, size, shape, and variety—just like another collector might have green Depression Glass or miniature clocks or spherical vases or assorted marbles.

The fact that our floriferous collection is a living one—and lives outside the house, for that matter—is irrelevant to me, the committed collector, for a collection is a collection is a collection.

Consequently, I’ve asked the members of the Rose Society to consider what decisions they make as they choose new roses each season or decide which ones to add to their garden designs, and here is their advice:

Suggestions for Collecting Rose Bushes
Courtesy of The Greater Rochester Rose Society

1. Since this collection features living plants, buy rose bushes only from reputable sellers, so you start with healthy, hearty plants.

2. To assemble a collection of rose bushes that are most likely to survive our winters in Western New York, consider buying roses with their own root stock rather than those grafted onto another’s. Or, at least, talk to your neighbors who grow roses, so you can collect ones that do well in our area.

3. An additional way to choose roses for their hardiness is by noting their suitability for our hardiness zone. Being south of Lake Ontario puts most of us in Zone 6. Depending on your specific conditions, landscape, and micro-climate, you may need to collect roses that are fit for one zone either way.

4. To ensure that your collection is always looking its best, chose roses that are known for another kind of hardiness—their disease resistance.

5. If you’re new to roses, visit the website of the American Rose Society, www.rose.org. Among its valuable information is what you’ll need to decide if you want to collect Floribundas or Shrubs or Climbers or Old Garden Roses, for example. The website explains the different classes of roses, their shapes, their growing habits, and their bloom cycles, so you can decide if you want to collect some of each or specialize in one kind or another.

6. If you’re adding rose bushes to a garden or designing a new one, check out a resource like the book Right Rose, Right Place, so you can choose the appropriate roses for your yard and its conditions.

7. If you’re growing roses to exhibit in rose shows, or if you simply want a stellar garden display, collect only roses that have high ARS scores, which are compiled by the American Rose Society based on information from thousands of gardeners around the country. Roses with high scores are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

8. Consider fragrance, too, as a primary feature of this collection. After all, everyone instinctively puts their nose in a blossom hoping there’s a heady scent. Some of the rose bushes suggested for a “fragrance” collection include Double Delight, Perfume Delight, Sunsprite, and Mr. Lincoln.

In addition, make “display” decisions based on the strength of the rose’s perfume. For example, in a bed, you might display (plant) strongly scented ones away from each other, so you can enjoy their differences. Also, you might display (plant) particularly fragrant ones near your entrance or deck, so you can be around their scent often.

9. One deciding factor for many collectors is color, and rose lovers are no exception. If you love vibrant hues and many shades, consider choosing a variety of them and then alternating the specimens in your rose collection by color. (In other words, plant roses of different colors so they alternate with each other.)

10. Conversely, consider planting monochromatic rose beds or ones of complimentary colors. By choosing roses all in one shade, like pink or white, you can go for maximum impact. By buying roses that go well together, like purples and yellows, your display will have a different effect.

11. If you’re fastidious about color: (1) buy rose bushes only when they’re blooming or (2) buy a color wheel and note the exact shade of this year’s roses to have handy when you shop next year, or (3) transplant rose bushes if their flower colors clash with those next to them.

12. Another way to curate a rose collection is by having a theme, such as by planting a celebrity garden. Flower beds could include rose bushes named after the famous (like Marilyn Monroe, Dolly Parton, and Elizabeth Taylor) or the important (like Queen Elizabeth, John F. Kennedy, and Billy Graham) or the fun (like Don Juan, Santa Claus, or Graham Thomas, who’s a superhero to rose lovers). Visitors are enchanted by such a cast of characters and can have fun guessing which one is which.

13. One way to have cohesion in a rose bed is to collect rose bushes that are all of the same classes, like Hybrid Teas or English Roses or miniatures. Most of your choices then will have the same general look, growing habits, and needs.

14. Otherwise, if you’re attracted to all kinds of rose bushes, as a true collector would be, buy and display (plant) roses according to their height and overall size, as we would when arranging items in any other collections.

15. Once winter arrives, spend the time poring over books, catalogs, and websites, so you’ll know what you like when rose bushes arrive in the nurseries in the spring. Then you can shop with your design idea in mind.

16. Watch for the local rose shows in 2019, so you can see the blossoms and foliage on hundreds of different varieties. You’ll see different shapes of blooms, for example, as well as different shades of color and different edges of petals. You’ll also get an idea of how small miniature rose blooms are compared to those of standard varieties. Any of these features can be inspiration for starting a collection.

17. All collections need to be maintained, and that’s particularly true of living things, so you can contact your local rose society to find out what type of rose will suit your lifestyle. Each chapter of the ARS has consulting rosarians who are more than qualified to answer your specific questions.

18. The only thing more helpful than contacting a rose society is joining one. The Greater Rochester Rose Society usually meets at 7:00 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month from March through December. In July, the group has its annual picnic and garden tour, of course.

For more information about the rose society, visit its website at https://greaterrochesterrosesociety.weebly.com/ or send an email message to rochrosesociety@gmail.com.

A warning about collecting roses as well as a word of encouragement from one of the rose society members: “Growing roses is a challenge, yet it’s very addictive. Somehow a few plantings can increase to 65 rose bushes, but it is a most gratifying hobby when the garden is in full flush.”

Spoken like a true collector if you ask me.

Patti
The Committed Collectors

If you’re a gardener who has a particular favorite or a scheme in mind as you choose your plants, why not leave a comment and let us know what features influence your choices?

 

© 2018 The Collectors of Western New York Museum & Gallery.
All rights reserved.

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Guest Post: Tips for Cleaning & Storing Depression Glass

If you’re a serious collector like I am, you know that collecting is fun. We enjoy going out, hunting, and gathering. We like scoring bargains, and we love finding special pieces. However, we’ve also probably learned that there’s some work to be done once we bring our treasures home.

That’s especially true of a collectible like glassware that benefits from some tender loving care. Fortunately for us, we have a great resource nearby: The Depression Glass Club of Greater Rochester, which is dedicated to the colorful glass of the 1930s and ’40s as well as educating its members and others about it.

As a member of the DGC, I’ve learned a lot about the lovely pink and green glassware that I received from my mother, who had received it from her mother years before. I’ve also learned that some of the members of the club are pretty much experts when it comes to their favorite patterns. That’s because they’ve not only been collecting their Depression Glass for years and years, but they’ve been using it and caring for it as well.

With that much knowledge among its members, the club was able to provide so many tips for collecting Depression Glass that we have another guest post from them today. If you read last time’s post, you know that the club provided some great advice for collecting this iconic American glassware.

Today, the members of the local Depression Glass Club give us some additional suggestions for taking care of our vintage glassware.

From The Depression Glass Club of Greater Rochester…

Recommendations for Cleaning Depression Glass

1. Whether you’re just bringing home a new piece, or taking an old favorite off the kitchen shelf, vintage glassware should be washed by hand in warm water using a mild detergent and soft sponge.

2. Never use any kind of abrasive cleanser on glassware. Never scrub glassware with a steel wool pad, coarse sponge, or stiff brush—and certainly never ever scrub glass with silver overlay or any other kind of decoration on it.

3. To protect glassware while washing it, pad the basin of the sink as well as the edges of the counter with thick dishtowels. Also, be careful not to hit the faucet with the glass.

4. Take care to avoid subjecting your glass to extreme temperature changes. In particular, allow cold glass to come to room temperature before unpacking and washing it, especially in the winter when it comes inside after being in an unheated car.

5. If glassware is grimy or especially dusty, let it soak for several minutes in warm soapy water. Then use a soft sponge to wash it. Soak another time or two if needed. If crevices still remain dirty, gently use a soft toothbrush to work at the grime.

6. After washing, use a soft kitchen towel to dry and polish glassware before it completely air dries, so you can wipe away drops of water and streaks.

7. If your glassware is on display, periodically dust each piece individually with a soft cloth. Avoid using a feather or lamb’s wool duster because both their length and the swishing action make it easy to knock over pieces.

Recommendations for Storing Depression Glass

1. Whether you can display your glassware in a china closet or have to store it in a kitchen cabinet, stand most glassware upright rather than upside down since the rim is usually thinner and weaker than the foot.

2. Avoid stacking cups in each other since that puts stress on the handles and because tall stacks are often unstable and could topple over. Avoid hanging cups on cup hooks, too, because that also stresses the handles.

3. Avoid putting glasses and tumblers into each other because they, too, could become stuck together.

4. Avoid stacking all of your dishes in one tall stack because that puts so much weight on the lower dishes. It also concentrates all the weight on one side, which stresses shelves and could cause them to collapse. Instead, distribute weight evenly on shelves, and store plates and bowls in shorter stacks.

5. To soften the contact between stacked pieces, use white paper coffee filters or paper plates, napkins, or towels between them. Regular, uncoated paper plates as well as paper napkins come in a couple of sizes, and some brands of paper towels can easily be torn to size.

In addition, different paper products come in different thicknesses, so they offer varying amounts of protection. For example, thin coffee filters might offer just enough padding between smaller, lighter dishes, while paper plates are thicker, so they’re better between larger, heavier pieces.

6. In addition, even when stored, place paper napkins or paper towels between the lids and openings of canisters, candy jars, and any other pieces that have covers. Doing so will provide some cushioning and lessen any vibrations between the lid and container.

7. If you need to pack up some of your glassware, layers of bubble wrap with small bubbles is recommended for protecting glass, especially for smaller pieces. Multiple sheets of clean newsprint or packing paper also work well, but newspaper itself is warned against since the ink often rubs off onto the glass.

8. If you need to box up glassware to be moved or shipped, double or even triple all your efforts (with extra bubble wrap, packing materials, and double boxing), or seek out professional advice at local packing and shipping facilities. Remember to label boxes “Fragile” and identify what’s inside.

With the local Depression Glass show and sale coming up next weekend, I hope that what I buy there will fit in my house and not have to be packed up or moved to mini-storage—and even though I don’t officially collect Depression Glass, I do indeed expect to find a treasure or two at the sale.

As always, I’m looking forward to the possibility of finding more of my grandmother’s green glass. I’m also open to being tempted by many of the other glorious glass pieces that I’m sure to see there.

And, if all fails, I trust I’ll be able to find an irresistible piece of antique china (or two or three or maybe even a whole set) since the glass show has been expanded to include other vintage collectibles.

I’ll just have to be patient until then. For now, the details of the show and sale are below.

While we wait, take care, and take care of your collections.

Patti
The Committed Collector

2018 Vintage Glass & Collectibles Sale

• Quality dealers selling antique and vintage glassware, china, pottery, linens, silver, and more
• Glass identification, educational program, door prizes, snacks
• Free parking and handicapped accessibility
• $5.00 admission covers both days

• Saturday, Sept. 15, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Sunday, Sept. 16, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm

• Eisenhart Auditorium, Rochester Museum & Science Center, 657 East Avenue

• For more information, visit the club’s Facebook page at @DepressionGlassClubRochester or send an email to dgclub@rochester.rr.com.

© 2018 The Collectors of Western New York Museum & Gallery.
All rights reserved.

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Guest Post: Ten Tips for Collecting Depression Glass

Do you appreciate beautiful vintage glass? Do you love all the pretty pastel shades or vibrant colors it comes in? Would you like some tips for finding the best glass at the right price? Then read on…

Today, we have our first guest post with some helpful suggestions from one of my favorite organizations, The Depression Glass Club of Greater Rochester, whose members are dedicated to collecting and learning more about that beautiful colorful glass from the past.

Although I’ve been a member for only 13 or 14 years, the local Depression Glass Club was formed 40-some years ago. With a roster of 80 or so members, the DG Club includes collectors with decades of experience among them, so they also have a wealth of information to share about buying, using, and storing this iconic American collectible.

Whether you’re a committed collector of Depression Glass (as I intend to be someday), or newly acquainted with its beauty and charm, I think you’ll find some useful recommendations here—I know I did—including some classic advice and several clever tips from local expert collectors:

Advice for Collecting Depression Glass
from The Depression Glass Club of Greater Rochester

Depression Glass includes the colorful, sparkling glassware made in America during the difficult years of the Depression Era, which is usually considered the period after the Stock Market crash of ’29 until the beginning of World War II.

Such glassware was manufactured in pretty colors or decorated with cheerful designs to help lessen the heartache of the times. Some of the more famous companies that produced such glass patterns are Anchor Hocking, Fenton, and Cambridge.

Depression Glass includes hundreds of kinds of items, such as everyday dishes (that were given away as premiums), elegant glassware (that was sold in jewelry stores), barware (that was often decorated with comical figures), and a host of other items (like ashtrays, knives, and even mousetraps) made of glass.

We’re happy to report that sources of Depression Glass are still plentiful here in Western New York, so collecting this colorful glass is easy in the Rochester area.

If you’re tempted by Depression Glass and need an excuse to start collecting it, or if you’ve been bitten by the glass bug and need a justification for your growing collection, there are several good reasons to collect this kind of glassware.

* Familiar patterns can bring back happy memories of times past with parents or grandparents and holiday dinners when the Thanksgiving turkey tasted so good.

* Better pieces, especially those bought at good prices, might go up in value, so they could be an investment.

* Particular styles or colors can fit in nicely with your current decorating scheme.

The best reason to collect glass is simply because you like it and take pleasure in owning it, seeing it in your home, or using it when you can.

The fastest way to fall for glass is to attend an antiques show or, better yet, a Depression Glass sale like the one the local club is sponsoring Sept. 15-16. A glass sale offers an amazing array of colors, patterns, and pieces, so you’ll probably find something that catches your eye, and then you can go from there.

1. Before you get serious and buy many pieces, though, research as much as possible about your new favorite collectible. Find out its history, its characteristics, and a little about the company that made it. Take the time to study the patterns you collect, so you know their features (like its colors, shapes, or sizes) to avoid accidentally buying the wrong pattern.

2. Then keep learning because the more you know, the greater the advantage you’ll have when buying from anyone who knows less. Many times sellers think they have elite pieces of glass, but if your knowledge is better than theirs, you’re not going to pay $100 for a $20 item. Likewise, you might be happy to spend only $20 on a piece worth $100 when you know more than the vendor does.

Needless to say, to learn more about glass and all that goes into finding a good buy, join the local Depression Glass Club or even the national one.

Also, ask older friends and family what they remember about the glassware that their parents or grandparents had. You can learn about things like costs and usage by simply listening to stories of the past.

To learn even more and to establish connections for your favorite patterns, talk to dealers and develop friendships with them. They’re great sources of knowledge as well as kindred spirits who share this interest.

3. Buy an identification guide or two and then keep them in your car, so you can refer to them when shopping at garage sales (or look things up online as you come across them). Again, being able to distinguish between features helps prevent mistakes.

4. When your favorite pattern and another one have design elements (like the shape of a cup’s handle) that are similar to one another, make note of distinctive features, again, so you buy pieces in the correct pattern.

5. From time to time, check what’s listed on sites like eBay and Replacements, Ltd. to find unusual pieces, compare prices, and keep learning.

6. Once you begin collecting, consider how much space you have to house the pieces you’re picking up. Some items are quite large and take up lots of room, while others are smaller or can be useful. Consider where you’ll store your purchases, how you’ll display them, or if you can actually use them.

7. Also, if you start to collect a particular pattern of Depression Glass, consider the cost of its individual pieces. Find out which ones are most expensive, whether or not they’re readily available, and whether or not you can afford them.

If you do decide to collect a whole pattern, try to buy the more expensive pieces first. When pieces are rare and hard to find, they might go up in value over time.

The more familiar pieces should be more easily available, and at lower prices, but they probably won’t rise in value at the same rate.

8. When shopping, keep in mind the three most important factors: condition, condition, condition. Considering the condition of glassware is important because vintage pieces are often damaged over the decades, but they can rarely be fixed.

* If you want mint items in your collection, or if you want to actually use the glassware you collect, buy pieces that are perfect in every way.

* If you only want to display your Depression Glass, some damage, especially if it’s out of sight, might be acceptable to you.

* If you want an especially rare item, it may pay to buy it even if it’s slightly flawed.

* If you do decide to buy a flawed or damaged piece, make sure you know enough to about the piece and its value to pay an appropriate price.

9. One way to avoid buying imperfect glass is to inspect it with “the fingernail test.” If you run your fingernail around a piece of glass, but it catches on something, the glass is nicked or cracked, so pay accordingly.

10. Another way to avoid mistakes is to check for any discoloration. For example, cloudiness in vases and cups can come from holding water for an extended amount of time. Cloudiness in salt shakers comes from holding salt for a lengthy period. Because some cloudiness can’t be removed, inspect pieces carefully and learn to distinguish between dust and actual damage.

Learning about glassware is our passion at The Depression Glass Club of Greater Rochester—as is collecting it, of course.

We meet at 7:15 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of most months at the Eisenhart Auditorium of the Rochester Museum and Science Center. Visitors are always welcome to attend a meeting, which usually includes a program about vintage glassware.

Our club has also been holding an annual show and sale, and our 2018 Vintage Glass & Collectibles Sale is scheduled for September 15 and 16 in the Eisenhart Auditorium, RMSC, 657 East Avenue:

  • Saturday, Sept. 15, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Sunday, Sept. 16, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

* The event will feature a variety of dealers selling Depression-Era glassware as well as vintage china, silver, linens, ceramics, and other small antiques.

* The weekend will also include a display of vintage glassware that depicts images of nature as well as an educational program about animal figurines made of glass at 1:00 p.m. each day.

* There will be door prizes as well as a grand prize raffle for a set of dishes, and pie, ice cream, and beverages available.

* Those who have a piece or two of unknown vintage glass may bring them in for possible identification of the pattern, color, and manufacturer.

* Admission is $5 and covers both days. Parking is free, and the building is handicapped accessible.

For more information about the club or our upcoming sale, send an email to us at dgclub@rochester.rr.com or check out our Facebook page, @DepressionGlassClubRochester.

 

© 2018 The Collectors of Western New York Museum & Gallery.
All rights reserved.

Posted on by admin

21 Tips for Collecting, Part 2

As promised, here are the rest of my guidelines for building collections in a cost-effective, responsible manner.

Some of these tips I’ve learned the hard way (by making quite a few mistakes, buying lesser pieces, and spending too much on others), and others I’ve admittedly ignored from time to time (like actually having room in our house for new acquisitions).

Nonetheless, the collecting lessons I’ve learned could serve us all well as we build and maintain our collections. If all of us committed collectors (myself included) keep these tips in mind, we’ll not only have fun amassing our collections, but we’ll also be able to enjoy the process and the outcome, which is what collecting is all about after all.

12. Set a limit—for individual items and for each shopping spree—and make every effort to stick to it. As you learn more and shop around, you’ll develop a sense for which pieces are ordinary and what prices are reasonable for them. Then you can not only grab up unusual pieces, especially when prices are low, but you’ll also know to walk away from typical ones that are overpriced.

13. Eventually, shop the Internet if you choose, so you can have access to the largest number of dealers and the greatest range of merchandise. For example, some items are scarce in some parts of the country, but plentiful in others depending on where they were manufactured or distributed, so online shopping brings such items to you.  Conversely, collectibles—like vintage souvenirs of Rochester-based companies—might go for higher prices here in Western New York where they are prized than they will be listed for elsewhere in the country.

14. Decide early on if you’re going to be a perfectionist or not. Realize that if you want only first editions, mint quality or best condition, or even NIB (new in box) items, you’re going to pay more and ultimately have fewer items in your collection. If you’re okay with dings and dents, scratches, tears, and other forms of patina, you’ll be able to spend less per item, but you’ll likely have to deal with the greater quantity you’ll get for your money.

15. Consequently, and contrary to popular belief, you should think about where you’re going to put new acquisitions before you acquire them. Will they fit in your vehicle and then in your house? Are you ready to display your new purchases, or will you need to spend more money on things like albums, frames, and curio cabinets? If you’re going to buy it, you should be able to display it or use it as you intended. Otherwise, you’ve just wasted your money.

I hate to say it, since I love finding additions to my collections so much, but we avid collectors really need to follow the old adage: We should have a place for everything, and then put everything in its place. Again, there’s really no point in buying things if we can’t properly display them, actually use them, or reasonably store them.

I should know: I’ve been storing most of my collections for nearly ten years, which has gotten ridiculous. That’s one reason why I want to open The Collectors’ museum where extensive collections like mine and those of other committed collectors can be displayed. Another reason is that collectors like these have put together some amazing things that are truly worthy of being put in the spotlight.

16. Be prepared and take measurements of your walls, doorways, cabinets, and other areas at home, as well as the inside of your vehicle, and then carry that information with you either in a notebook or on a device. There’s really no point in buying something that simple won’t fit. I know—I’ve made that mistake a time or two myself.  Once, I was so sure a 1960s’ chaise lounge would fit in my Subaru station wagon that I immediately bought it—and it did fit in the car—after we spent an hour in the parking lot dismantling it.

17. If you’re short on space, or if your home is already full, think about what you will actually do with your new acquisitions. Will you have to spend time rotating out your collectibles? Will you need to pack them and store them away? Will they crowd your space, or will you have to spend money on mini-storage? Will you also need to invest money in packing supplies and time in boxing up the treasures you just bought? In short, think hard before you buy additional pieces for your collection.

18. Realize, too, that collecting involves more than simply shopping. When you buy new pieces, identify and inventory each as you go. In fact, it’s prudent and practical to catalog the collectibles you already own before you bring home any more items. A simple list with categories for your own ID numbers, what the items are, when and where you bought them, how much you paid, and what they’re worth is a good start. In addition, a gallery of photos accessible on your phone helps document your collections and can prevent duplicating purchases in the future.

19. If you’re into pricey collectibles, like original artwork and genuine antiques, have a serious talk with your insurance agent to find out whether your collection is covered by your homeowner’s policy or if you need additional coverage. If you become carried away with this hobby, you might end up investing more into it than you realize, so you might need more coverage than you expect.

20. Regardless of how enamored you are right now about your collection, expect to let go of individual pieces at some point in the future. As your experience and knowledge grow, your taste and style will likely evolve, too. Over time, you may decide to divest yourself of lesser pieces in favor of better ones. Sad as it seems, it’s common practice to eventually break up collections; however, in doing so, you’re then able to let others enjoy what you no longer cherish.

21. In addition, once you have more collectibles than the typical person, start thinking about how you’ll downsize or what you’d like to happen to them when the time comes. Talk to your family and tell them which pieces are important to you, and also find out if anyone wants particular items. Use your inventory to let your family know which pieces are particularly unique or valuable, and give them suggestions for appropriately passing them along.  After all, you know your collections better than anyone else.

Gosh. I seem to have ended on a somber note about downsizing and bequeathing. However, I’ll take that as a reminder that I already have many, many beautiful pieces in my collections—including floral teapots, vintage dishes, sparkling glassware, and lovely figurines—yet no one else will want to deal with them when the time comes.

I think I’ll forego the sales and shops this weekend and stay home and work on a collection or two. I’ll be able to enjoy some of my treasures now and work on keeping them organized for the future.

I hope you, too, can enjoy your collections this weekend. After all, that’s why we have them.

Patti
The Committed Collector

So where do you stand on the issue? Should we collect only as much as we can reasonably display in our homes, or is it acceptable to collect so much that a goodly portion needs to be boxed up and put away? Please leave a comment and share your thoughts about the collector’s quandary.

© 2018 The Collectors of Western New York Museum & Gallery.
All rights reserved.