"One thing we learned is we definitely need more appraisers next year," said Melody Smith, museum staff member. "People brought in a lot of fine art, like statues, pictures and paintings, as well as china and other decorative pieces."
They also brought in pieces of furniture and antique firearms to be appraised, in which none the appraisers had particular expertise. Next year, they will, Smith said.
Just like in public television's popular "Antiques Roadshow," the fun came when owners were surprised to learn their item's value. One man brought in a metal statue he had used as a doorstop for years, only to find out it is worth as much as $4,000.
A volunteer working the event, Connie Landwehr of Arlington Heights, listened to a talk presented by Amy Keaton on historic samplers and had her husband bring over one from their home. The family heirloom turned out to be worth between $3,000 and $4,000, Keaton told her, and should be properly preserved.
A live auction took place after the appraisals and did not draw as much interest as organizers had hoped, perhaps because they were too busy carting away their things, Smith said.
Items drawing the most interest included Belleek china and early 1900-era beaded purses.
"One lucky purchaser of a hand-sewn beaded bag found train tickets from 1921 and 1923 inside," Smith said, "good from Albany to New York, along with a 1919 penny."
Museum and historical society volunteers felt the event fit their mission of bringing history alive for local residents. They intend to do it again next year, though they may tweak it a bit.
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