The Antiques & Collectibles Fair is host to many interesting pieces of history including some rare items. (Courtesy Ocean City Historical Museum)
By Maddy Vitale
A vintage postcard with a note detailing memories of a trip to Ocean City, beach tags from long ago Jersey Shore vacations, top hats from a more genteel time and tables of fine craftsmanship from the early 1900s, are just some of the items for sale during the July 14 Ocean City Antiques & Collectibles Fair.
The show is in its fifth year and will feature 27 local dealers from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Ocean City Community Center, 1735 Simpson Ave.
The fair, which is free and open to the public, also showcases nautical items, china and glassware, jewelry, paper memorabilia such as old menus and shore guides, and some rare books, explained Stephen Gring, co-manager of the show and a trustee of the Ocean City Historical Museum.
Many antique dealers are returning to an event that seems to grow each year. A dollar donation is all that is asked for from visitors and will go toward the Ocean City Historical Museum Curatorial Committee, Gring said.
From baubles to collectible books, there is something for everyone from the dealer to the novice or newcomer to the world of antiques.
“We have a couple of very good jewelry dealers with pieces as low as $5 to several hundred dollars,” Gring noted.
About 27 local antiques and collectibles dealers will participate in the show. (Courtesy Ocean City Historical Museum)
Books go back to the early 1900s up to the 1960s and furniture for sale, including old wicker chairs, date from the early 1900s to the 1950s, Gring said.
Gring, who sells antiques with his wife Mary Ann in the show, said there are some surprises this year, including pieces from the museum’s Curatorial Committee table.
“There are quite a few nice things this year. There are some really nice top hats and an 1879 French sword,” Gring said. “That is the founding year for Ocean City, which is very neat for us.”
For the historian who wants to flip through an original Tim Cain book about Peck’s Beach, there are five books being offered at the fair for around $20. Gring explained the same book goes for more than double that on eBay.
Carol Dotts, chairwoman of the Curatorial Committee and a museum trustee, oversees the museum table.
People will enjoy perusing antiques and collectibles. (Courtesy Ocean City Historical Museum)
“The Antiques Fair is a great opportunity for us to enjoy history on another level. Collecting has a lot in common with what we try to accomplish with the museum, so it makes sense for us to host an event like this,” said Granahan, who co-manages the show with Gring. “Plus, it's a lot of fun checking out all the things people have to sell.”
And whether you are an antiques expert, a collector, or just someone with an appreciation for the old, there is something for all ages at the show.
“We try to tell younger customers that if you are purchasing antique furniture, it is often solid wood. Buying an antique is an investment,” Gring said. “You are pretty much guaranteed you will have a significant amount of money that you can recoup, and a savvy purchase may increase the value.”
Gring pointed out that it took a lot of work to organize the event, and like every year before, the show keeps growing and really becoming something the community looks forward to attending.
“I am extremely appreciative to the volunteers. It takes a lot of work to pull this off and people come back year after year,” he said. “I am humble and appreciative that so many people are willing to help.”
The Antiques & Collectibles Fair is host to many interesting pieces of history including some rare items. (Courtesy Ocean City Historical Museum)
