THE LURE OF THE ANTIQUE

Yesterday, the Friends of MPL sponsored an Antiques Appraisal Day at the library. Two appraisers skillfully valued a variety of items brought in by more than 30 people. The scene in the Community Room was similar to one on a popular TV show, and the individual outcomes were the same -- some people pleased and surprised by the results of the appraisals while others were a bit disappointed that their keepsake didn't have the monetary value they'd anticipated. Still, it was fun for everyone -  both participants and observers.

As we watched this process, one question came to mind: Why is there so much interest in antiques? This book in the Bullis Collection,

The Lure of the Antique, by Walter A. Dyer

Published in New York by The Century Company, 1921

offers one answer to that question.  In Chapter I, Dyer states: 

...I have yet to find the American, however practical-minded, 

who can hold in his hand his great-great-grandmother's Betty lamp, 

or sit in his great-grandfather's Windsor chair, 

without some slight sentiment.

Is that the simple answer? That we love antiques because they are our connection with our ancestors? Whether they belong to our great-great-grandmother or to someone else's? Perhaps so.

By the way, this little book has lots of cool illustrations, showing tea sets, pitchers, clocks, copper jugs, brass kettles, stoves, and antique furniture. If you're into antiques, give us a call and arrange to have a look at it.