A Show Worth Your Visit

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imagesSeldom do I blog about any of the podcasts, but as I am sitting at O’Hare Airport, I decided to write about my experience at the Randolph Street Market in Chicago. I had more than an excellent time podcasting at the 10th anniversary celebration, Memorial Day Weekend.

In a conversation a nearly 4 years ago with Eric Bradley, (formerly the editor of Antique Trader), he mentioned that I needed to do a podcast with Sally Schwartz. He told me that she was fun and a real Chicago icon in the antiques world.

I found out Sally was all of that and more. Rarely do you meet someone that is entrepreneurial, follows her dreams and make things happen the way Sally does. This market is just one of her great events, she is a very busy woman and somehow keeps it all together. The connection I have made with Sally has certainly enriched this podcast, and my life. By the way, she really does have a great sense of humor. Read more →

136. Randolph St. Market Anniversary Special

136. Randolph St. Market Anniversary Special

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Recorded live in Chicago, a special Round-Robin format podcast celebration of the 10th Anniversary of Randolph Street Market, with co-founder Sally Schwartz, Kathy Finley, Nena Ivon, Harry Rinker, Susan Klein Bagdade, Al Bagdade, Greg Willett, Danielle Arnet, and former podcast co-host Phyllis Kao. A celebration of the anniversary as well as a discussion on the antiques market place makes this a fascinating podcast for all who are interested in antiques and vintage.

Antiques: A Journey Through Time

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by Martin Willis

A look at how antiques connect us to forgotten lives of the past

1790_House,_Woburn,_Massachusetts_circa_1930s
The Historic 1790 House, Woburn, MA

I was walking my dog this morning on the property of the 1790 House, which is a fine colonial structure in Woburn, Massachusetts that houses the auction company’s office.  The property is right next to Rt. 128, which is always very noisy with a constant stream of traffic flowing north and south.

The historic house borders the Middlesex Canal, which was a concept that became a reality in the late 18th century. The canal connected Boston Harbor to the Merrimack River and had 20 locks with the average depth of 3 feet. Barges pulled by oxen transported many goods all the way to Concord, NH and back. The main function of the canal was to transport timber for shipbuilding from the virgin forest of New Hampshire to Medford, Mass. When the canal was built, it was a very substantial feat of engineering for that time.

baldwin_estateAs my dog and I walked near the canal, we came to some brush that my dog  decided to walk into. I forced my way through the thicket to find my dog, and came upon a magnificent chiseled granite post protruding out of the ground. It had a hand hammered and rusted iron eyelet near the top for rope lashing. I wondered when the last time was that someone saw this post lost in time. I realized that objects like these, along with antiques are connections to the forgotten lives of the past.

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134. Richard Wright, Italian 20th c. Glass

134. Richard Wright, Italian 20th c. Glass

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Repeat guest, Richard Wright, of Wright in Chicago talks about fine 20th c. Italian, Murano glass such as Venini & Barovier. Check out the important collection at auction on June 8th, 2013.