Texas, Rhinebeck & Deerfield

Hope to see some of you at upcoming shows- Round Top has been an absolute scorcher with temps well over 100 degrees but plenty of cool beverages to help keep it reasonably tolerable. Planning on being in New England next weekend to cover Rhinebeck and Deerfield. Will take pics and share.

Redefining good and great.

We are constantly subjected by the words "good" and "great" in the business. They are overused terms that have come to mean things that often cause a basic mis-understanding of the very nature of what we do. There is a pandemic with both of these terms that illustrates the conundrum that we find ourselves trying to escape. That is a great cupboard. He or she is a very good dealer. That is a great auction house. The prices were very good. We tend to associate the words good and great with expensive, rare, museum quality, high end and various other words. I had a discussion with a dealer the other day about what these terms mean in today's world. What we came up with, although just our opinions, more accurately reflect the new world we find ourselves living in: A good/great dealer is someone who keeps customers happy by providing unique objects that customers value at prices they can afford with honesty and integrity- regardless of the price level at which they operate. A good/great customer is someone who chooses to use discretionary income on antiques and in turn helps dealer operate their business. A good/great show is a place where customers/dealers can get together and exchange goods for cash- regardless of price level. A good/great antique is an object that is as represented, has an intrinsic value based upon, form, function, aesthetics, intended or repurposed use or the fact it just looks good- regardless of price.

New Extravaganza photos!!!

Enjoy!

Extravaganza Photo Contest

Don't forget to bring you camera to this weekend's show in Springfield. The five best photos will receive a pair of season passes for 2012. Either submit them via our Facebook group or email to info@jenkinsshows.com. Capture the fun, excitment and good times of the show!

Attempt at humor-

Top 10 things to do before this weekend’s Springfield Extravaganza from the home office in Terre Haute, Indiana

10. Check supply of comfortable shoes and clean socks.
9. Stop eating now so you will be hungry for something wonderful from our food vendors.
8. Clean out your house and storage areas to be prepared for the new stuff you are sure to find.
7. Stop all discretionary spending until next Friday.
6. Double check hotel reservations.
5. Convince someone new to come along- always more fun with friends.
4. Concoct a series of plausible explanations as to the origin of new purchases for your family:
“Honey, where on earth did this life sized stuffed giraffe come from?”
3. Call ahead to the authorities and warn them that even though your family will likely be reporting you missing, you’ll simply be at the Springfield Extravaganza longer than anticipated.
2. Stop checking the weather forecast- one word “PERFECT”
1. Prepare to be amazed!

Harwinton Photos

A few Harwinton photos-enjoy and remember that a few of these were taken when Graham took the camera.

Fast forward- Brimfield to Springfield

This time of year is usually chaotic at best. The photo above is Graham at the dry portion of Brimfield. For those of you who haven't heard, raincoats were a must. Have plenty to share from Harwinton, Brimfield and gearing up for a great Extravaganza next weekend.

Harwinton- now Brimfield

Will talk at length about Harwinton later this week. Suffice it to say we were very pleased with the show and are more excited than ever about our new home and the future of the show. Photos, recaps and thank-you's later- on to Brimfield today. Raincoats anyone???

All signs point to Harwinton

Despite news to the contrary- the Harwinton Antiques and Design Weekend is on for this weekend. Hope to see you all there.

Come on Irene

With apologies to the Midnight Runners and Dexy- I am happy to report that the Harwinton Fairgounds withstood both the June stress test that Mother Nature provided as well as yesterday's encounter with Irene. Irene did provide a good bath to the grounds, but they will be in top shape for the show this weekend. Hopefully those dealing with the aftereffects of the storm will want a break by next Saturday and Sunday.

Win free Extravaganza tickets.

Share your favorite story about the Springfield show and win free passes for the September Extravaganza. Either share your story on our Facebook page, or leave the story as a blog comment. We will give away 5 pairs of tickets.

Damaging nature of good rumors.

Writing today to clarify what seems to be current fodder for the rumor mill. I recently returned from Antiques Week in New Hampshire. After what was for the most part a good week, an incident occurred late Thursday afternoon that I feel requires comment and clarification. A promoter with multiple events in Manchester accused me of recruiting vendors on his show floor for a competing show to be launched for the Manchester Week in 2012. The promoter would apparently not believe the denial I spoke to him or respond to the email that I sent the following morning. I have received numerous phone calls and emails in the past week and feel the need to issue the following statement:
At no point in time during Antiques Week in New Hampshire, did I or anyone that I work with attempt to solicit any vendor for a show to be held during Antiques Week in New Hampshire. I did spend quite a bit of time talking about our new facility in Nashville with dealers during Antiques Week in New Hampshire. I imagine that someone might have overheard one of those conversations and made the mistaken assumption that the facility was in New Hampshire. I hold the shows, promoters and dealers who participate in shows in Manchester in high regard, spending significant amounts of time and energy to attend. We have never considered adding an event to this market as the current line-up provides great shows, great dealers and good results to the participating dealers and customers. I look forward to continuing to support the existing shows in this market.
Whether or not the rumor is being spread out of a mistaken assumption or bold faced lie, the effect is the same. It brings an unnecessary distraction in a time that the business simply doesn’t need it. Promoters and dealers don’t need it, and those spreading the rumor should understand the turmoil they keep fueling by spreading false information.


Jon Jenkins

New Harwinton Photos

Photos from:
Victor Weinblatt
Missouri Plain Folk
Melissa Bourque
Storb Antiques
Steven Singer
Country Peddler Antiques

Can the Insider get a Facebook share.

I know that there are at least 4 people besides my mother who occasionaly enjoy this blog. Whether it is something that is written, or a picture that you like, what is the point of all this if we aren't trying to share it with a wider audience and broaden the appeal of what we enjoy? The nifty Facebook share button on the right is a great way to let your friends know about the wonderfully underappreciated world of antiques, art & vintage design. Take a moment when you read a post to hit that button, fill out the stupid "what are these random letter" thingy and share. The antiques, art & vintage design bandwagon has plenty of empty seats. Help me fill it up.

New Photos for Harwinton

These photos courtesy of South Road Antiques who will be doing Harwinton in two weeks. Enjoy!

Catching a few bargains at Springfield

Had time yesterday to catch a few deals yesterday at the August Springfield show. Very good crowd and some really cool stuff. Picked up an Arts & Crafts sideboard for a tv stand and had to buy this store display champagne bottle. It is a Salmanazar (9 Liter) bottle. Too bad it was empty.

Sometimes words matter- a lot.

Got new neighbors a few months ago- a couple about our age with two young kids. As they've been in and out of our house a few times for a few cookouts, they have noticed our furnishings seem a little bit different. I've explained what I do for a living and they really seem interested in the stuff. When I talk about things as antiques the interest level seems to wane, but when I describe something as vintage- the excitement level increases. I am talking about items of similar age- clearly over 100 years old, but vintage resonates while antique falls flat. Maybe it's the word and not the stuff.

With heavy hearts-

Taking a day off from the Insider today to take our annual trip to the Indiana State Fair. This year the tragedy that took the lives of 5 and injured many others brings a great deal of sadness to a normally joyous day. Be sure to keep the families of the victims in your thoughts and prayers.

On to Springfield

Back from New Hampshire, and while results weren't outstanding across the board, I think the week went well. Getting ready for the August Springfield show next weekend and preparing for our trip to Connecticut for Harwinton.

Midweek in Manchester through the eyes of a 4 year old.

I was going to upload Graham's photos from Midweek this morning, but was told that I have exceeded my photo storage limit. Must expand limit.