818-Lancaster Farming, Saturday, January 5, 2002 Antiques Fill School House Farm LOU ANN GOOD Food And Family Features Editor NEW HOLLAND (Lancaster Co.) The Rogers family had lived in several old houses in many different areas of the Unit ed States, but when they decided to select a permanent home, Lan caster County was their first choice. “It needed to be an old house and one where 1 could open an antique shop,” Ruth Rogers said. That was 20 years ago, and the 1726 property they purchased has fulfilled Rogers’ every wish. The rambling stone farmhouse sits along Route 322, a heavily traveled road. The shop is easy to find by clients but almost hidden from view and possible to miss by fast-traveling motorists. When the Rogers purchased the historical house, it only had plumbing and heating for 10 years. It has two summer kitch ens, one in front and one in back. The Rogers dismantled a log house in Bernville, in neighboring Berks County, and had the log house erected to form a connec tion between the main house and one of the summer kitchens. An Indian door and more windows were added to allow more light to enter the house. The reconstruct ed log house now serves as the kitchen and dining room. On the grounds, the Rogers have added a sunken garden, a delivery stable, a pond, and a two-story shed. Entering the farmhouse is like going back in time. A book out lining the history of the property shows that it had been used as the Spread Eagle Tavern at one time. The random wide floorboards, deep windowsills, exposed 12-feet log walls, and walk-in fireplace have been retained. The setting enhances the antiques the Rogers have collected for personal use and for the shop. “I must like what I sell,” Ruth said. Rogers limits the antiques in her shop and in the shows where Samplers are Rogers’ forte and are sought after by many collectors. Lancaster Faring she exhibits to stoneware, red ware, Adam’s Rose china, coin silver, coverlets, and samplers. She deals in a few pieces of furni ture, especially rope beds. “I love rope beds. I have them in all my bedrooms,” Rogers said. When the Rogers first began to use rope beds, they found it nec essary to tighten the ropes to re move the slack every six months. Then they discovered that if they placed a '/-i-inch piece of plywood on top of the ropes, they never needed to be retightened. She also said that it is neces sary to use a foam mattress be cause rope beds are just a size shy of a full-size mattress. The foam can be squeezed between the large bed posts. When the bed is made, it is noticeable that the full-sized foam has been squeezed between the bedposts. “This method creates an au thentic look without the sem blance of sleeping in a ham mock,” Ruth said. “The Lancaster area is the best area for antiques, especially for those who don’t have a lot of time to travel,” Ruth said. She believes it is possible to get better buys at shows than at auc tions,- especially since so many people frequent auctions always looking for “a biggie” (bargain). Auctions also often charge 10-15 percent on top. “Every shop has bargains. Shop owners can’t know it all be cause they don’t specialize in ev erything,” Ruth said. Dealers are more prolific but also people are collecting more memorabilia. Rogers said, “Sometimes I at tend sales and think “who is going to buy this junk? But I’ve learned there’s a buyer for every thing.” “You might find a bargain, but if you can’t use it, haul it or move it, what are you going to do?” Rogers asked. She herself was the lucky recipient of a Dutch hutch she purchased for one dollar sev eral years ago when a dealer wanted to get rid of it fast. Rogers finds it exciting to meet people from many different states Ruth Rogers d< with a caricature. table with tapered legs and pin top in walnut wood. and discover the items they col lect. She met a buyer from Ha waii who had hundreds of pieces of Adam’s Rose, a china pattern that people associate with the Lancaster area. On furniture pieces, Ruth does no repair work since 90 percent of dealers prefer pieces in found condition. However, she will frame samplers using acid free paper and ultraviolet glass to prevent fading. In her own home, Rogers uses antique dishes and other items that many people may hide be hind glass. “I never get tired of antiques,” Rogers said. “Dealers never stop working, They do it the day they die. It’s fascinating to see and know history connected with items.” She has taken several classes relating to antiques but said that experience is the best teacher. “Look at new and old pieces and you learn to know the feel and look,” she said regarding counterfeits. It’s a benefit to buy pieces identified by signatures but even those are being counter feited. “If you sell good antiques, you still sell, despite what’s happen ing to the economy,” Rogers said. Rogers School House Farm Antiques, 3134 Div. Hwy., New leals in stoneware and redware. Some of the items in Rogers’ shop include an 1806 sampler by Kitty Lukens, English brass candlesticks 1820-1860, and Adam’s Rose china 1840-1880. Holland, is open by appointment or chance. Call Rogers at (717) 354-9153. Or, look for her booth at two upcoming shows: Lancas ter Heritage Antiques Show, held at the Franklin and Marshall College Sports & Fitness Center, Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster, Jan. 12, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sun. Jan. 13, noon to 5 p.m. York Antiques Show and Sale, York Fairgrounds Convention and Expo Center, Memorial Hall East, Rt. 462 W. Market St., York, Feb. 1-3,11 a.m.-8 p.m. ig a rare German produced blind pig has a spigot that had been used to store alcohol.
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