{ { J 59th BACK MOUNTAIN MEMORIAL LIBRARY AUCTION ! Antiques are big draw, but mix changes By JENNIFER JUDGE YONKOSKI Post Correspondent Antiques buyers have a lot to look forward to at this year’s library auction. From an ornately carved antique table to a dollhouse and a statue of Nipper the dog — variety is what the buyers stress as they prepare year round for this event. “We try to get a little bit of everything for everybody — mission, Victorian, primitive,” explains Michael Klug, assis- tant buyer. “We got a lot of nice mission this year. We got World War II stuff that’s kind of cool.” This is Klug’s second year working on antiques, but he admits for him this is more of a learning experience. “Ernie Ashbridge is really the brains behind it all,” he says. “What he doesn’t know about antiques isn’t worth knowing. I’m learning a lot from him. He buys; I lift.” Ashbridge, who has about 25 years experience working on the project, says that he Architectural Engineer Business Logisti Education Film & Video Forensic Science Journalism Nursing Pre-Medicine Psychology ANNIE Wilkes-B has seen some changes over the years. “The younger peo- ple are not as interested in glassware,” he says. “They’re more interested in decorative items they can use — mirrors, paintings, small pieces of fur- niture.” But the seasoned buyer has also noticed some less excit- ing changes over the years. Fewer antiques are donated to the library; instead they must buy nearly all of the items that are put up for sale. Ashbridge also mentioned that with fewer volunteers to repair furniture they buy, they must select antiques that are in near mint condition. This can be difficult with a limited budget and the advent of buyer’s premiums, a 10 per- cent additional charge the library must pay for each antique purchased. But these trends haven't stopped the antiques auction from being one of the library’s biggest fundraisers, earning roughly $45,000 for the library each year. Ashbridge is excited about all of the antiques that will be - Did you know you begin any of these rs plus many more at State Wilkes-Barre? This charming tray would be a hit at any deck party. tioned a much bigger selec- tion of garden statuary this year. offered at this year’s auction, noting an impressive list of items that includes a roll top desk, three Tiffany-style lamps, Victorian chairs, and curio cabinets. Klug men- community to visit the auc- tion. Both buyers encourage the “It’s the biggest fundraiser we have,” Ashbridge says. “Without it, the Back Mountain would not have a library open as many hours as we do.” Spend a summer evening with Penn State Wilkes-Barre OPEN HOUSE Tuesday, July 12, 6:30 p.m. OR Tuesday, July 19, 6:30 p.m. Hayfield House 105 Register at: www.wb.psu.edu/openhouse; wbadmissions@psu.edu; or 675-9238. Earn a bachelor’s or associate degree here or complete the first two years of over 160 degree programs, then finish your degree at another location, including University Park. Hours: Mon.-Wed., Sat. 10-6 « Fri. 10-8:30 18 Church Street * Dallas, PA YALSY TP G00Z ‘€ ANC 'AVANNS ‘NOILONY AHVHEIT NIVLNNOW Move S 39vd ~
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