After a four-year hiatus, the popular “What’s it Worth?” antiques and collectibles appraisal day is returning to the Glengarry Pioneer Museum on Saturday August 19th from 11 AM to 4 PM. Loosely modeled after the long-running television hit Antiques Roadshow, the event lets folks consult with local antiques and collectibles experts as to the value of a treasured family heirloom or a favourite flea market find.
The appraisers — who have expertise in everything from books, Canadiana and jewelry to art, textiles, pop culture and furniture — will give you an estimate of the approximate value of up to three items for just $5 per item. However, not every personal treasure can be appraised. There are a few restrictions. First of all is size. You must be able to wait in line with it and carry it to the appraisal table. So this will rule out items like Steinway grand pianos and Ford 8N tractors. Other no-nos include antique firearms, electronics, pharmaceutical bottles and antique fire extinguishers. It should also be noted that all the appraisals are verbal and are done on a first-come-first-served basis.
Keep in mind that the WIW event is about more than just appraisals. It will also feature displays of private collections, including vintage chocolate boxes, kitchenware, chain saws, farm machinery, memorabilia from Canada’s Centennial and Expo ’67 and more. Plus, there will be an ad hoc exhibit of antique cars and tractors brought in from across the region. And for those of you who are Silent Auction fans, one will be held to help raise money for the museum. Auction table items include an early 20th century spittoon, oil lamps, antique silver and a whole lot more.
To round out the day, food and refreshments will be on sale. And the one-room schoolhouse will host children’s activities. Kids are even encouraged to bring in their prized collections of teddy bears, rocks, bubblegum cards and the like for a “fun appraisal” of their treasures.
Admission to the site on What’s It Worth? Day is just $5.00, with children under 12 free. The museum is located in the heart of Dunvegan, at the crossroads of Dunvegan and Greenfield Roads.
Dinner theatre anyone?
While we’re on the topic of events occurring in the near future, I wanted to mention a new play premiering in Hudson on August 17th. Written by former Dunvegan playwright Bonnie Laing, Phoebe’s Gift is a humorous look at Phoebe Nobbs Hyde (1910 – 1994), an eccentric actor, interpreter, historical researcher and world traveller who lived for many years in Hudson, Quebec. I’m told Bonnie’s play includes excerpts from the monologues she performed in England and Canada, most of which were amusingly politically incorrect. (Good for you, Phoebe.)
Born into a wealthy Westmount family, she rebelled against many of the restraints and expectations of a life of privilege. She studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, England and was married twice. Her first husband became the captain of the ocean liner, Queen Mary. And her second was a man 30 years her senior, whom she’d had a crush on since she was a teenager.
In all, there will be five luncheon and dinner theatre performances of Phoebe’s Gift — from Thursday, August 17th to Sunday, August 20th — in St. Mary’s Church Hall, 273 Main Road, Hudson. Tickets are available online at www.theatrepanache.ca or by calling (450) 458-5281. The price for the evening performances is $40 and includes dinner, the show, tax and a visit to Phoebe’s family home, Greenwood. For the lunch and show, tickets are $35. The meals include a main course, dessert, tea and coffee. Beer and wine will also be available, at an additional cost.
Dunvegan reunion in Vancouver
So much for the future tense. Now let’s look a few items in the recent past… starting with an item starring Bill and Peggi Calder from Dunvegan West. Bill and Peggi recently enjoyed a July vacation with their daughter Kathie and her family in British Columbia. While there, they enjoyed a quick visit with Jamie Whealon at the popular tourist area Lonsdale Quay near Vancouver. When they met with Jamie, they were pleasantly surprised to meet up with Jamie’s mother as his mother Sheila who was also visiting from Glengarry.
The Whealon family used to live just east of Dunvegan in the brick farmhouse that was formerly owned by the Wilamoskis, and is now home to Robert Hinse and his son. Peggi tells me that Sheila has developed a bit of wanderlust, having also enjoyed an Alaska cruise with friends.
Hello borer. Bye bye ash.
Along with the news of their pleasant vacation, Peggi reports that a live Emerald Ash Borer has been found about half way between Dunvegan and Maxville… definitely NOT good news for the ash trees in our area. It’s thought that the beetle was accidently introduced to North America via shipping crates or pallets from China. Thank you, Wal-Mart.
Without the natural suppressors that help keep it under control in China (like resistant trees, predators and wasps), the Emerald Ash Borer has run rampant since hitting our shores. It’s also extremely weather resistant. The emerald ash borer can survive down to average temperatures of −30 °C, due to antifreeze chemicals in the body and insulation provided by tree bark. And its larvae can stand heat waves up to 53 °C.
According to the US Forestry Service, the emerald ash borer has destroyed tens of millions of ash trees to date, and threatens to kill most of the 8.7 billion ash trees throughout North America. Borer populations can spread up to fifty miles a year… primarily through flight or the transportation of ash firewood and nursery stock. While ash logs make wonderful firewood, trucking cords of it hither and yon is only hastening the end of this lovely species.
Bad Cop. Bon temps.
Glengarry Pioneer Museum curator Jennifer Black reports that the museum’s inaugural “Movie Under the Stars” event worked really well. “If felt like we were at a drive in,” said Jennifer. “It was supposed to start at 8:30, but it was a little too light out. We finally hit play around 8:50.” To keep the audience entertained while Old Sol did its thing, they projected a slide show on the side of the schoolhouse (aka: the screen) and had soft music playing. All the while, Heather Raymond dished out popcorn. I’m told by those who braved the unseasonably cool temperatures, that bug spray was essential, as was a warm coat or blanket.
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