First off, let me be honest. I failed you. I didn’t take as many photos as last year, though the Fair in and of itself is set up in much the same way. So if you want to see more photos that give a very good picture of what is there, see this post and this post. And I took them with my iPhone, which is not my preferred way of photographing anything, but I didn’t want to lug around my big girl camera.
It was an absolutely glorious day; blue skies, mild temps, and a view of the Hudson and the Catskills that couldn’t be beat. We got going early. I think we were on the road by 7:30. If you ever plan on attending the Fair and crowds and lines make you cranky (like me), get an Early Bird Pass. What a difference it makes! You are allowed in at 8:30, rather than 10:00, and it’s quiet, easy to move around and see everything, and your sanity will stay intact. Don couldn’t believe how much more crowded it was by 11:00 am.
There’s a wonderful seller that carries all sorts of old signs and statues and salvage. I loved this one. Who knew that Bing Crosby had his own brand of ice cream? It was huge, by the way.
Just down the aisle were these metal folding chairs. They were charming and we briefly considered them, especially the red ones that had a cut-out design at the top, but we didn’t bite.
Here we are with our friend Heidi. She’s also our neighbor. Long time readers of this blog will remember that Heidi used to own a shop in our town. I actually worked there part-time for a while. She closed that shop last year, but she still has a booth at the Country Living Fair. Her daughter, Whitney, and son-in-law, Cory, were helping out.
Don fell in love with this cart; very retro, with an outlet (that worked) on the back edge. He could see it sitting in our kitchen. I could, too, but I had some doubts about whether it would fit. It was a good price. We walked away. We went back. Don was sure it wouldn’t be there long. But, because we were unsure, we let it go for a while. Sure enough, an hour later, it was gone. In this case, it was for the best and we didn’t feel that pull of regret.
But I learned this lesson last year at the Fair. If you see something you want, grab it. It will not be there long. I lost out on a piece of McCoy last year, as well as a lamp I loved.
I saw at least three gorgeous cake toppers in this booth.
Almost bought one of these Jadeite egg cups, but they’re pretty common, so I held off. BPP. (BPP=blurry phone photo.)
This is a McCoy frog planter. I don’t see them often and I saw two of them at the Fair. It’s the kind of piece I feel I should buy because I’m a McCoy collector, but frankly, it’s not my cup of tea. So I pick it up and hold it and consider it and put it back down. Several times.
A simply gorgeous quilt top, no backing, no quilting. But isn’t it beautiful?
Be still my heart. A set of Bakelite, yet another thing I collect. BPP.
Can I tell you how much I wanted this tole tray? The blue, the red trim, the CHERRIES. But it was $45. And I wasn’t sure where I would put it. And I had already purchased a couple of other things. So I passed.
I’m sure it’s gone now.
There are deals to be had at the CL Fair, but I’ve also found that there’s a pretty steep mark-up in some booths. The dealers know they’re going to get a big crowd and of course they travel there, set up, spend hours each day selling, and have to make a profit. I get it. I didn’t bite on several items because I knew they were too pricey. I guess it depends on how much you want the piece. More on that later in the post.
Heidi took this picture of Don and me. We had the best time together, by the way. I’m so glad he came with me.
Okay. Here’s a little story. I’d seen a piece of McCoy that I coveted in a booth. I asked the price of the dealers (two women) and it was about $15 higher than I thought it should be. On the other hand, I never see this particular piece. Anywhere. I took a picture of it and we went on our way.
Later on, we circled back. I picked it up, held it. It was in perfect condition. After I dithered, Don told me to go for it. As I walked up to one of the dealers (who turns out to be Jane) I heard someone say, “You’re Claudia.” Startled, I turned around and said, “Yes.” It was the other dealer speaking, who turns out to be Valerie. She must have seen the startled look on my face because she said, “I read your blog.” She then turned to Don and said, “And you’re Don.”
Now, Don is usually the one who is recognized. Someone will have seen him on television (usually Law & Order.) When we were living in San Diego, he was routinely recognized everywhere we went. I run under the radar. But I have to admit to being flattered that someone recognized me from this blog of mine.
Here we are. Say hello to Valerie. Valerie and Jane have a booth in The Summit Antiques Center in Summit, New Jersey – not far from where my niece used to live.
We had a nice chat with both Valerie and Jane and I left with my pretty piece of McCoy.
It’s the hanging planter pictured here. You remember the vase on the left that I found about a month ago? Well, this one has been on my I Want List for quite a while. You can see the holes where a chain was threaded in order to hang the planter. It was more money than I should have spent and I felt guilty, until….
We found a cookie jar that we fell in love with. Also McCoy. (Don and I recently decided that we are starting a cookie jar collection. We already have our rabbit cookie jar, which sits on a window sill in the kitchen. Cookie jars are something we can collect together.) This particular jar was worth at least $60 or more. At one time, it would have been $75, but values have gone down a bit. It was priced at $24, and it was in perfect condition. The dealer gave it to us for $20.
I’ll get a better picture later. Those are pears on the top. McCoy made a series of these basketweave designs, some had kittens on top, some had dogs, there are several different handles. Usually, there is some damage to a cookie jar simply because of daily use. There is absolutely no damage on this one. So, to end this rather long story, we paid more than we should have for the piece on the left. But we got a steal on the piece on the right. So it all works out! And I feel better.
Long post, sorry! We had a great time together, but by the time we headed home at 12:30, we had had enough. There are a lot of artisans at the Fair, as well as lectures and book signings, none of which I am particularly interested in. I’m there for vintage. But there is truly something for everyone there, including a great bluegrass band that we loved. We dined on veggie paninis and a chocolate milkshake.
And Don was greatly impressed by my ‘fame.’
I think things are going to change around here.
(Thanks so much to Stella Shows for the free tickets, as well as the opportunity to give some away to my readers!)
Happy Saturday.
Of course you were recognized! I don’t think you realize how many people read and love your blog. Am drooling over your McCoy pieces. Gorgeous!! So glad you had a good fun day out with Don. Treasure those times – I know you do.
Judy
I do treasure them, Judy. And I treasure you, dear friend.
I hope so much that you and I can go on a McCoy search someday – that would be so much fun.
sounds like you had a wonderful day, thanks for the virtual tag along.
I swooned at the bakelite ….I have a antique bakelite mahjong set that I just adore. Loved your purchases. Cindy
I have some bakelite Mah Jongg tiles, Cindy – but not a whole set! Lucky you!
It does sound like a fun day, more so because you go to spend it with Don-the-Cookie-Jar-Collector. I can see I need to do some exploring this spring and find out what special events are when. Next week, Peony Festival!
Karen
Oh, that will be gorgeous! Take lots of pictures!
What a fun day! I wouldn’t have dragged my camera along either. You and Don are such a cute couple!! I’m so excited your found some McCoy pieces. You know you have passed on the addiction to me now! LOL!! They have the Country Living Fair here in Georgia but I’ve never been, maybe this year? It’s in the fall I think. Love all the photos even the blurry one’s!
hugs,
Linda
Oh, you should go, Linda! It’s a lot of fun, with lots to do. In fact, I’m going to insist you go!!!
Oh my, I love the McCoy pieces you bought. I’m so glad that Don went with you and the two of you had fun. I love the picture of you guys in front of the Country Living poster. Have a great weekend.
We had a lot of fun, Claudia! You have a great weekend, too!
Oh my gosh! That cookie jar! What a find. I have had it in the back of my mind to begin a cookie jar collection and seeing this may have clinched the deal! So glad you both had a fun day and I would surely recognize you both, if I was ever lucky enough to meet you! I think there is room in your family for 2 celebrities. Correction, 3 celebrities. Scout has quite the following!
Who are we kidding? Don and I may think of ourselves as ‘celebrities’ but Scout is the star!
Looks like a wonderful fun day for both of you! Love, love the cookie jar! My mother had a frog planter just like the one in your photo, but it wouldn’t be for me either.
I also wanted to tell you your lady who lives in your adorable doll house may have many of the things you would like to have in your cottage, but she doesn’t have Don. (Smile) the two of you obviously were meant for each other just as me and my husband were.
Have a great weekend! Love your cottage and gardens.
Susan
Ah, thank you, Susan! I’m very lucky and I know it. Sounds like you are, too!
Love your new McCoy pieces (I’d definitely pass on the frog, he’s kind of creepy looking, LOL). So glad Don got to go with you this year, sounds like a very fun day.
It was. I bet he’ll go with me next year, too!
One never knows which every day ware become treasures for someone else. My parents had a kitchen cart just like the red one, only it wasn’t red. I forget what color it was. It was tossed/donated when my parents moved.
Score! On both McCoy pieces! After reading your blog, I’ve begun looking at pottery in thrift stores and the few garage sales I attend in a whole new way! Thanks for the fun post and pics of the fair.
You and Don seem so laid back that recognition will give you a bit of a tingle and a tickle, but I’m guessing you prefer to run under the radar most of the time.
Have a great weekend.
We do prefer to run under the radar. And it’s all relative. We have friends in the Biz that can’t go anywhere without being recognized. That, I would not like at all!
What a fun day you both had…and now you’ve gone and started a new collection! Wonderful! Sometimes you pay more,,,some times less…but the memories are priceless! Cute pics of you and Don…how nice that you were recognized! It was bound to happen sooner or later…you do have a popular blog you know. Enjoy your day! ;)
I must admit it was surprising but very nice! And Don was suitably impressed.
Oh, that looks like so much fun! I kept checking your Instagram because of the two wonderful photographs that you posted early in the day . The photographs on your blog this morning did not disappoint! What a nice collection of memories. I have to say that Don looks like he could have been walking around with a fiddle or banjo all day, and no one would have blinked. He’s a country fair natural, isn’t he? You and Don are so cute together. I love the photograph of the two of you on the wicker settee. It belongs in a heart-shaped frame, with a neutral background photoshopped in. ❤
And I would know you anywhere, too, by that adorable dimple.
He does. In fact, we were thinking he should perform there!
You’re very sweet, Nancy!
What a wonderful day!..I bet it was twice as much fun having Don with you..I have one of those old kitchen carts but mine is yellow..I’ve been thinking of painting it red..love your new McCoy..I really like the hanging planters..That is such a nice picture of you two..Thanks for sharing..
I have two of the hanging planters now and I’m very partial to them. By the way, Don doesn’t like that picture. He thinks he looks strange…..
????..lol..men..lol..
I am coveting that new cookie jar – really cute! That is absolutely something I would have stopped to check out if I’d been at the fair, and it would be right at home at my house, among all my wicker and rattan baskets. Love the pears on the lid too – how creative those McCoy people were! Have a great weekend!
It would look great in your home. You’ll have to keep an eye open for one, Janet.
Love the planter, but that cookie jar is over the top! I love the basket weave on it. There are so many different designs of cookie jars. I have one that was in my grandma’s house, then it went to my dad and now to me. Truth be told, it is actually a round ice bucket, but it holds just the right amount of cookies! After seeing that cute picture of you and Don, I think that you both should be on the cover of a movie magazine! Both of you have contributed so much to the entertainment world.
Hugs to all,
Deb
I doubt that will happen, Debbie!
We’ll have to be very picky about the cookie jars, Debbie, we only have so much space here at the cottage!
great finds! both really beautiful
You and Don are so cute together. That picture of you two on the bench is adorable. You can see in it that you two really like each other as well as love each other
Suezk
We do. Thanks, Sue!
Such cute pics of you and Don together. What a great time you must have had. I wouldn’t have been able to resist that McCoy cookie jar either, such a great piece. Now I’ll have to find one, I need a new cookie jar and a vintage McCoy would be so fun to have.
Start the search, Diane!
Claudia, You and don are famous.:):) I loved that you were both recognized. You got some beautiful pieces. I didn’t like the frog either. Even if it’s a maker you love, I think you got to love the piece. That picture of you and Don by the magazine front is adorable. So glad you both got to be together and enjoy yourselves. Bless you, xoxo,Susie
I agree, Susie. You have to love the piece.
I hope you’re having a great weekend – hope you’re feeling better!
Had to chuckle when I read your post – I was at the fair yesterday and did a similar post on my blog. My pictures are totally different which shows how much there was to see. I enjoyed every minute of strolling through the different buildings and I’m glad you did too. I love your treasures!
I ended up taking a lot of photos of things I was interested in – not everything – but a lot of the pics were to remind me of items I might want to go back and look at a second time! Glad you had fun there, too, Susan.
Looks like you both had a fun and memorable day. I love the planter and that it matches the vase you recently purchased. Will you find some chain to use with it or just as a table piece? And what a great cookie jar! Can’t wait to see how the collection grows.
I’ll probably use it as a table piece, Chris. I’m fine with that.
Oh, I have Fair envy. There’s nothing like that around where I live. It’s remarkable that any piece, not just a cookie jar, with so many ‘raised’ parts which could get chipped, could be intact and you did indeed score a STEAL. Congrats! I think it’s so nice that thrifting, going to antique stores and buying like-minded stuff for your home, is something you can do as a couple; what good company and what good fun! So companionable and enjoyable. You both photograph so well; you guys are one cute twosome!
I was at a Hallmark Gold Crown store in another town today…a Hallmark where the longtime owner also carries a lot of stuff I love that’s not Hallmark (vintage repros among them) and displays her shelves so beautifully with ceramics, textiles, gift items (current theme is the seaside and she’s got a lot of ivory and aqua stuff… mermaids and shells…I so love it all)…and a woman who works there and has, for years (so I’ve come to know her) was telling me for the first time that she was born in upstate NY. Who knew; I thought she was a Cali girl. She said she spent many a year in her youth on family vacations cross-country to see the relatives in the east and how beautiful the little hamlets and river villages are…such antiquity and refinement like we don’t seem to have out here in the West. She mentioned the name Windham(?) and the Catskills. Her sister in your neck o’ the woods is also having a lot of problems with bunnies nibbling at her garden.
Well, if I can’t go to a CL fair, I at least picked up a copy of the mag at a drugstore yesterday! There’s a wonderful gal who blogs named Janet at The Gardener’s Cottage blogspot and her cottage is going to be profiled in Country Living magazine very soon. Her home is charming. She lives in Redlands (Calif.) in the cottage which was on the grounds of what once was a big estate who apparently employed a full-time gardener a hundred years ago and, as titled by blog name, a cottage was provided for the gardener and his wife. I think I have that right. Janet has a home with a history, just like you…and I think it’s grand to have that…I love seeing photos of her place and also yours so far away from mine!
Oh, cooky jars; delightful things. I had an aunt who had the famous, authentic Little Red Riding Hood cooky jar. It was such a favorite of my mom’s and she loved to see it when she’d visit my aunt. When my aunt became ill and my uncle decided to move them from their harbor-view home in San Pedro, Calif (you could see the Queen Mary lit up at night with binocs from their patio) to a ‘seniors only’ mobile home park southeast/inland…why this was his decision, we’ll never know…he unsentimentally got rid of a lot of her stuff when they were moving and he put the cooky jar in a charity box with a lot of other really precious stuff without discussing it first with my frail aunt. My mother nearly fainted when she heard this; there are repros of that same cooky jar around but this was the real deal and it was in perfect condition.
Now you got me to thinking about cooky jars! Found this when I was digging around on the web: “Little Red Riding Hood fakes and reproductions abound, including some marked McCoy. You know it’s not ‘the real McCoy’ because McCoy Pottery Company never made any vintage Little Red Riding Hood pieces. —Barbara J. Eash (Country Woman Magazine’s Antiques Expert)
I’m ‘way overboard on comments/replies but one last tidbit for your ‘new’ cooky jar collecting (from Wiki): Artist Andy Warhol amassed a collection of 175 ceramic cookie jars. These were in a multitude of shapes and figures. Most were purchased at flea markets. Warhol’s collection was featured in a prominent news magazine and sparked an interest in collecting cookie jars. When asked in the 1970s why he pursued the 1930s and 1940s jars, Warhol said simply, “They are time pieces.” At an auction of his apartment’s contents in 1987, Warhol’s collection of cookie jars realized $250,000.
I know Janet. I’ve read her blog for years. She has a beautiful home and she manages to edit her things so that it’s very spare, but not at all in a boring way. She has great taste.
I remember the Andy Warhol collection and I remember when it sold at auction. That collection, along with Martha Stewart’s McCoy Pottery collection really put McCoy on the map. The prices shot up.
I have always wanted to go to the CL fair, but living on the west coast it just won’t happen anytime soon. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to go with you. Such great finds you bought. I would have been tempted by the cherries on that tray too. And I smiled when I read you were recognized from your blog. This medium is truly remarkable sometimes. I have made some wonderful friends through my little blog.
Blessings,
Betsy
It really is remarkable. What a wonderful world it’s opened up to us. We have friends everywhere!
Sounds like a wonderful adventure and some good finds. We have something like the fair in Canton, TX. I’ve never been but everybody I know has. I just can’t be trusted when I start seeing all the neat things! You at least know what you like and what it’s worth. That helps keep the purchases real.
I’ve always wanted to go to the Fair in Canton. Everything I’ve read about it makes it sound wonderful!
I loved Country Living mag, but let my subscription go for a couple of reasons. I would love to go to their fair. Although I am giving up my collecting, mostly. I concentrate pretty much on dollhouse furniture now. Too much stuff. I remember the red stand with the outlet. I don’t know if my mom had one the grandmother in law. I just remember one. It is funny to see such high prices on stuff of our past that was just stuff, now it is stuff people covet. That’ a funny story about being recognized by a random follower. Must have made you feel really good. I only watch Law and Order sometimes because it is so violent and the victims are always women. I don’t necessarily turn away because of the violence, I just don’t like that the victims are always very young girls or women. I revisited your dollhouse last night as I googled how to finish hard wood floors. Your post on your floor, of course, popped up. I am trying to figure out to had a hard gloss on it. I have it stained now. So do I use several coats of polyuerthane (can’t spell it) and lots of sanding? or Johnson furniture wax. Or perhaps all 3? Enjoy your pretty McCoy. What great finds.
I think I applied wax to my floors, Ann. I didn’t use any polyurethane. But if you want a high gloss that sounds like the way you should go!
Claudia- the cl fair looks like a wonderful way to spend the day with your husband! You saw some great things– and I’m not surprised you bought McCoy.
The toile tray was pretty!
I had a cart like that in 1987 — no plug though. But it was RED! I used it in my daughters nusery to hold all manner of baby goodies! It was so handy! Seeing this one brought back memories! Thanks
Thank you for the walk through the fair, Claudia. :)
It looks like you both had a wonderful time. :-) The cookie jar is beautiful. Regula
Of course you werre recognized! I would know you anywhere.
It looks like the day was great fun.