Vendors, Visitors Enjoy Saline Area Historical Society Antique Show

The 24th annual Saline Area Historical Society Antique Show drew hundreds of visitors to the Washtenaw County Farm Council Grounds on Saturday.

The show featured more than 30 vendors from three states, and visitors came from throughout southeast Michigan.

Bob and Dianne Staroscik of Dearborn visited the show for the first time.

“We saw an ad in the paper and said, ‘Let’s head out,’ ” said Dianne Staroscik. “We’ve always wanted to check out one of the shows in the Ann Arbor area. It’s a very nice show.”

Her husband agreed. He liked the setting at the Washtenaw County Farm Council Grounds.

“It’s quaint and cozy, and the people are very friendly,” he said. “There’s also a great selection of things to buy.”

Historical society member Janet Swope, co-chairperson of the show, said organizers hoped to provide a show that featured a little bit of everything.
“We want this to be an event for everyone. We’ve got glass and jewelry, which attracts a lot of women. But we’ve also got antique fishing lures and equipment for men,” she said.

Proceeds from the event benefit Saline Area Historical Society programs, such as the student tours of the Rentschler Farm Museum, which teaches children about life during the Depression. The Antique Show is the society’s biggest fundraiser of the year.

Swope said she was happy with attendance.

“When you have a show in January, weather is crucial. The snow didn’t scare off too many people today,” she said.

The group may try to plan something special for the 25th annual event in 2012, Swope said.

For more on the visitors and vendors at the show, please see the accompanying slide show.