Treasure hunters seek out antiques

Trinkets and treasures of yesteryear were the featured attraction this weekend at the inaugural Sisters Antiques In The Park at Creekside City Park.

Under questionable dark skies and an occasional shower, antique-lovers prowled the park, searching out pieces of the past from over 25 vendors selling a memorable array of old toys and vintage clothing, collectible glassware, rare books and unique attic-finds.

Sellers Don and Katrina Atwood of Aurora came with tables of eclectic merchandise and several oddball gems they hoped customers couldn't possible live without.

"Business has been good, this is our first time to this particular event, but we've shown in Sisters before," said Don. "We brought a nice mix of things, some old Harley Davidson bubble bags, antique baseball pennants, vintage tools, some Depression glass and books. A little bit of everything. Years of collecting junk. Yesterday we sold a nice Remington bronze statue."

Sisters American Legion Post #86 set up their booth and sold tickets for an impressive new raffle quilt on display. The Americana-themed quilt, in shades of red, white and blue, was crafted with Old Glory in each corner and a stately image of George Washington placed in the center. It was made and donated to the post by Phyllis McDaniel of Tualatin (the sister of post commander, Gene Hellickson) in response to the $1,200 raised by the "Flanders Field" quilt raffled in May.

Antiques dealer Kevin Ramsey of The Dalles set up a pair of bright yellow Adirondack chairs outside his tent with a hot pink dial telephone between them.

"It's kinda funny," said Ramsey. "Teenagers come by and look at the old telephone and ask how it works."

Ramsey was pleased to have sold a fair amount of furniture, since he had brought more than most.

"You have to be pretty varied in these types of smaller shows," he said. "We packed some high-end Lennox tea cups, and sure enough someone came by and bought them today. You just never know who's going to want what in this business. Everyone has different tastes and likes. Every day is different."

Event organizer Richard Esterman was happy with the turnout and promised the show would be back again next year.

"I've had a lot of townsfolk come up to me and said they hope it continues," he said. "This is the original site for the old antiques fair. I think we had 26 vendors and next year it will double."

Celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in Sisters this weekend, Erv and Esther Miller of Portland eyed an antique wooden chair similar to one from her childhood.

"It's exactly like the set my parents first set up housekeeping with," said Esther. "It's so amazing to find it here. What a beautiful place to come."