St. Christopher and Oakland Museum sales straight ahead
Many Bay Area antique gurus will kick off 2019 with a pair of events that have longcaptured the hearts of collectors. And I have some other news to share, too.
ST. CHRISTOPHER LADIES’ GUILD
ANTIQUES SHOW AND SALE >> The 49th annual St. Christopher Ladies’ Guild Antiques Show and Sale takes place Jan. 25-27. With only 22 vetted vendors, it is truly an intimate event.
Wisely, organizers see to it that there’s a diverse array of merchandise. You’ll see sterling silver in a bevy of patterns, lots of choice vintage posters, lovely porcelains and a cache of sparkling jewelry; both real and faux. And that’s just for starters.
This year, Dennis Canavan, who has been dealing in Depression-era dinnerware and colorful midcentury glass for the last 46 years, will be showing his wares for the first time. Also making its debut is the hottest emporium in this valley: Montebello Road Antiques.
Returning merchants such as Bonnie Garza and Blue Moon Antiques will offer up striking vintage clothing and accessories by designers, including Louis Vuitton and Gucci.
Veterans from the Falcone family offer coins, paper money, sports items, militaria, tokens and San Jose memorabilia. Look for goodies in the crowded booths of sellers Vicki Cirner, Debra Anderson, Jim Dyer, Carol Robichaud, Eduardo Massa and Cherie Gronnel.
Once you have gone shopping, it’s time to eat lunch or dinner. The menu boasts savory Italian meatballs, lasagna and pepper steak. Indulge in the popular mud pie for dessert and take an extra one home.
Later, head to the Pavilion tent with its flower and garden shop, neat gifts, silent auctions, home-baked pastries, jams and waffle cookies called pizzelles.
Once more, I’ll take part. On Jan. 25, I will greet visitors 1-3 p.m. On Jan. 26 at 1 p.m. I present “Let’s Talk Antiques: Where We Stand in 2019”. Then on Jan. 27 there are free, informal evaluations (on a first-come, firstserved basis) of one keepsake 11 a.m.-1 p.m. With a $10 donation, you can make a reservation for a consultation between 10 a.m-11 a.m. with Penny at 408-506-5239.
DETAILS >> St. Christopher Church, 2278 Booksin Ave., San Jose. Show hours: Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Shops and restaurant open until 9 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m. -2 p.m. Restaurant open 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Admission: $5 in advance, $6 at the door. For more information, go to antiqueshow@stchrisladiesguild.org. All money raised benefits the parish, school and its community outreach programs.
60TH OAKLAND MUSEUM WOMEN’S BOARD WHITE ELEPHANT PREVIEW SALE >> This show is a giant. The 60th Oakland Museum Women’s Board White Elephant Preview Sale will take place Jan. 27.
The legendary extravaganza is a preview of the “real” show slated for March 2-3. Each year, the volunteer staff allows the public an opportunity to shop early. Shoppers attend in hopes of some super deals. And they can snag them in spades!
The merchandise — all donated to assist the Oakland Museum of California — is organized and displayed in a large warehouse. Like me, imagine you’re inside an old-fashioned department store.
Large overhead signs point the way for customers to the furniture, art, books, jewelry, sporting goods, toy, clothing, silver and china, tools, garden and other departments.
While the shindig is near the Fruitvale BART station and a free shuttle service is provided, most people tend to drive their vehicles. Be warned that parking is tight.
Since you’ll have a bit of acreage to cover, wear good walking shoes. Bring a water bottle and a tote bag. Expect a wait at checkout. Be calm. Enjoy. The experience is well worth it.
DETAILS >> 333 Lancaster St., Oakland. Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost: $18 in advance for online tickets, $20 at the door. No strollers or pets. If you have donations, call 510-839-5919 for free pickups. For more information and tickets go to whiteelephantsale.org.
AAA MAGAZINE’S WINTER ISSUE >> The winter 2019 issue of the AAA magazine — Via — focuses on our neighbor, San Francisco. There are writeups on the Castro Theatre, Grace Cathedral and Chinatown. A two-page article talks about eateries galore. There is also a mention of nearby Palo Alto. If you didn’t get one by mail, you can pick one up for $2 at a local office.
“VINTAGE TOYS >> It’s Child’s Play”: The Museum of American Heritage, which celebrates the rich history of technological innovation between 1750 and 1950, displays some unique artifacts in an exhibition entitled “Vintage Toys: It’s Child’s Play. The exhibition runs until Feb. 17.
Featured are an assortment of vintage toys, including pedal cars, toy trains, toy sewing machines, building sets, a mechanical pony, windup toys and more.
DETAILS >> 351 Homer Ave., Palo Alto. Hours: FridaySunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, go to moah.org or call 650321-1004.