Published: June 08, 2009 09:04 am      

Antique fair has a little of everything

A hand-carved wooden sink from Ohio dating back to the Revolutionary War. A dueling pistol, complete with tools for making and loading ammunition. Authentic baseball pennants supporting the St. Louis Cardinals, the New York Yankees and the Milwaukee Braves.

These were just a few of the items available Saturday at the second-annual Antique Fair at White Hall State Historic Site just north of Richmond.

The fair was conducted by the park because organizers felt it fit with the park’s status as a historic home.

“It’s the perfect place for it,” said White Hall museum curator Lashe’ Mullins.

Approximately 15 vendors from across the area, including some from as far away as Ohio, set up in the front lawn of the historic home just off Interstate 75 to offer a wide variety of wares.

“It’s a really eclectic mix of vendors,” said park manager Kathleen White. “Each one seems to have a specialty.”

Those specialties ranged from upright radios and phonographs to rare coins, books and furniture as well as glassware, stoneware and utensils.

White said the fair was a success for the second year in a row. “I think it’s pretty good for the second year,” White said. “Whether or not we do it next year will depend on the vendors and if they want to do it. Some have done really well, some not so well.”

Mullins felt the clear, sunny weather was a major reason for the steady stream of visitors to the fair. “It’s gone extremely well,” Mullins said. “It’s probably double last year, as far as attendance.

“The weather’s really cooperated,” Mullins continued. “We try to have it around this time of year so it’s not scorching.”

Visitors to the fair also had the opportunity to tour the White Hall home itself. The home, originally owned by former U.S. ambassador to Russia, Cassius M. Clay, was restored in the 1960s as a state park.

Brian Smith may be reached at bsmith@richmondregister.com or at 624-6694.