Sippican Historical and Preservation Society

The weekend of August 14th, 15th and 16th buzzed with the excitement of treasures sought, deals struck and collections conceived as the 17^th Annual Marion Antiques Show took over Tabor Academy’s Fish Center. The weekend kicked off on Friday evening with a beautiful gala Preview Party, chaired by Cindy Crocker. While a steel band set the mood, guests previewed the Show’s wonderful antiques as they enjoyed the raw bar and hors d’oeuvres – including a dish created especially for the event, Queen’s Citrus Marinated Scallops (see recipe below). Additional Preview Party features included an autograph session with Brock Jobe, Jack O’Brien and Gary Sullivan, the authors of Harbor and Home: Furniture of Southeastern Massachusetts, 1710-1850, as well as the evening’s surprise guest: a human topiary. The Show continued on Saturday and Sunday, as almost 700 patrons visited the 60+ dealers displaying unique items ranging from oriental carpets to vintage beds to French faience. Sunday’s guests enjoyed a bonus event: a presentation by Eden Landscapes’ Steve Gonsalves, who demonstrated how to create floral arrangements using antiques and attic treasures. Steve and his Eden Landscapes crew also created the stunning landscape design that graced the entrance to the Show.

We are tremendously grateful to our many volunteers – especially event chairs Trudy Kingery and Charlie Bascom – for their enormous contributions of time and energy, and to the many patrons who donated so generously, even in this time of financial difficulty and uncertainty. Through everyone’s hard work and goodwill, the 2009 Marion Antiques Show was a great success. This will allow the Historical Society, in turn, to contribute generously to the construction of a beautiful new bandstand for Island Wharf Park. We look forward to seeing the hard work of our volunteers and patrons result in good works within our local community.

QUEEN’S CITRUS-MARINATED SCALLOPS

1 lb. bay scallops

3 limes

3 tablespoons basil, chiffonade

1 teaspoon crushed pink peppercorns

3 tablespoons orange juice

¼ cup mango, diced

¼ cup red onion, diced

Juice the limes. Mix lime juice and scallops together and allow to marinate in the refrigerator for 20 minutes. Add orange juice, red onion and mango; stir to mix. Serve on chilled plates. Top with basil chiffonade. (Serves 5 as an appetizer)

Special Events

Preview Party

Date: Friday August 14th 5:30pm - 8:30pm

Join us for splendid fare, browsing and buying, at the annual Marion Antiques Show Preview Party.

Admission: Tickets may be purchased at the Bookstall, Marion Antiques, China Trader, Serendipity or by calling 508-748-1116.

Harbor & Home: Furniture of SE Mass. book signing with Brock Jobe:

Fri. August 14 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., Sat. August 15 10 – 11:30 a.m.

*Friday evening book signing requires Preview Party admission; Saturday morning signing is open to the public.

Flower Arranging Demo by Steve Gonsalves of Eden Landscapes:

Date: Sunday August 16 noon

Heirloom Discovery Day

Date: Sunday August 16 1 - 3 p.m.

Have up to three items evaluated for $15

Heirloom Discovery Day is one of the most popular events during the Marion Antiques Show weekend. A panel of experts chosen from among the Show’s 70+ exhibitors are on-hand to evaluate your favorite treasures.

In past years, some great treasures have surfaced here, including:

An early 19th century whaling log detailing a whaling voyage to the South Pacific by a New Bedford vessel with beautiful drawings drawn on the borders. Valued at $20,000.

An important miniature portrait on ivory by American folk art painter, Mrs. Moses Russell, which later sold for $24,000. The owner of this miniature piece had it hanging in her kitchen!

You may view a slide show from our 2005 show by clicking here: