December 2009 News from NHADA
Canterbury. I have been trying to write about our new Canterbury Show in my head, and am finding it hard to do. Canterbury had a magic quality that I have not felt in years. Really. The cast of dealers, the glorious location, the tents, Nan Gurley, Peter Mavris and Josh Gurley there at the helm in their reassuring way, the dinner in the Shaker barn on Saturday night. Everything came together in a very special way. The fates tried their best to harass us with rain on Sunday, September 27, but the good spirits prevailed, and we all had a wonderful time together. There was selling and buying and an undaunted crowd of attendees despite the rain, and all I can say is: "congratulations" to those dedicated member dealers who had faith, joined the ranks, and were rewarded with a memorable time. It was more than simply "doing business". There was fun and excitement and good will. I have heard so many wonderful comments.
"I couldn't believe how genuinely happy other dealers in my tent were to see me having a good show."
"Never had more fun at a show in my life."
"Best food at a show -ever."
"Nan Gurley pulled off a real winner."
"Great mix of dealers, from the top people in the country to the good-old hard working folks like me - all equal, all with the same goal: Make it work!"
"Please put me down for next year."
It's been non-stop. Thank you to all, especially my old friend Nan, who stalwartly persevered during some challenging moments, and put her heart and soul into Canterbury. The Executive Director of Canterbury Shaker Village said on Sunday: "I couldn't believe the good spirit on Saturday night at the dinner, when all the dealers had been hearing the dismal weather reports all week, but were cheerful and ready to make it happen." I wanted to say, "Well, that's NHADA. We're a team." The dinner in the Shaker barn on Saturday night was absolutely fantastic. We were seated at round tables and the buffet was truly abundant. Shaker recipe barbequed chicken and an endless array of homemade side dishes, including the best baked beans I've ever tasted, were offered and we were urged back to the table for seconds and thirds. Ask anyone who was lucky enough to have signed up, and you will hear rave reviews. Best of all, the atmosphere was charged with good will and enthusiasm, and a real team spirit. So...on to 2010.
Mark and Marjorie Allen are announcing their new location at the "Carriage House", a big yellow building in New Hampton, NH. They are only 1/2 mile off Rte 93 at exit 23 on Rte 104 east. They carry a large inventory of 17th, 18th and 19th century furniture and accessories and customers should find the new spot accessible and comfortable. We wish them success in the new venture and will put them on the itinerary for trips up past Concord.
Remember to see your favorite dealers this winter at Nan's "Short and Sweet" on Wednesdays and her shows on Sundays in Portsmouth, and at Trish MeElvoy's Concord Shows - second Sunday of the month, through April. These shows are fun and yield affordable stuff. Besides, they are a real respite in the cabin fever season.
NHADA membership is due, so please don't forget to renew. We are working hard for you, and need your support. I wish you all warmth and happiness around your hearths this season, as we all pray for peace - and prosperity. Welcome new members: Don Broderick, Agawam, MA; Sandy Gnidziejko and Ellen Heath, Biddeford, ME; Peter Pap, Dublin, NH; Mario Pollo, Bearsville, NY.
Kathy Schoemer Acworth, NH