How to go
What: Antique appraisals
When: 1 to 5 p.m. Oct. 3
Where: Ohio Valley Antiques, 7285 Dixie Highway, Fairfield
Notes: Appraiser Robert Hill will be available to appraise one item per customer. Acceptable antiques include art, musical instruments or general items (no jewelry, coins).
Ohio Valley hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Sunday
More info: (513) 874-7855
FAIRFIELD — There’s wealth to be found in antiques, as the popular television shows “American Pickers” and “Pawn Stars” have proven.
And while a lot of newcomers might hope to make the big find, some lifelong treasure hunters do it for the love of the chase.
“We bought a box trailer to haul things in,” says Barbara Bishop, who rents several booths at Ohio Valley Antique Mall, on Ohio 4 in Fairfield. Appraisals will be held there Oct. 3.
“My garage is full, my porch is full, and my husband just said, ‘Enough is enough,’ so we got the booths.”
Bishop’s husband, Bernell, a self-proclaimed horse man, isn’t too bad as a salesman.
“My wife gets mad at me, because I’ll give you a deal on anything. Just buy this item and I’ll knock off 10, 15 percent. She hears that and just gets upset,” he said.
The couple, who have been antique hunting for more than a decade, followed the mall’s owners, led by Paula Faxon, from the Brass Armadillo, when it closed in 2008.
Melanie Staggs, the personal shopper for the mall, also came from the Brass Armadillo, and like the others, she has the picker bug in her blood.
“I work here, but I have a booth here as well,” Staggs said.
“Most of us here are collectors, and we’re just lucky to be able to work here, too.”
One of Staggs’ main duties is to keep an eye out for specific items people might request.
“I have three large books with hundreds of requests for rare and unusual items, and when something comes in, I give that person a call,” she said.
Staggs said Ohio Valley Antiques currently has about 400 occupied booths, each with items ranging from primitive (the older, worn-looking furniture) to shabby chic (typically pastels and cotton fabrics).
And what does Staggs say to those hunters hoping to make the big find?
“We have absolutely something for everybody, and we have an appraiser coming in as well, so there’s always the chance of finding something special.”
Contact this reporter at (513) 755-5074 or ssharp@coxohio.com.
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