News Archive
Click HERE for Current News

March Newsletter

MEETING

Note Special Date Change (March only)

Monday, March 17, 2003

7:30 p.m.

Varnum Armory

6 Main Street

East Greenwich, RI

VISIT TO VARNUM ARMORY - The Varnum Armory located at 6 Main Street in East Greenwich is a treasure trove of Early Americana. The armory itself is a circa 1900 architectural treasure with drill floor, dining hall, shooting range, and meeting rooms with fireplaces and oak paneling. Their collection includes antiques dating back to the 18th century--some of it relating to the armory’s namesake, James Mitchell Varnum, Revolutionary War General. There are uniforms, paintings, prints, weapons, accoutrements, and other wonders. A visit to the armory has all the flavor of a serendipitous trip to a fancy men’s club, an obscure museum, and grandmother’s attic. Join us for a great visit.

MANY THANKS - to Wayne Swanson for organizing a great presentation on postcards for the February meeting. Wayne and Elgin Boyce gave a complete and entertaining overview of today’s postcard market. They were assisted by members of the R.I. Post Card Club, who brought many rare and interesting cards for our viewing.

ROBERT MOWER, LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP - Robert Mower of The Hobby Horse Antiques of Marion, Massachusetts is a recipient of a lifetime membership in SNEADA. Mr. Mower is one of the founding members of the organization and has been a member, continuously since the year 1961. For his participation over the years, the board feels Mr. Mower is a person of special status in SNEADA and is a fit recipient of this special recognition. We are going to interview Bob soon and give you some of his thoughts on over 40 years of being in the business of antiques. We plan to present Bob with his award at one of the upcoming general meetings.

SNEADA ARCHIVES - On behalf of the SNEADA board, Bob Anderson is trying to determine membership dates for all current members. If you are aware of any old records, please let him know. Bob’s telephone number is: 401-782-1230 and his e-mail address is: shibob@peoplepc.com. Bob has found dates for 99 out of 101 members! We want to recognize long-term members, (there are nine members with over 25 years) and this is a good start!

CCRI HOLIDAY SHOW REPORT - “We are very grateful for those who helped at the peel-n’-stick in November. It is a fun gathering for conversations and delicious desserts. The attendance at the show was down this year, but we still showed a profit of about $2400. The snow and economy may have affected the gate, but most people had a good show. Those who gave of their time at the gate, we thank you and appreciate your help.

The dealer prize for the most cards returned went to Phil & Mary Green. Door prizes of $25 each were won by R.W. Robbins of Providence and Brenda Larmey of Attleboro, MA.

This was my last year as co-chair for the CCRI show. Roger and I are retiring from the committee. I would like to thank all those past and present committee members whom I have worked with and who gave of their time to make a show like this possible.” - Sharon Garceau

PCD SPRING SHOW - We’re fast approaching our annual spring show to be held on March 22 and 23 at the Providence Country Day School. Don’t forget, Peel N’ Stick Party on February 26 at 7 p.m. (Call Joyce Nelson for details.) Enclosed please find your show card allowing two guests complimentary entrance. Please don’t let those cards go to waste! We want to have a good turn-out at the gate and are counting on your support. If you need additional show discount cards and/or posters, please contact Phil or Mary Green. There have been 63 dealer contracts received to date, so it appears we will have a full show!

E-MAIL NEWSLETTER - If you have listed an e-mail address in the 2003 brochure or have given a new address to the corresponding secretary, you should be receiving this current newsletter via your e-mail. We are sending it by post as well this one last month in order to distribute PCD show cards. Next month, check your e-mail for the April newsletter.

SNEADA INSURANCE - Member Tony Gomes (HMG Insurance) has been our insurance agent for many years. The insurance carriers that Tony represents have significantly increased group rates, and we have had to switch our coverage. Many thanks for Tony for looking out for SNEADA’s past insurance needs. As in the past, the policy provides liability coverage for members participating in SNEADA events, as well as the organization as a whole.