The Oldest House's 'Fancy Fair'--THIS WEEKEND!

Hi everyone!
This Friday and Saturday (NOT Sunday!!!) if you're in the area or want a nice drive through the scenic mountains of northeastern PA in high foliage color, stop in at The Oldest House's 2015 Fancy Fair. This event, featuring treasures and trinkets from area estates, storerooms and attics, is the main fundraiser for the House. As you know, we are saving towards much needed repairs to the foundation, which has begun to bow and warp dramatically. Although we do have some grant money to cover the cost of the repairs, we are responsible for a portion of the cost as well, and fundraisers like the Fancy Fair help us earn the money to pay our share.
I say 'earn' because, although every person who is associated with the House is a volunteer, we work very hard to put on events like the Fancy Fair, and to decorate the House, give tours, and curate exhibits and displays.
So, what is the Fancy Fair, you wonder? It's more or less an up market Antiques & Collectibles sale. Everything is donated, and all proceeds go to the House. And YES, I will have copies of ALL THREE of my Oldest House Series books--A RIVER IN TIME, TREACHERY IN TIME & the new one, A CHRISTMAS IN TIMER, available for purchase at the Fancy Fair! (I'll even sign and personalize them for you--they make great gifts!). You know I give my royalties on these books to the House, so not only is it a neat way to get a unique gift for yourself or someone else, it's an automatic contribution to the House! At the Fancy Fair, we also will have a bake sale, and be offering yummy lunch selections like soups, chili and sandwiches--all home made--as well; again, everything is donated, and all proceeds go to the House.
The Fancy Fair has traditionally been held in mid October every year, in line with historical fairs and harvest celebrations. Every autumn throughout time, people all over the world have celebrated the conclusion of a good harvest by holding festivals and fairs, beginning at the end of summer and carrying on through the first hard frosts. It has always been a time to re-stock and prepare for the coming Winter.
In this tradition, our Fancy Fair gives visitors a chance to purchase some truly lovely and unique items for their homes or as gifts, celebrating the joy of 'Harvest Home' and perhaps acquiring items that will brighten the darker months ahead.
This year I have had a chance to help unpack and set out some of the things we'll have on sale, and I'll tell you, we have got some very cool stuff! Figurines, musical sculptures, jewelry, glassware and crystal, dried flower arrangements, casseroles and baking dishes, crockery, ornamental china and an entire room devoted to Christmas decorations. And that's just some of the things: there are many more. You'll just have to come and see for yourself!
There are no tours offered during the Fancy Fair, although you will be able to see the main floor of the House, because that is where the items for sale are located, and where lunch will be served. But don't despair! Coming up in just a few weeks, the first weekend of December, is our Christmas Tea, when the entire House--ground floor, main floor and top floor--will be open for tours and decorated for Christmas. But more on that later...
Do come to the Fancy Fair this Friday, 9-5, and Saturday, 9-5. I will be there both days, and I truly hope to see you!!!

Winter 2015 Period Clothing Exhibit

Well, it's 98% finished. Our Edwardian gentleman needs his white bow tie--I know I had one, but it's gone missing so until I find it...And I have to find the head dress for his partner, the Edwardian lady.
But other than that, I will say the Exhibit is finished. And I will say it is stunning.

Several new acquisitions will be débuted, including a Post Colonial 'indienne' printed cotton dress from the 1770's, an adorable young lady's first ball gown in beige silk with a vibrant purple stripe, an amazing beaded and pleated brown silk Victorian visiting suit, and the collection of jaw-droppingly lovely beaded gowns in our Edwardian Room.

I hope the videos work...that was the Post Colonial/Regency section, now at the top of the stairs as you arrive on the highest floor of The Oldest House.
Here is the video clip of the Early Victorian/Civil War Room...

Next is the Late Victorian Room...

And finally, the Edwardian Room. I won't tell you the way that the female mannequin in the blue beaded gown mis-behaved this morning, as I was trying to slide a pair of beaded blue kid dancing slippers from that era onto her little feet! (Her leg fell off. But I put it back on after practically undressing her and removing her torso!) It was worth it, though.

So for those of you unable to come to the east coast, and to Laceyville, PA and The Oldest House to see this wonderful exhibit, at least now you have an idea of what it's like. Believe me, it's much, much better in person. So do try and visit us if you are able.

The Period Clothing Exhibit for Winter, 2015 will be open ONLY during The Christmas Tea, December 4, 4-8 p.m.; December 5, 9-5 p.m.; December 6, noon-5 p.m.
I would be delighted to welcome you!