Antique dealers organize event to aid C-I sports

Crosby calls itself the Antique Capital of the World.

The community's many antique dealers are banding together to support fund-raising efforts to save Crosby-Ironton School District's sports programs.

An Antique Appraisal-A-Thon is planned for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 8 in the C-I High School Commons Area. The public is invited to take their collectibles and get them appraised by the more than nine area specialized antique dealers and appraisers who have volunteered so far. Cost for the appraisal is $2 per item.

All proceeds will be donated to the C-I Save Our Sports Committee to raise funds to save C-I sports in light of the failed school referendum last November.

Chris Ryan, a Crosby antique dealer, came up with the idea for the event and enlisted the help of colleagues.

He said he expected more than a dozen dealers will be there March 8.

While most are from the Crosby area, one dealer is coming from the metro area and another, Kathy Oldenburg, owner of Garage Sale Antiques in Lincoln, also plans to attend.

"I hope we have a great turnout," said Oldenburg. "It would be nice to see a mix of everything come in."

"They can pretty much bring in anything," said Ryan. "This is just a spur of the moment idea I had and called some friends and, knowing it was going towards the kids, everyone just jumped on board."

However, Ryan said there will be no buying or selling at this event, just appraisals being performed.

He said if they can't tell people what an item is worth on site, they will take a photograph of the collectible and do some research and call the person back to tell them what they found out.

Ryan said they're hoping to raise between $500 to $1,000. He said they are asking for a $2 donation for each appraisal but naturally would accept more than that from generous contributors.

"If they find out Grandma's Tiffany lamp is worth $100,000 then maybe they would want to chip in a little bit more," Ryan said with a laugh.

Kay Johnson, who has owned the Den of Antiquity in Crosby since 1985, had twins who graduated from C-I high school last year. Both of her children were in three sports each so when Ryan asked her to help out, she gladly volunteered.

"I just want to save the sports," said Johnson.

Ryan said there will be dealers who specialize in stoneware, pottery, glassware and sporting goods at the Appraisal-A-Thon.

He said any area dealers or knowledgeable collectors who would like to help out may call Ryan at 838-1323.

JODIE TWEED may be reached at jodie.tweed@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5858.