AUGUSTA — Sun-filled skies and seasonable temperatures combined to help the 24th annual Augusta Armory Antiques Show draw a strong turnout from people interested in starting the new year searching for old treasures.

Nearly 140 people were waiting in line when the doors opened at 10 a.m. and a steady stream continued to file in throughout the morning, giving the show a hefty bounce over last year’s crowd.

Additional Images

Mary Saunders flips through postcards Thursday at the 24th annual Augusta Armory Antiques Show. “I enjoy looking at everything,” she said. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal

“We’re blessed with a decent day,” said show organizer Jim Montell of Gardiner.

This year’s show included 42 exhibitors showing everything from historical papers to china.

“It’s amazing what they collect,” said Montell, whose family, including grandchildren, does everything from help vendors unload their displays to greet people at the door. The family also served up fresh-baked items made in the kitchen.

“My family is up half the night before,” he said.

Mary Saunders of Augusta was flipping through the boxes of postcards neatly arranged by location and subject on Thursday. The show always has a good collection of cards, she said.

“I look mostly for Augusta, but surrounding towns, too,” Saunders said. “I enjoy looking at everything.”

Montell organizes two shows at the Armory each year, one on New Year’s Day and a spring show that is scheduled for April 26 this year.

“I’ve had over 100 shows in this building,” he said.

There are some dealers who attend the show, but Montell said most of those who visit just enjoy searching for something rare or the one item for which they’ve been looking.

“Most of the people are people who do shows,” Montell said. “They go from one location to the other.”

Montell said the New Year’s Day show is his favorite because of the variety or exhibitors and items it attracts. And everything being shown is for sale. Nothing is just for display.

“It’s the most interesting show I’ve ever been on,” he said. “The variety of things is mind-boggling.”

Exhibitor Barbara Thomas, owner of River Edge Antiques in Pittston, said the New Year’s Day show is always one of her favorites.

“It’s a new year and everyone is in a good mood,” she said.

Thursday’s show was particularly promising because of the high turnout. She speculated that lower gasoline prices made people more willing to splurge this year.

“I think it’s a sign of the economy,” Thomas said. “It’s always a good show. This one is amazing this year.”

Saunders shared the history of her city as she shuffled through the postcards. One pictured the old federal building and another the old Augusta House, which has since been torn down.

Saunders smiled when she got to a picture of the Memorial Bridge taken shortly after it was completed. It was originally a toll bridge, but the fee was lifted once the construction loan was paid off.

“I heard enterprising people kept selling tickets,” Saunders said. “I don’t know if it’s true or not. It sounds like something someone would do.”

Related Stories