34rd Annual “Old Towne Orange Antique Affair”
Is Right For The Times!

When everyone is looking for the best values for their money, antiques and collectables attract renewed interest because “they are the real deal,” say those who are organizing the upcoming “Antique Affair To Remember,” Sat., Feb. 13, Sun., Feb. 14, and Mon., Feb.15 around the Historic Plaza in Old Towne Orange.

“We are seeing more people who realize that they may pay less for better quality and more interesting furnishings in stores that specialize in items that are not brand new,” says Sue Jackson, owner of Country Roads Antiques and Gardens at 204 W. Chapman Ave. “In fact, this economy has ignited a new love affair with antiques and collectables.”

And at this year's “Antique Affair to Remember,” more than 500 dealers will offer some of the finest examples of antiques and collectables from every era and area of interest.

But are they all “antiques”?

Well, it depends on your understanding of the word, which Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines not only as “1. a relic or object of ancient times” but, more commonly, “2 (a) a work of art, piece of furniture, or decorative object made at an earlier period and according to various custom laws (b) a manufactured product (as an automobile) from an earlier

period.” Now, those definitions definitely span the widest range of ages and tastes!

“If you're into contemporary clothing that features bold graphic prints reminiscent of the 70s, you'll find furnishings from that period; if you prefer the clean lines of furniture from the 50s, you'll find that, too,” says Dan Jensen, Antique Depot and Antique Station owner whose dealers offer items from virtually every style and period.

Then there are examples of truly jaw-dropping, eye-popping antiques such as those featured in George II at 114 N. Glassell, “a direct importer of fine French and English antique furniture, bronzes and clocks,” according to their web site. If you're looking for a French chandelier (or two), commode, wardrobe, dressing table, wash stand or drop-front secretary, and prefer that your furnishings embark from Rouen, Lyon, Marseille, and Paris France, along with Cardiff, Hull, York, and Kidderminster England, you'll doubtless find what you're looking for at George II. Staff will be delighted to help you identify that perfect piece, either in store or from one of their three warehouses. You can even put it on layaway, with twenty percent down and one year to clear, which, as pointed out on their webs site,

“. . . allows purchasing prior to lottery settlements, but actually works wonders for any one building a home, planning a move, or stretching a budget.”

These are just a few examples of how Old Towne Orange really lives up to its reputation for having the best offerings in antiques, expertise and service in Southern California, and why there is something for everyone at the Antique Affair—including an amazing variety of food and beverages for every budget and taste. You can partake of an elegant but filling lunch or high tea offered by proprietress Cheryl Turner at Paris In A Cup at 119 S. Glassell St. (reservations strongly recommended) or chow down on a variety of excellent ethnic cuisines, including Cuban, Mediterranean, Mexican, and, of course, good old down-home American standards at a number of notable eateries, all faves with the locals.

“This event is definitely an “affair to remember,” says Denise Jochec of Summerhill, Ltd. at 110 S. Glassell, which specializes in “vintage lighting from chandeliers and sconces to table and floor lamps.

“The quality and selection at Summerhill will impress you, but the pride we take in our high level of customer service is truly the foundation of our success. And our design services are perfect for those who find just what they wanted but need help putting it all together.”

And last but not least, there is altruism: visitors are encouraged to bring a purse filled with personal hygiene products to donate to the Orange YWCA's “My Sister Joanie's Purse Project.” Leave the purse at Country Roads Antiques & Gardens and receive an entry blank to win a $100 shopping spree at Country Roads.

Now, that's putting your heart into an affair.