The Garden City Historical Society hosted the annual A.T. Stewart Exchange Flea Market on Saturday, June 2nd. The weather was beautiful with many people flocking to The Historical Society Museum grounds. This family yard sale event was organized by Kris Harder and Jill Mayer six years ago. Every year it has featured vendors of antiques, collectibles and more.
"I think we had a good turnout & was so happy for the beautiful day!" said Christine Petersen, a vendor.
GCHS president, Albert Intreglia remarked, "Without question, this is the most attendance we've ever had at the Flea Market. Other news is that we're automating our A. T. Stewart Exchange. We are currently discounting pieces so as to not inventory them and our supporters will benefit from that."
Kris Harder, Chairperson of the A. T. Stewart Exchange agreed and stated, "It's the best Flea Market ever!"
“Cornelia’s Café and Confectionery” had lovely hand-made cakes and goodies, as well as substantial helpings of sausage and peppers, and franks. Proceeds from the Café are to be used for the Garden City Historical Society Scholarship that is awarded each year to a serious history student.
“This year The Garden City Historical Society awarded two $2500 scholarships to graduating seniors who demonstrated outstanding scholarship in history and exemplary community service, particularly with respect to historic preservation. This year’s recipients of 'The Garden City Historical Society’s Stewart Fund Scholarship in Memory of St. Mary’s and St. Paul’s' are Garden City High School seniors Franklin Dickinson and Laura Melone.
The A.T. Stewart Exchange, located in the rear of The Museum, was busy inside and also out in the courtyard. It was run by Jill Mayer, Kris Harder, Martha Derderian, Maryann Caterino and many volunteers. The Exchange has wonderful antiques and collectibles of all types, including furniture, dishes, jewelry, artwork, linens, designer clothing and crystal glassware for sale. Buyers went home with one-of-a-kind items at reasonable prices.
The interior of the Museum was open to visitors. GCHS vice president, Mary Mahoney gave tours of the various rooms. She was delighted to meet an alumnus who reminisced about being in classes in The Museum when it was connected with Saint Mary's School. She found out "that a couple of the teachers resided on the second floor of the house."
Commemorative bricks were also available for sale. They are a wonderful way to celebrate a special occasion or as a memorial remembrance. Each comes with the individual's special message or writing. The bricks will be used to pave the walkway encircling The Garden City Historical Society Museum. They can be purchased by calling Gloria Jones at 248-0042. Proceeds from the bricks, as well as the A. T. Stewart Flea Market support The Society.
An extensive list of raffles was gathered by The Historical Society that included generous gifts from the Boathouse Restaurant in Central Park, Culinary Heights, Devonshire Home Design, Feldis Florist, Frank Harder, Garden City Wines and Liquors, Harder Tree and Landscapes, Hengstenberg's Florist, Hicks Nurseries, Nancy Peretz, the Pear Tree, Salon de Imperiale at the Garden City Hotel, Walk Street Restaurant and the A. T. Stewart Exchange. The raffles were valued at almost $1,200 and were won by many delighted people.
The Garden City Historical Society Museum is an A.T. Stewart “Apostle House” that is located at 109 Eleventh Street, just west of Franklin Avenue. Please visit the website at www.gardencityhistoricalsociety.org.
