Chester Hosts Its Own “Antiques Roadshow” This Morning – With Some Old Lyme Expertise

(Photo by Skip Hubbard) Norman and Linda Legassie of Old Lyme have been the proprietors of Stepping Stones Antiques and Collectibles in Old Saybrook since 1976. A professional sculptor, Norman’s knowledge of fine art brings a practiced eye to examine treasures. Linda adds many years of experience as a researcher in the fine and decorative arts. Their knowledge encompasses a wide range of subjects from prehistoric to present, including furniture, jewelry, postcards, tools, silver, pottery, and more. Norman is a Senior Professional Appraiser (SPA) with the National Association of Professional Appraisers. They will lend their considerable expertise as appraisers to the Chester Historical Society’s Antiques & Jewelry Appraisal on Saturday, Nov. 9 in Chester. Info: www.ChesterHistoricalSociety.org.

Photo by Skip Hubbard.
Norman and Linda Legassie of Old Lyme have been the proprietors of Stepping Stones Antiques and Collectibles in Old Saybrook since 1976.  A professional sculptor, Norman’s knowledge of fine art brings a practiced eye to examine treasures.  Linda adds many years of experience as a researcher in the fine and decorative arts.  Their knowledge encompasses a wide range of subjects from prehistoric to present, including furniture, jewelry, postcards, tools, silver, pottery, and more.  Norman is a Senior Professional Appraiser (SPA) with the National Association of Professional Appraisers.  They will lend their considerable expertise as appraisers to the Chester Historical Society’s Antiques & Jewelry Appraisal on Saturday, Nov. 9 in Chester.

All those “treasures” you’ve stashed away for decades, planning to pass them down to future generations (or maybe you need to sell them to pay some bills), what are they really worth?  Wouldn’t you like to know?

Antiques appraisals – think of “Antiques Roadshow” on public television – are a fascinating way to learn if your “treasures” have any value.  The Chester Historical Society has been sponsoring them for many years to help people learn more about their “treasures.”

Once again, the Chester Historical Society is presenting its 10th Antiques & Jewelry Appraisal on Saturday, Nov. 9, from 8:30 a.m. to noon, at St. Joseph’s Parish Center in Chester.

Eleven appraisal experts will be on hand to appraise everything from jewelry, paintings, books and ephemera, stamps, coins and currency, glassware and brass candlesticks to textiles and furniture from every century.

Thomas J. Perry established his business, One of a Kind Antiques, in 1975, in Chester Center. He is now located in Deep River, with an online business (www.OneOfaKindAntiques.com). Tom has over 38 years of full-time experience buying and selling antiques, art, and vintage objects, dating from antiquity through the 20th century.


Thomas J. Perry established his business, One of a Kind Antiques, in 1975, in Chester Center. He is now located in Deep River, with an online business (www.OneOfaKindAntiques.com). Tom has over 38 years of full-time experience buying and selling antiques, art, and vintage objects, dating from antiquity through the 20th century.

Three of the appraisers are generalists, appraising the full range of antiques.  They are Norman and Linda Legassie of Stepping Stones Antiques and Collectibles in Old Saybrook, and Tom Perry of One of a Kind Antiques of Deep River (www.OneofaKindAntiques.com).

Orville Haberman established his antiquarian and used-book business, Connecticut River Books in Deep River, in 1984. He appraises all types of books and ephemera, specializing in children's, nautical, hunting, fishing, Americana, arts, antiques, and architecture books.

Orville Haberman established his antiquarian and used-book business, Connecticut River Books in Deep River, in 1984. He appraises all types of books and ephemera, specializing in children’s, nautical, hunting, fishing, Americana, arts, antiques, and architecture books.

The other eight appraisers are more specialized.  They are Orville Haberman of CT River Books (books and ephemera); Paul Indorf of Connecticut Jewelry Appraisers (fine jewelry, gemstones, watches); Steve Lutar and Dave Passamano from Guilford Coin Exchange (coins and currency and stamps); Tom Medlin of Essex (American furniture of the 18th and 19th centuries, American paintings, and base metals, especially brass candlesticks); John Newman of Deep River (American-made glass and Aladdin oil and electric lamps); Kevin Timme (silver); and Gay Sherman Weintz (vintage costume jewelry).

Paul Indorf and Gay Sherman Weintz are jewelry appraisers, both from Chester. Paul’s specialty is fine jewelry, gemstones and watches, while Gay specializes in appraising vintage and antique costume jewelry. They will be at the Chester Historical Society’s Antiques & Jewelry Appraisal event on Saturday, Nov. 9, from 8:30 a.m. to noon at St. Joseph’s Parish Center in Chester.

Paul Indorf and Gay Sherman Weintz are jewelry appraisers, both from Chester. Paul’s specialty is fine jewelry, gemstones and watches, while Gay specializes in appraising vintage and antique costume jewelry. They will be at the Chester Historical Society’s Antiques & Jewelry Appraisal event on Saturday, Nov. 9, from 8:30 a.m. to noon at St. Joseph’s Parish Center in Chester.

Each attendee may bring up to three separate items to be appraised.  If the item is too large to carry, bring photographs (if it’s a table or dresser, bring in a drawer too).  Appraisals will cost $10 for the first item; $20 for two items; or $25 for three items.  All proceeds will benefit the Chester Historical Society and its work on the Chester Museum at The Mill.

Tom Medlin of Essex has a broad working knowledge of the antiques and decorative arts business, with specialized areas including American furniture of the 18th and 19th centuries, American paintings, and base metals, in particular, brass candlesticks from the 15th through early 20th centuries.

Tom Medlin of Essex has a broad working knowledge of the antiques and decorative arts business, with specialized areas including American furniture of the 18th and 19th centuries, American paintings, and base metals, in particular, brass candlesticks from the 15th through early 20th centuries.

St. Joseph’s Parish Center is on Rte. 154 in Chester.  There is ample parking and handicapped access.

More information and directions to St. Joseph’s are on the website, ChesterHistoricalSociety.org, or email your questions to ChesterCTHistoricalSociety@gmail.com or call 860-558-4701.

Enjoy the “Best Chowder Dinner” at Lyme Public Hall

bowl_of_chowderJoin your neighbors for a hearty, old-fashioned meal at the Lyme Public Hall for the Annual Chowder Dinner on Saturday, Nov. 9, from 5 to 7 p.m.  The menu features Connecticut clam chowder, corn chowder, new-fangled cole slaw, cheddar cheese, delicious breads and homemade desserts.

Ticket prices are adults: $12, children under 12: $8

All welcome.

The Lyme Public Hall is located at 249 Hamburg Road (Rte. 156), Lyme

For further information, call 860 526-8886

Proceeds support the Hall’s historical programs, archives, and the preservation of the building.

Aha! Lyme Academy College Offers an Interactive Studio Stroll Tonight

Chair of Sculpture Brian Booth Craig (right) chats with guests during the first Aha! event.

Chair of Sculpture Brian Booth Craig (right) chats with guests during the first Aha! event.

AHA Logo Oct 2013_v2Tomorrow, Saturday, Nov. 9, Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts presents, ‘Aha! Eyes on the Hand,’ an interactive evening offering an opportunity to witness the creative journey from the seeds of imagination through the artist’s eye and into the hand that paints … or sculpts … or prints.

This behind-the-scenes studio stroll features informal demonstrations in painting, sculpture, and printmaking, a silent auction of selected artwork and art classes, as well as opportunities for casual conversations with faculty, alumni and student artists.

The event includes a light, seasonal supper and full bar.

Chair of Painting Susan Stephenson (right) demonstrates painting techniques.

Chair of Painting Susan Stephenson (right) demonstrates painting techniques.

Want to try your own hand at painting or sculpting?  Come earlier at 4 p.m. for a special art class with professional artists, faculty and alumni before joining the studio stroll at 5:30 p.m.

All are welcome and an enjoyable, entertaining, and educational evening is promised.

Tickets are only $50 per person ($25 additional for the special art class), $500 at the Patron level (includes two tickets) and $1,000 at the Benefactor level (includes four tickets).  All proceeds benefit the College’s programs scholarship and educational programs.

Call Ann de Selding at 860.434.3571 ext. 117 to reserve tickets or email her at adeselding@lymeacademy.edu.

Speed Limit Enforcement Campaign Underway in Lyme

Due to numerous complaints from many parts of town, the Lyme Board of Selectmen has launched a speed limit enforcement campaign, which will be conducted on many local roads with the help of officers from Troop F of the Connecticut State Police.  The program will continue for the next month with particular attention being focused on Brush Hill and Mt. Archer Roads, as well as Cove Road, Ely’s Ferry Road and Rte. 156.

The selectmen respectfully ask that residents observe posted limits as a matter of courtesy and respect for fellow townspeople not only driving Lyme roads but also walking, running and biking on them.