Auction Profile The Gospel According to Garth’s Marketing ‘green’ message important to Ohio auctioneers By Sharon Verbeten In a world where “green” is a buzzword in every industry, the antiques and auction world is just starting to realize how to get involved. But how can an auction house—which by nature usually deals in things of the past— make an impact on future generations? Just ask Richard (“Jeff ”) and Amelia Jeffers, owners of Garth’s Auctions in Delaware, Ohio. “Everywhere we go, we are hit with the recycling message,” said Amelia, the company’s president and apprentice auctioneer. “We are preservationists by nature.” To that end, the Jefferses have put forth a concerted effort to “walk the talk” when it comes to going green. “We read an article regarding antiques as an ecologically friendly alternative to new furnishings…and it struck a chord,” said Amelia. To echo their message, the company has posted a “green” page and blog on their Web site and started printing catalogs with 50 percent recycled paper. They’re small steps that the Jefferses hope will reach both current and future customers, especially the younger generation. “In our generation and those behind us, not a lot of emphasis is placed on historic events or connections to the American culture,” said Arts & Crafts slant front desk and blanket chest both signed Roycroft. Desk, $1,500-$3,000. Chest, $1,500-$2,500 and an extensive sterling silver tea service by Gorham. $2,500-$4,500 Art Nouveau carved and parquetry inlaid library table. Made by Julius Starke, Santa Barbara, Calif. and shown at the Paris Exposition of 1900. $10,000 - $20,000 Amelia. “In fact, the 40 and under set seems to be a bit jaded on all things sentimental. They are more inclined to be future thinkers and make decisions about tomorrow or beyond, not yesterday. The idea that we can speak to young folks in a language they understand, and maybe convert some of them to collectors, is grand to us…but if you are sending a message to them, you better ‘walk the talk.’” Taking on the business While the Garth’s name and auction house has been around since 1954, the Jefferses took over from previous owners Tom and Carolyn Porter in 1996. The Porters, looking to retire, wanted to transition the business to owners with what they felt were key assets to the business—honesty, integrity, passion and dedication. 2nd Annual Hearthside Antiques Fair SUNDAY AUGUST 8, 2010 10 AM - 4 PM 677 GREAT ROAD LINCOLN, RHODE ISLAND Admission $5 (includes parking) Plus tour of historic Hearthside home and blacksmithing demonstration. Accepting Dealer Reservations Email: jhd1974@comcast.net Or call 401-726-0597 WANTED WILLIAM JAMIESON Old North American Indian Artifacts Northwest Coast, Eskimo, Woodland and Plains Indian Clothing, Pottery, Weapons, Shields, Blankets, Woodcarvings, Beadwork, Masks, Pipes, Rattles, Totem Poles, Argellite Carvings, Eskimo Ivories & Soapstone Carvings www.hearthsidehouse.org SPONSORED BY THE FRIENDS OF HEARTHSIDE, INC. TAWESENTHA CHAPTER Tribal Artifacts Old South Pacific, New Guinea, African, Egyptian, Indonesian & Pre-Columbian, Wooden Clubs, Carvings, Shields, Masks, Clothing, Ceramics Antiques Show and Sale Saturday, February 13, 2010 10 am to 5 pm 39th Annual Objects of the Macabre Oddities & Curiosities, Interesting Old Taxidermy Mummys, Shrunken Heads, Circus & Sideshow Memorabilia, Medieval Torture Devices Free Identification Of Material. Discretion Assured. Please phone, email or mail photos to: Billy Jamieson 468 Wellington St. W. Suite 201, Toronto Ontario Canada M5V1E3 Tel: 416.596.1396 Fax: 416.596.2464 Email: goldenc@inforamp.net Sunday, February 14, 2010 11 am to 4 pm at ACADEMY of the HOLY NAMES 1075 New Scotland Road, Albany, N.Y. DONATION: $5.00 PER PERSON • $4.50 WITH THIS AD APPRAISALS AVAIL ABLE Donna Bartlett-Ruot, Manager (518) 966-4243 Refreshments by Kalico Kitchen Page 4, Northeast Antiques, January 2010 www.northeastantiques.com