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Discover Mid-America — June 2005
Going strong for 38 years
The University
of Denver Antique Study Group has been in continuous existence since 1967.
Many of the original members are still around and active though their
pace of involvement has slowed somewhat. The idea for the formation of
the group was born across a bridge table when a recent transplant from
Cornell University asked why there was not an antique group at DU. Since
that time the original four women involved have contributed much by way
of knowledge and communality through the years.
The group meets the second Thursday of every
month with a featured speaker and, of course, the inevitable refreshments.
The meetings take place in the various members’ homes. Each member
of the group collects differently, and it is a real treat to see and learn
about the various interests of each hostess. I have also observed that
the members of this group are extremely generous in sharing their collections
as well as their knowledge. Each year at Christmastime, the group holds
a Chinese auction, which has created some of the most memorable stories
through the years, stories that are repeated to this day!
On May 20and 21, they held their 38th annual
garage sale. It is an event that is eagerly anticipated by many regular
local antiquers. Members always like to remember the story of their first
garage sale when it rained continuously for two days and all they could
do was sit in the garage and watch. The dreary weather never dampened
their enthusiasm — on those dates, the Study Group completed its
38th sale.
I find it amazing that any volunteer group
can sustain itself for this long. Obviously new members have joined along
the way and once a member their participation actively enriches the group
with fresh ideas for programs. Members also freely share their own passions.
I think it also speaks admirably for the dedication it inspires in all
of us who are interested in antiques.
By the way, I have been a member of the University of Denver Antique Study Group since 1970!
Syrma Sotiriou is the proprietor of The Treasured Scarab in Denver, and a regular contributor to Discover Mid-America. Contact her at (303) 777-6884.
> Antiquing in Colorado Archive — past columns
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