This is my premier column in M.A.D.! As the new President of NHADA., I am involved in a flurry of activities — all of which are exciting and exhilarating. My claim in the antiques business is as owner (with partner John Mullen) of Parker-French Antique Center since 1998, and Parker-French West Antique Center since 2005, both in Northwood, New Hampshire, on popular “Antique Alley,” along with over 20 years dealing in antiques.

I thank immediate past-president Kathy Schoemer for all of her time and effort over the years, including being the previous author of this column. I do not possess Kathy’s literary skills or her talent for colorful tales. I am a “just the facts” kind of guy, and hope not to disappoint readers seeking literary masterpieces!

NHADA welcomes new members Lynne Weaver of Wenham, MA, and Chuck White of Warwick, NY. We continue to grow as dealers recognize the importance of being part of an organization that stands for quality in merchandise, fairness in dealing, and keeping New Hampshire in the forefront of antiquing.

As we gear up for the 54th New Hampshire Antiques Show in August, and the Canterbury Shaker Village Antiques Show in September, we still squeeze time in for special events. NHADA is proud to sponsor the New Hampshire Historical Society in their exhibit entitled “Icons of New Hampshire.” This exhibit is open now and through the rest of the year at their museum at Eagle Square, Concord, New Hampshire. They have some amazing items of New Hampshire historical significance to share with the general public (Daniel Webster’s high chair, New Hampshire made glass, Franklin Pierce’s desk — several hundred items in all). Check out their website at www.nhhistory.org.

May is my favorite month in the antiques business! Brimfield brings truckloads of buyers to New England. Dealers are in the spending mood after finishing up their taxes and paying Uncle Sam. Homeowners clean out their barns and attics and release all of the great stuff that will get us through another year. Show after show (indoor and out) sprout until the full bloom of Antiques Week in New Hampshire in August!

NHADA received news that rocked some of us. The Tates Antiques are taking some well deserved time off and will not be doing the August Show this year (after how many years???). Linda and Mike have been a long time New Hampshire Antiques Show staple. They are not going anywhere, still to be found at Keepers Antiques in Chichester, NH, and various shows – just taking some time off to enjoy family and a bit of down time. (Couldn’t we all use some of that?) Best of luck, Mike and Linda.

As sad as we are to see The Tates give up their space, we are equally happy to welcome Cherry Gallery of Damariscotta, ME as a regular to the Show. Jeff Cherry and Kass Hogan filled in as a last minute replacement at last years show, but have now earned a coveted spot!

The 2011 edition of the New Hampshire Antiques Dealers Association directory is now available. All members should have received requested quantities by now, and if not, please contact us. Non-members may request the directory through the website at www.nhada.org, or through any member. For larger quantities, Parker-French Antique Center, Austin’s Antiques, and Keeper’s Antiques, all along Antique Alley, serve as distribution points.

Nan Gurley has sent out contracts for the Canterbury Shaker Village Antiques Show to all members. Please consider exhibiting at this show. This is the event for all NHADA members to show their wares in a great setting with other quality dealers! Last year was a wonderful show despite a cold wind, but with moving up a week earlier to September 18, hopefully beautiful fall weather will prevail. This show is open to NHADA members only, but we welcome potential exhibitors to join us first, and then do the show. See our website for membership application and details.

Please check with this column to keep up with the latest happenings in antiquing in New Hampshire. My hope is to relay news on new shows, shops, and events in New Hampshire. I would appreciate feedback and newsworthy items — send to NHADAprez@aol.com. So, until next month — happy antiques hunting!

Richard Bojko
Northwood, New Hampshire