Hunting for antiques, collectibles or just old items from yesteryear has become one of America's favorite pastimes. Searching through other peoples discarded stuff can be a relaxing, enjoyable and often an educational experience. Memories are rekindled at the sight of familiar old toys, ceramics like grandma used, or a Chevy you rode in or drove as a child. There is also the thrill of wondering what undiscovered treasure can be found while browsing through antique malls, flea markets, auctions and yard sales. There's a good chance that you will find exactly what you are looking for to enhance your home or collection. It is said that everything is collected by someone, whether it's glassware, china, wooden ware, old dolls, tin ware, quilts and coverlets, rugs, furniture, silver, barn tools, pewter, classic cars or just rusty old junk, there's always someone who will want it.
Over the past few months, Cleveland's South Lee Highway seems to have unintentionally become an  "Antiques Trail." for collectors.
There are several antique malls, shops and auctions - there are thrift shops

and a flea market all  within a two or three mile stretch south of the Inman Street intersection.
Just last month, hundreds of antique car enthusiasts attended a free Car and Bike Show held in the parking lot of Cleveland Flea market. Great classic cars from the 50's 60's and 70's were on display, along with old Harley Davidson's and custom made "chopper" motorcycles. Much fun can be had at Car Shows of this kind and admission is usually free for spectators. Often  these events are accompanied by oldies music played over speakers to add to the atmosphere of a classic era and there is usually a good supply of food and drinks.  Proud owners sit by immaculately maintained vehicles anxious to answer questions regarding their "baby's" pedigree - year, model, engine size and  performance, they never tire of discussing the qualities of these beautiful pieces of machinery.
Another attraction to the S. Lee Antiques Trail last month was an Antiques Appraisal Fair held at the Antiques Parlor Auction House. Appraiser Sue Armstrong Thompson of Nashville, known for her traveling "One

(Above) Antique appraiser Sue Armstrong Thompson inspecting a clock shaped to resemble a medieval helmet. 
(Below) Armstrong with the owners of an antique projector during the fair at the Antiques Parlor Auction House just off S.Lee Hwy.

Man Antiques Road Show," was on hand to appraise antiques and collectibles. Many local residents turned out with treasures carefully wrapped, waiting in anticipation for their turn at the appraisal table. Most people go to find out the monetary value and age of their precious possession. Items appraised at this fair included clocks, pictures, figurines, dolls, vases, furniture and photographic equipment. Almost everybody has something old or antique in their home that they are curious about, and being able to have it appraised for a small fee can answer many questions. To sit and watch an appraiser at work at one of these fairs can be just as exciting and entertaining as watching the Antiques Road Show on television.

For those who prefer to buy antiques at auction, S. Lee Hwy. can now boast of two to choose from. Every Monday at 6 pm at the Antique Parlor Auction House and the second and last Saturday of each month, 6 pm at T& P's Heritage Auction Co.
Antique Auctions can be an excellent place to buy antiques and collectibles and enjoy a good night out at the same time. Attending an auction is much like going to the theater, there is suspense, drama and often a little comedy, depending on the "character" of the auctioneer. Country auctions are much less formal than some of the fine art auctions held in big cities and although sale items may be viewed well before the sale starts, most just pick up a bidding number from the office and start bidding when the price seems right for the piece they take a liking too. Folks come as they are,  buy some food, sit back and enjoy the action. Auction lots are sold to the highest bidder, which can at times be just a few bucks. Buying at auction for the first time can be a little unnerving, especially when bidding on an item you really must have, so sometimes

(Above) Bidders at T&P's Heritage Auction Co. on S. Lee Hwy. 
(Below)  Some of the items put up for sale at last month's auction.

you may end up paying more than you intended.  A wiser bidder will set a mental price limit before starting to bid. The result may be a little disappointing if outbid but at least not out-pocketed.  Quite often an experienced collector can leave with a bargain, something worth many times what they paid, but the main thing to remember is to like what you buy, be satisfied with the price and if it proves to be a bargain then it adds to the fun.
As the saying goes "One person's trash is another person's treasure," and treasures can be found by those who like to spend time wandering through the many outlets in our area and there are plenty of them if you search.
Now that the warmer weather is here there will be many more outdoor events where it is likely to find antiques, collectibles and great bargains. Don't forget the farm auctions, estate auctions, yard sales, rummage sales, swap meets or country fairs, they all have the potential of hidden treasures.
What better relaxation can there be than spending the weekend  in the warm sun, sipping lemonade, hearing bluegrass music and browsing through someone else's junk!  You never know what you may find!
Happy hunting.