Dateline Dayton — I guess I’ll never learn.

On Saturday, I set up at the Patterson Homestead Antique Show. I have volunteered at this show for a number a years, but never participated as a dealer.

Being that I have National Cash Register items for sale and the show is held at the boyhood home of its founder, John H. Patterson, I thought it would be a natural.

Although I am not fond of outdoor shows, I chose to participate because it benefited the Patterson Homestead and it is promoted by one of the appraisers from the Learning Tree Farms Antiques Appraisal Event.

Last year the weather was beautiful for a great show. This year, rain was predicted for late Friday, early Saturday. When I awoke at 5:30 and it hadn’t rained, I thought there was a chance we would make it till 4 o’clock. While setting up, the sun tried to break through the cloudy sky.

Last October when I set up at a show in Cincinnati, since rain was predicted, I purchased one of those 10’ x 10’ canopy tents. I did not even take the tent out of the carrying case for that show. We only experienced a little mist. Since vendors were restricted to one table, the plastic cover I had took care of the situation. The real problem that October day was the cold and wind.

However, my tent sure came in handy for this event. The show started at 9, and by 9:30 it was raining. Fortunately I set up the tent first, although I didn’t read the directions. The tent went up easily with just one person, although it’s easier with two.

Directions, Please?

While it was raining, I had time to read the directions and found it would have been a little better if I had read them first. The rain did not amount to a downpour, and fortunately there wasn’t any wind. However, the weather really limited showgoers.

A few arrived ahead of the rain, and there are always hardy souls who will attend no matter what the weather.

As always, I was at this show in a dual capacity, to sell my treasures, and to promote the next event at the Learning Tree Farm, which will be Autumn Fest.

As a part of the Autumn Fest Celebration, we would like to have a tailgate auction. I was distributing literature, with a few takers. I was able to sell a number of items. When I do my next show, I will be able to tell how much damage the dampness might have done to my remaining merchandise.

Believe it or not, I am scheduled to do another outside show in August. This time it will be a three-day event. Again it will be promoted by one of the appraisers from the Learning Tree Farms Antiques Appraisal Event. I just feel as though I must support these events, in appreciation for all the time they devote to my event.

I’ve stated this before, but it deserves repeating. I give a lot of credit to the dealers who do outside shows on a regular basis. When you have an opportunity, support these hard working individuals, especially the ones selling antiques and collectables.

Mr. Hennessey may be contacted at pmhenn@sbcglobal.net