It's not every day that a well-known radio personality comes to Manor, but on July 16, antiques appraiser Verne Reese came to the Legion Community Hall, bringing with him the knowledge for which he is famous, and the sense of humour that entertains so many people.
The antiques road show was held as a fundraiser towards the restoration of All Saints Anglican Church at Cannington Manor. The building was erected in June 1884, and it is the second oldest Anglican Church in the province. At the time of its construction, it was the centrepiece of the English settlement, started two years before by Captain Edward Pierce. Pierce donated the land for the building, and logs were hauled from the Moose Mountains, to be turned into beautiful interior woodworking by local craftsmen.
That was nearly 130 years ago, and the time has come to undertake major renovation of the church to ensure its survival for future generations. Work is well underway, and although government funding has been approved, members and friends of the church community are also raising money, contributing to the heritage in much the same way as people raised funds for the original construction.
The Antiques road show is one of three fundraising events for the church this summer. On June 25, Wawota-based singing group "Hints of Harmony" performed a concert at Kenosee Lake, with proceeds going to the restoration fund. The road show was the second event, and a High-noon Victorian Tea on July 31, at the church, will be the third.
Two of the organizers of the road show, Autumn Downey and Val Cuddington, explained "We originally wanted to do the road show at the church, but we were concerned if there was no church service, there would not be enough traffic for the event." The decision was therefore made to hold the fundraiser at the Legion Hall in Manor.
Outside the hall, the weather was hot and humid, with temperatures hovering around 34 degrees with the humidex factor. Inside it was more pleasant, and people gathered at a couple of tables to enjoy good company and great food. At a separate table, Reese was talking to a couple of people, while a few others sat close to the table, ready to learn about the treasures they had brought with them.
"We were a little worried at 11:15" said Val Cuddington. "But now we're at lunch and it's picking up." Just then another group of people walked through the door. She went on to explain that funding was coming from three sources. "There's the lunch, and the raffle, and the money from the appraisals" she said, explaining that a final contribution figure would not be known till all expenses were considered, including Reese's fee.
"We've learned not to expect a specific figure" she said. "You cannot gauge crowds, you just hope for the best. If you expect an amount you're often disappointed, if you don't expect an amount, you are pleasantly surprised."
Over at the appraisal table, Reese was talking with Lauren Hume. She had brought a tea pot with her, and Reese was paying close attention to it. "This is the best cast iron pot I have ever seen" he explained, "I will say something I don't often say, I wish this was mine." Hume explained it had come from Guelph, Ontario back in 1870, and Reese surmised it had been made in a small forge around 1850. "Take a look," he said, "It's made of five pieces," and he happily showed each of the components, explaining more about the construction process.
A few minutes later Reese was looking at a single volume from a set of Compton's Encyclopaedia. The owner explained there was one volume missing from the set, to which Reese frankly replied, "Then it's not a set then." He explained that a single volume missing from a set of books, devalues the set by as much as 50 percent, and if two volumes are missing, the remaining books are priced individually. The appraisal of this particular set was not very high, and the owner understood it was of greater sentimental than financial value.
At a quiet moment Reese talked a bit about his own experiences. "I bought my first antiques at age 12. Dad had given me $20, which I had earned, and I went over to a sale and bought a dresser and a bed. I have been collecting ever since." Reese holds a degree in art from the University of Saskatchewan, and his favourite appraisals are of artwork. "Some things are hard to appraise, rugs for example, we don't see enough Persian rugs. I consider myself a generalist, much like a doctor will send a person to a specialist sometimes, I also have specialists I can send people to."
Reese owned an antiques store in Regina from 1986 to 1996, but his real forte is the road show appearances, where his ability to relate to people really shines. "I don't appraise collections of coins or stamps" he explained, "We'd have to spend the whole day with one person." He also explained the three periods his appraisals typically cover. "Real antiques are before World War One. Then between the wars is the Nostalgia period, and anything after World War Two right to the present, is a collectable." He said.
The SGI-approved appraiser was also a full-time teacher for over 30 years. He taught art at Balfour Collegiate in Regina, retiring in 1985. "I'm 76-year-old, and I love what I do." He said, with a glint in his eye. Then it was time to return to the appraisals, as a couple brought in a sports-themed television lamp from the 1950s.
When all was said and done, the event did not raise as much money for the restoration as might have been hoped. "It was a very nice day, and people had lots of things they could do" Cuddington said. "But it was a really good event, and people really enjoyed it," she added.
People with past association to the church, either through personal involvement or family members from previous generations, are welcome to send donations towards the restoration, as are members of the public who might wish to see the structure maintained. Donations may be sent to All Saints Anglican Church, Box 222, Manor, S0C1RO
