Classic Cars on Display at Antique Trove

They just don't make cars like they used to. If you love classic cars, and you live in Northern California, don't miss this Sunday's Classic Car Show at Antique Trove in Roseville, CA!

Cochran's 2016 Collector's Guide in Stores Now

FedEx has delivered the new edition of the Guide to all our advertisers' stores and upcoming shows. We're proud of the new issue and excited about extended coverage in towns like Paradise, CA and Beaverton, OR, which went all out with their Antique Rows, providing the user with a walking tour for a full day of antique browsing.

When you pick up your copy and use it, please tell our advertisers you found them in Cochran's Guide. Owners of these stores will be very pleased to know you found the Guide useful! And your feedback will encourage further expansion and coverage in next year's edition. Happy hunting!

The entire new edition will be uploaded onto this website before the end of the year.

A Day's-Worth of Browsing at Niles Antique Faire

One of the oldest antique street fairs in California is hosted the last Sunday of every August by the Niles Main Street Association in Fremont. The 51st Annual Antique Faire and Flea Market is set for August 30, opening at 6am and continuing until 4pm. More than 200 vendors will line the Boulevard, which is also the home of the famed Niles antique row. More than 80,000 visitors will enjoy browsing to the tune of live music by Big Sandy and His Fly Rite Boys —if you go, plan on spending the whole day! Admission is free.

There'll be special sales inside the stores, too. Check it out on Facebook at Niles Antique Faire

MCM Vintage, a promising start in Chico

Last week a couple of dealers who had space in another large mall in downtown Chico, CA struck out on their own and opened a new multi-dealer store in town, calling it MCM Vintage. It's always exciting to watch these new beginnings, from the grunge work of repairs, hookups and refurbishings on the building, to the erection of the sign identifying your business and welcoming the new dealers as they unpack their merchandise and set up their displays.

MCM Vintage is going with a mid-20th-century theme, sometimes referred to as "Mid-Mod." Sleek Danish Modern furniture and décor such as colorful and fancifully shaped glass. Fun and innovative Steampunk objects. Rugs with geometric designs. Lots of kitchenalia like the gadgets Mom taught cooked with, often much better quality than the Chinese-made appliances available today. And, an MCM specialty, a collection of old vinyl records so large they call that part of the store the Wax Museum. If you grew up in the 50s and 60s you're bound to get a sweet nostalgic rush when you walk into the store, or visit their Facebook page.

Rare Rides in Roseville!

Antique Trove in Roseville, CA has an antique car show series, with the next one Sunday, August 9.
Visit their website at www.antiquetrove.com or see them on Facebook.

Bring on the Bargains...and the Rain!

Whistlestop Antiques in Santa Rosa, CA will be overflowing onto the sidewalk this weekend, Aug. 8-9, with everything 20% off. This sale only happens once a year, so don't miss it if you're in the area. Munch some free popcorn and browse their huge selection, watch Bob the Train Guy demonstrate his trains and meet Betty Boop, world's cutest umbrella stand! Now they just need some rain!

Visit their website at whistlestop-antiques.com and view their Facebook page at Whistlestop Antiques.

Benicia Peddlers' Fair Sat., Aug. 8

They started off small, but now they're a town tradition: Over 52 years the Benicia Peddlers' Fair has grown into 300 select antique and collectible dealers from all over the country, attracting 20,000 visitors, spanning the entire 11 blocks of First Street in the historic town of Benicia, CA. Along the same route are a number of antique and vintage stores to browse. Proceeds from the Fair go to the preservation of St Paul's Episcopal church, built in 1859. Admission is free, and free appraisals are offered by Steve Yvaska. See the Fair's website for more info, www.BeniciaPeddlersFair.org

Photo: Benicia Peddlers' Faire website

That Time Again...

Here at Cochran's we have begun work on the 2015 edition (our 26th annual!), to be published in early October. Right now we're contacting everyone who participated last year, plus a number of shops that contacted us after we went to press, to let them know our deadline (August 31!) and rates for next year.

If you have a store or antique-related business or produce an event in the five Western states (WA, OR, CA, NV, AZ) please click on PARTICIPATE in the menu above and see what we have to offer. Then click on your state on the little map, and you'll see the rates for that region.

Cochran's entire 152-page travel-size map guide is printed and distributed to the stores and shows in early November, and then uploaded on this website at the beginning of the new year. Click on CONTENTS in the menu above to visit any of the five states and their stores. Or see our Events section directly after our color section, to see antique fair and show schedules for the rest of 2014.

Doggie Night at Cottage Jewel Soiree

If antiques, art objects and pets are a big part of your life, there's a special event with your name on it in Danville, CA Thursday evening, May 22. Cottage Jewel invites animal lovers to come in that day and select a 1950s rhinestone collar for 20% off, so you can spiff up your furry friend for a "bitches in bling" photo opportunity. From 5-8 pm local author Peggy Stevens will be signing copies of her new book of poetry inspired by her rescue cat Tommy.

Marcia Harmon often keeps Cottage Jewel open late for evening soirees like this, and also hosts workshops in creating found art. Next workshop is Sunday, June 8, 1-4pm, to learn how to make exquisite mini book pendants. The store, which offers a blend of antiques, vintage, period jewelry, artisan wares and novelties, is at 100 West Prospect, Danville. Call 925-837-2664 for more information, or to sign up for the June 8 workshop, or visit the website at www.cottagejewel.com.

Coming up this Sunday the 29th: The biannual Antique and Collectibles Fair in Old Town Clovis, CA. More than 80 dealers will bring their finest finds for your selection. Wanda Leon, for instance, has just gotten back from an exhaustive summer-long buying trip along the World's Longest Yard Sale and who knows what she's brought home. Also, you can bring something for a free appraisal by Kathy Osterberg. Admission and parking are free.

Photo: oldtownclovis.org

Old Town Clovis is one of those lovingly restored downtown districts that take you back, so that a stroll through the streets feels like you've been transported in time. They've set a wonderful example for any American community looking to revive their heritage.

You can check out ongoing events in town on a blog, and there's a virtual tour you can take on the Old Town Clovis website. Antique Fairs are held in March and September, sponsored by Business Organization of Old Town.

If you go to Clovis, meander through the many antique shops in Old Town. You can refer to a map of shops in Cochran's Guide, just select Contents and then click on Clovis.

Paradise, California is a town named for a pun, according to local lore: someone came up with "Pair-O-Dice" and it evolved into Paradise. The main drag through Paradise is Skyway Blvd. where you'll see a string of antique and vintage stores, definitely worth the detour off Highway 99 to spend an afternoon exploring. And thanks to the wonders of the Internet, you can do a preview visit to these two stores: Skyway Antique Mall, and Bainbridge Antiques.

Skyway Antique Mall has its own website, a simple straightforward collection of lots of photos. You get an impression of a very large store, with a big selection that includes fine wood furniture.

Bainbridge Antiques has a page on Facebook, where they post excellent photos of the store and newly-arrived items. Here's a homey display of colorful kitchen pottery and glassware, like Fiestaware, Fire King, Russell Wright and Hull plus old crocks, etc. You can also find items from Bainbridge Antiques on eBay.

Paradise is off Hwy. 5 east of Chico. Other stores you'll see along the highway are Jeannie's Consignment, Skyway Blue and Aunt Mabel's General Store. On the way you'll pass veggie stands featuring the area's trademark olives and other locally-grown produce, and amazing red buttes that reminded me of a miniature Grand Canyon. Beautiful country!

Hot August Night!

Antique Warehouse in Salida (just north of Modesto) is having their first Saturday of the month Parking Lot Sale today, and also their annual Hot August Nights vintage car show. Wow! do they have some choice vehicles on display! It's their biggest event of the year, and there'll be giveaways, live music and surprises. Well worth the trip if you live anywhere in California's Central Valley! Start by visiting their website. The Parking Lot Sale ends at 3pm, but the store will be open for their regular hours.

Saturday Night in Miniature

For those who love dollhouses and miniatures, this unique automaton case with miniature figures is something very special. Richard Wilson, who was known in the Sacramento, CA area as the Master of Miniatures, created this saloon scene called "Saturday Night", possibly in the 1980s, and it has now become an acquisition of Ron Curtis at Antique and Collectibles Marketplace. Ron sent us this description:

The "wood shadow box" is 33 inches wide, 25 inches height and 20 inches deep with a lift up glass front.  Towards the back left corner is an enclosure for the motor, a tape recorder and speaker outlet that measures 13 x 5 inches. 

You plug it in and throw the switch. It will initially play saloon type dancing music from a tape player with 30 minutes of music.  Push another button and the three dancers on the stage begin doing the Can-Can, the piano player begins playing the piano, and the bartender begins raising a bottle. Five wall lights interspersed, along with five lights over the dancers on stage light up the case.

Buried on the second floor balcony to the left of the lady in the green dress is a lighted bathroom with wash basin, mirror and dry sink. At the tables you see a "show girl" on a man's lap, a poker game in progress and four men surrounding the bar.  I believe the Madame is guarding the lower level door to the right. Also, of note is the exquisite balcony and railing to the second floor as well as wood doors.   And, finally added to the attractions is the reclining nude print behind the bartender.

You are probably looking at a one of a kind "house" with miniature dolls and mechanical features by a gentlemen who has since passed away. He was truly a "master."

Everything on sale!

What could be more fun than going to an antique shop where everything is on sale? That's what's happening at AJ's Attic in Castro Valley, CA this weekend, and it's only once a year. Arnie loves jukeboxes and game machines so there's a huge selection of those, but you'll see all kinds of other fun items too, with surprises everywhere you look. It's a great place for "guy stuff" — he could outfit his whole man-cave at AJ's! So take your spouse!

AJ's Attic is at 2540 San Carlos Avenue in Castro Valley and they're open 10am to 5pm or by appointment (call 510-853-8833). Visit the website at www.ajsantiques.com.

It may be hot, but The Antique Warehouse is cool

July is scorching hot outdoors where I live, so I've been staying close to the air conditioner, making indoor expeditions,  exploring antique-related websites. One of the most professional-looking website presentations I've seen lately is for The Antique Warehouse in Salida, near Modesto, CA. Their abundance of bright photos, smart use of space and color are attractive and easy on the eye.

The chatty blog is updated frequently (find the blog button next to their Facebook logo, in the upper right side of the page). Latest news flash: "Mid-Century Modern items are flying out the doors!"

I was also impressed with their glass selection: everything from souvenir glass and carnival glass to fine crystal. And the vintage fashions grabbed me with great photos of beautiful hats and cool leather jackets.

Enticing selection of colorful and sleek Mid-Century cookware and serveware at The Antique Warehouse in Salida, CA. (Below) Swag lamp and tableware from the 50s

The Antique Warehouse makes the most of their huge parking lot with monthly Peddlers' Parking Lot Sales through the spring and summer, with the next one scheduled the first Saturday in August, and dealer spaces are available for a small fee  (call  209-545-9460 for details). Look for The Antique Warehouse at 5351 Pirrone Rd, off Hwy 99 north of Modesto.

You get more than 800 chances to find what you're looking for...or to experience that serendipitous moment when you find what you didn't KNOW you were looking for...at the Long Beach Antique & Collectible Flea Market Sunday, Sept. 16. That's in Long Beach, California.

How much space do 800 sellers take? More than 20 acres. Be sure and take your walking shoes. Drive the 405 Freeway to Lakewood Blvd. North, turn right on Lakewood Blvd to Conant St, turn right again, and you're there!

Admission is $5, but you can show your Cochran's Collector's Guide (Pg 15) and they'll knock off fifty cents.

This outstanding show (called "Best in the US" by Good Housekeeping Magazine, is held the third Sunday of every month, plus a couple of special sales on April 29 and Sept. 30 (so you get two chances this month to score that special find!)

Get a taste of what you're in for at their website, www.LongBeachAntiqueMarket.com. Which is the source of these photos.

News Flash:

Serendipity Antiques is having a Labor Day Weekend sale August 31-September 3 with special deals on selected shop and garden items. They're at 41950 Main St. in Old Town, Temecula, CA. Check out their blog for regular updates.

An intriguing clutter of country-style furnishings at Serendipity Antiques

None dare call it junk at Urban Ore

Urban Ore, Inc. in Berkeley, CA is one of those irresistible places where recycled bits and pieces of every description get a chance at a new life. Their two-acre yard is a treasure trove for designers, artists, bargain-hunters and people just looking for inspiration, such as kinetic sculptor Nemo Gould, who found most of the elements for this robotic piece, "Nowhere Fast" at Urban Ore.

Crafted from bicycle parts, an old rocking chair, baseball bats, optical equipment, a faux ship's wheel and hundreds of other disparate parts, this creation has a Rube Goldberg Steampunk style that endlessly amuses and fascinates, especially when the robot gets going on his unusual bicycle.

Two acres holds a lot of treasure, but you can get an idea of what you might find by visiting Urban Ore's website.