Quite a gathering on Garland

I dropped by the appraisal event at the American Cancer Society, Spokane Discovery Shop on Garland Avenue Sunday and had a great time. The line snaked across the parking lot and I chatted with people (and peeked at their treasures) while they waited.

Grace Gibson arrived early to be the first person in line. She brought a picture that was purchased at a gallery in Spokane between 1903 and 1907. Dave Williams, owner of Daves Antiques and Collectible Jewelry gave Gibson's painting a possible value of thousands of dollars, and suggested she take it to the appraisal event at the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture next weekend.

I loved the items Susan Walker, of Mead, brought. She wheeled her grandmother's doll, wearing her father's 1915 Christening gown, in a 1918 wicker baby carriage that originally belonged to Walker's uncle. I didn't get to stick around to hear what kind of value Williams put on the collection, but I'm sure it didn't come close to the sentimental value.

The women who staff the Spokane Discovery Shop were thrilled at the turnout. Many of the people who lined up said they read about the event in Friday's "Treasure Hunting."

As always, I enjoyed meeting other collectors and listening to their comments about the column, and the antiques and collectible market in Spokane. Dian Lee, Chairman of the Spokane Discovery Shop, said there were twice as many people as in years past. As always, the $10 fee for up to three appraisals benefits the American Cancer Society.