Historic East Hampton Hosts an Antiques Show
With the likes of Martha Stewart, Steven Spielberg, Alec Baldwin in residence, celebrity spotting in East Hampton is almost inevitable. But some tourists come to the Hamptons for historic ambience. The eastern-most city in New York State East Hampton was founded in 1648 by a group of farmers and fishermen who established a rich legacy. That history is preserved by the East Hampton Historical Society which restores and preserves historic structures as museums open to the public. One historic house, Mulford Farm is the setting each summer of the East Hampton Antiques Show.
This year fifty dealers set up booths and tents scattered among the historic gray weathered farm buildings. The opening reception, on a perfect sunny summer day was an opportunity for tourists to join locals browsing for antiques in an antique setting.
Honorary chairperson of the event, Aerin Lauder brought a bicycle load of hydrangeas to her pop up booth featuring hostess gifts and household accessories from her life-style brand Aerin.
Fully stocked booths, with seating and quirky merchandise were set up on the lawns and in the tents.
Vases for summer flowers, picnic net food protectors, blooming chairs, and pictures of vintage swimmers, were among seasonally appropriate items.
Special East Hampton Historical Society tees, shirts, and totes, designed by Ralph Lauren, were sold with half the proceeds benefiting the Society’s museum and preservation efforts.
One dealer’s message was aimed clearly at shoppers.
