Antique Show Brings Treasures to Oakmont

For antique lovers, the search to find the most unique and interesting items can be a daunting task, hunting through shops and flea markets near and far.

Fortunately, the is making antique scouting fun and convenient this weekend at the Seventh Annual Antiques Show from Saturday, March 5 through Sunday, March 6 at the Oakmont Country Club.

The Kerr Museum is set in a Victorian, Queen Anne-style home built in 1897 by Dr. Thomas R. Kerr. 

“We had a wonderful gift of a house, but we basically had to fundraise to maintain the house,” said Joan Stewart, Kerr Museum board member and co-chairperson of the antiques show.

“Unlike the Frick, which had a major endowment, we realized we had to fundraise to (keep up with the house)," she said. "And that’s when we decided to do the Antiques Show because we thought it was a wonderful fit.”

The volunteers at the Kerr Museum commissioned the help of antique show manager Jack Squires, manager of another local antique show in Sewickley during the fall season.

Squires organizes antiques dealers from Ohio, Virginia, Maryland and New York. The dealers set up individual booths, decorated to display their unique wares, ranging from furniture to artwork, silver, china and jewelry.

With both high-end and affordable prices, the antiques range from the mid-1700s to the early 1900s, primitive and modern alike.

But perhaps the most exciting aspect of dealing with antiques is the opportunity to own a unique, one-of-a-kind piece of history, organizers say.

“We try to get an array of dealers you wouldn’t normally see in this area,” Stewart said. “The nice thing about this show is that it’s just a lovely way to spend a day. You come and see the beautiful antiques, have lunch, and perhaps learn something from the dealers. They love to talk to the patrons and educate them about different antiques or periods.”

This aspect of the antiques show can make it a fun experience not just for antiques collectors, but also for people who just want to look and learn about the different antiques.

One of the most interesting booths, returning again this year, features modern, funky decorative artwork from the Art Deco period. Silver and jewelry are also popular booths at the antiques show.

And for those who want to get a jump-start on the antiques shopping, or just simply support the museum, a preview party will be held on Friday, March 4 at the Oakmont Country Club.

During the weekend, the Oakmont Country Club will be serving a cash-only lunch menu with soups, salads and sandwiches ranging in price from $10 to $15.

“We have so much fun in so many ways,” Stewart said.

“The people that work the antiques show are all very passionate about the museum. They’re passionate about antiques. And we really enjoy getting to know the dealers. We all enjoy what we do and I think that’s what volunteerism is all about."

Tickets for the show will be available for $10 at the door and are valid for admission both days.

Proceeds from the ticket sales will directly benefit the Kerr Memorial Museum’s upkeep, maintenance, and educational programs for local children.

For more information about the Seventh Annual Antiques Show or the Kerr Museum, please call the Kerr Museum office at 412-826-9295 or visit the Kerr Museum website for a complete listing of participating dealers and directions to the Oakmont Country Club.