ON THE COVER -
November Issue 2007
Thanksgiving's Historic Decorations for the Table...by Robert Reed
That grand American holiday Thanksgiving had long been celebrated, but it really wasn't until the 20th century that it came with commercial true table decorations. Before the elegant turkey dinner was mostly fine. A colorful touch direct from the family's garden harvest might be added.

Harrison Fisher's Beautiful Girls...by Carol J. Perry
During the first quarter of the twentieth century, a young  artist named Harrison Fisher became America's arbiter of feminine beauty. His ability to paint lovely young women, at a time before photography had replaced the hand-drawn illustration, earned him a reputation as one of the country's top commercial artists.

For collectors of Native American baskets and other items there were

bargains to be had at the May 5, James Julia auction. Most sold for

below estimates while others didn’t find a buyer. An Indian Pomo

decorated basket with stylized butterfly designs sold barely over

estimate at $540.

In the older and antique furniture business there are names that recur time and time again. Some are the names of styles like Rococo Revival or Federal. Others are the names of cabinetmakers like Duncan Phfye, Alexander Roux, J. H. Belter or John Seymour.

Q. This child’s highchair has been in my family since 1903. Original finish and no tray. I am interested in the history since the carving on The back looks like an old English “court jester”. We think it is oak and would like a value.