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Dallas, Texas

Ralph Willard's Tower Antique Show

by David Anderson

The semiannual Tower Antique Show is notable for its comfortable indoor, air-conditioned environment with good overhead lighting and wide aisles. Since early summertime temperatures in Texas reach into the nineties, few here would disagree that antiquing becomes a leisurely pleasure when pursued indoors. Promoter Ralph Willard's long experience in the antiques world has earned him a loyal following of vendors and buyers. For his June 1-3 show, some 70 dealers from Texas and neighboring states of Oklahoma, Colorado, Kansas, Arkansas, and Louisiana were present, and some regulars came from as far away as Florida, Georgia, and Alabama.

We were happy to see Houston, Texas, dealer June Worrell and her daughter, Sandra (Sandy), set up with a large area just inside the main entrance. Their booth was once again filled with high-quality Americana. June's long experience and unerring eye for excellence has earned her the reputation of unofficial consultant on styles, dates, and provenance. She is frequently called upon to share her experience with other dealers and customers who seek her advice.

Across the aisle, Paul Cox of Austin, Texas, displayed a fine collection of antique rugs, china, and furniture. An accomplished musician who often buys and sells early banjos, mandolins, and guitars, Paul could be seen and heard during a quiet moment sitting on a small chair and playing classical music on his favorite guitar.

Brigitte Schluger, a Denver, Colorado, dealer in folk and decorative arts, brought some of her eclectic treasures from around the world. Her carved ivory "doctor's lady" was perhaps emblematic of her unusual inventory. Woody Straub of Panacea, Florida, a dealer in antiques and fine art, sold his wonderful Connecticut cherry highboy.

Certainly present in satisfying quantity and quality were a number of vendors of china, silver, and fine glassware. Clifton Antiques, Houston, Texas, displayed their large offering of fine British hallmarked silver. There were numerous items of vintage clothing, cast-iron toys, tools, offbeat or rare books, and fine art.

A word about Fair Park in Dallas is in order. This several hundred acres of city parkland, close to downtown Dallas, is home to the Cotton Bowl, scene of many college football rivalries, and to the Music Hall auditorium, where musical comedy and grand opera are regular events. Not the least of its attractions is the annual State Fair of Texas with its giant Ferris wheel and many buildings of its own. Access from the east-west interstate highway (I-30) is uncomplicated and direct, and parking for the Tower Antique Show is convenient and free.

For more information, Ralph Willard may be reached at (214) 826-2584. The next Tower Antique Show will be in early December.