By ERIC C. RODENBERG
AntiqueWeek Associate Editor WOODSTOCK, Ill. — Entrepreneur Larry Heuvelman poses the question that begs to be asked: “Why shouldn’t the Midwest have an antique venue on the scale of, say, a Brimfield, Renningers or Round Top?
The interest is here, he said. Despite all the hubbub about the economy, people still like to get out in the country, stretch their legs and buy interesting antiques. There are still people who like to deal antiques, from both an engaging and money-making perspective. What’s so difficult about getting these two sets of people together Heuvelman asks.
With that frame of mind, he created Saltbox Productions (named after the 18th century-style New England Saltbox house he personally designed and built) and went to work putting together an Antique Flea Market at the McHenry County Fairgrounds, near Woodstock, Ill.
At the first event May 21-22, he hopes to see 300-350 vendors at the fairgrounds with waves of buyers in the barns and fields. He’s already had confirmation from vendors from six states, he said.
“This is the first market I’ve ever promoted,” the 46-year Heuvelman said. “But, I’ve done everything else related to antiques, including collecting, working as a picker, antique dealer, re-finished furniture, and even set up at markets. I’ve been involved in antiques for at least 25 years now … I think I’ve found a little niche, I’ve created a little bit of a firestorm here.”
Heuvelman, a former general contractor, hastens to add his location of McHenry County was not done on a whim. He has done his research, he said.
The site of the new antique flea market is about 90 minutes, by train or automobile, from Chicago. The train station is less than a mile from the fairgrounds. He will be providing a shuttle service for those customers.
The antique flea market will be held the third weekend of each month through August; then, the fourth weekend of September and October. The Grand Opening celebrations are scheduled for the July event.
And, antique, it will be, Heuvelman pledged. “It’s going to be much more pure than many other flea markets,” he said. “We’re not looking for those selling T-shirts, socks and reproduction purses. We’re going to be selective.”
The site offers a total of nine buildings, five enclosed and four with covered roofs. The barns can be “tightened up” and locked down at night. Saltbox Productions will also be providing security on the premises. He also promises “great food” at the monthly shows.
“There’s 69 acres here, we can open up the fields and just keeping adding people,” Heuvelman said.
At the same time, Heuvelman is bringing back The Olde McHenry County Antique Show on Sept. 17-18.
“This is an old country antique show with more than 50 carefully selected dealers,” Heuvelman said. “I have one main goal; to bring quality dealers to a place where people come to buy from quality dealers.”
Currently there are dealers coming from 14 states, Heuvelman said, including several from New England and parts of the South.
The McHenry County show was a staple within the area throughout most of the 1980s, 1990s and on into the 21st century, “but it’s been gone now for about six years,” according to Heuvelman. “It just kind of dwindled away, but we plan on bringing life back to it.”
Heuvelman believes he brings the love and knowledge of antiques, and practical business sense gained from 25 years as a general contractor to really make the New “Antique” Flea Market a success. Despite a tepid economy, he said “the market is still there.”
“The antique market has always been there,” he said, “and it’s not going away. There’re still people buying, and there’re still people selling. I’ve committed myself to make this work. I’m modeling this after the big markets, the Round Top, Brimfield – on that scale. You go to those places, you’ll see that they continue to grow. We’re going to do the same here.”
For more details, call 847-881-6531 or visit www.saltboxproductions.com |
