For six Sundays from May to October, a tidal wave of traffic surges down Illinois Highway 34, headed straight for the Sandwich Antiques Market. Under the spreading oak trees and inside the rustic buildings of the Sandwich fairground, more than 500 vendors gather to create the contemporary version of an ancient souk or festive periodic bazaar, just 60 miles west of Chicago.
When the weather holds, the market draws up to 11,000 visitors, but even when it rains, the diehards are there, armed with checkbooks, 7,500 strong. These numbers, along with the monitored merchandise, have made the 10-year-old market, a world-class event, says Andrew Fash, its operations manager. It is common for Fash to receive calls from European travelers asking for directions to the market from O’Hare airport.
So strong a draw is the market, many visitors ignore all else around it, including Sandwich, Ill., the prairie town just west of the fairground that gives the market its name. Established in 1859, Sandwich offers a variety of retail thrills. The best scenario for a day trip is to see both the town and the market, but Sandwich itself boasts enough attractions for a fulfilling one-day excursion to DeKalb County even on non-market days.
Sandwich Antiques Mall 108 N. Main St., 815-786-7000. Located two blocks east of I-34 in a building known as “the brown barn,” this mall of more than 40 dealers offers every sort of vintage object imaginable. Highlights are country primitives, fashion and costume jewelry, and Mickey Mouse and Raggedy Anne collectibles. The mall is home to many dealers of glassware, showing examples such as a rare American Fostoria Jadeite 3-handled bowl ($250). Other finds include a beehive-shaped salt-glazed stoneware jug ($395) and a chunk of the original Supreme Court Building exhibiting a sculpted golden eagle ($1,800). Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, noon to 5 p.m. Sundays, 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on market days.
The Paperback Encore 1 N. Main St., 815-786-9609. Here is a great source for paperback, hardbound and comic books, with prices regularly set at half the publisher’s list. More than 130,000 books are on display, with the mystery/suspense genre occupying aisle after aisle. The store gives a credit allowance for books brought in by customers. Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m Saturdays, closed Sundays.
S.A.M.’s Resale Shop 113 S. Main St., 815-786-7060. This is one of the most attractive, well-stocked thrift shops this reporter has ever seen. Prices range from inexpensive–$10 for old Barbie dolls–to considerable–$650 for a Shaker-style hutch. Finds spotted were a collection of small elephant figurines ($3 and up) and a mid-century Bing & Grondahl dessert service for 12 ($395). Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Extended hours 10 a.m. to late on Sundays during the DeKalb County Fair, and Saturday evenings before the market.
Home Towne Gallery 303 S. Main St. 815-786-6370. Many local artists have work on consignment here, a standout being Carolyn Kedzierski’s barn-window frames converted into hanging shelves ($75). Another consigner, “Country by Design,” offers items such as hand-painted wood checkerboards ($38.50) and a painted step-back cupboard ($475). Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays, closed Sundays. Special hours on market Sundays are noon to 4 p.m.
The French Connection Cafe, 40 E. Railroad St., 815-786-9552. One of the town’s local eateries devotes space to craft work by American artisans and Sandwich historic memorabilia. Hours: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays.
Shelly’s Newstand Coffee Shop 30 E. Railroad St., 815-786-6116. Stop in for a cup of java and check out the large selection of delightful goose clothing ($12 on up) and smalls, such as old sugar molds ($17) and a vintage fishing creel ($95). Hours: 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays, 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. Sundays, with extended hours on market Sundays.
Sandwich Antiques Mart 2300 E. Ill. Highway 34, 815-786-6122. This mall of 22 dealers is a typical jam-packed warren, in which the jumble sometimes makes individual items hard to see. Its charm lies in the friendliness of the shopkeepers, the versatility of its primitives and the inventive displays–such as the exhibit of every chicken tschotchke in the store. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays.
Megan’s Doll Shop & Fritzi’s Dolls 40 Church St., 815-786-1515. A bright, beautiful shop specializing in antique dolls, repair, and custom outfitting. One unusual example is a rare 1910 character doll by Armand Marseille, A.M. ($1,795). There are cases of vintage doll and baby shoes ($6 on up), a few old lace doll dresses ($98 and up)and racks of new doll clothing–confections of eyelet, lace and ribbons ($150 on up). Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays, closed Sundays except for extended hours on market days and during the DeKalb County Fair.
Antique Central, Ill. Highway 34 and Dayton St., 815-786-2180. A few of the unusual items seen in this new mall of 14 dealers were a 1941 Exercise bicycle ($125) and a massive vintage safe manufactured by Herring-Hall-Marvin Co. ($500). One dealer features highly collectible vintage cooking stoves in working condition. Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
Other things to see and do
Sandwich Antiques Market at the county fairground, U.S. Highway 34. Remaining dates for this year are August 23, September 27, October 25. Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rain or shine. Free parking. Admission: $4. Call: 773-227-4464, and during the show, 815-786-3337.
Sandwich Opera House 140 E. Railroad St., 815-786-2555. Built in 1878, the restored opera house features Victorian lighting and the ceiling’s original stenciling. Open to the public. Hours: 8 a.m. to noon, 1 to 4:30 p.m., Mondays through Fridays.
The DeKalb County Fair at Sandwich will be held this year Sept. 9 through 13 at the fairground. The 111th edition will include judging of farm animals, horse races, a petting zoo, tractor pulls and carnival rides. Hours: 8 a.m. to midnight daily. Admission, $5 adults, includes parking, children ages 6 to 12, $2, children 5 and under free. Call: 815-786-2389.
