Wendy Franzen, president, Infant Welfare Society of Chicago, Lake Forest Chapter, says Antiques & Treasures started very simply, with IWS members bringing treasures from home to sell from an open trunk.
Now in its 57th year, Antiques & Treasures has become an annual fundraising event of the Lake Forest Chapter of the Infant Welfare Society, featuring over 70 vendors from across Chicagoland and the Midwest, many of whom, Franzen says, return every year.
Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the parking lot of the East Lake Forest Train Station became a showcase of furniture, glassware, garden accessories, vintage jewelry, and clothing, all looking for a new home.
“The thrill of the hunt is at the heart of the day, which attracts serious antique collectors in search of treasures from homes on the North Shore, alongside a younger audience with an avid interest in vintage clothing and jewelry,” Franzen said.
Sharyn Procaccio is a collector from Hawthorn Woods.
“This is my first time attending, and I’m excited by the breadth of antique and vintage collectibles and impressed by the curated collections by individual dealers — truly something for everybody,” Procaccio said.
Maura Dailey of Lake Forest attended with family.
“Antiques & Treasures gives us a convenient place to shop for Southwest-style clothing to impress our mother-in-law, who will be visiting soon from Oklahoma,” Dailey said.
Event co-chair Kara Szot says the event is volunteer-driven, with over 80 IWS member volunteers, and additional participation from IWS Junior Board members, all working together to raise funds and awareness for the IWS Family Health Clinic in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood, which provides healthcare for underserved families.
“Like our Lake Forest Showhouse, this event also brings people together to celebrate their love of interior design in support of a good cause,” Szot said.
According to Szot, IWS collects a $20 per-person entry fee to Antique & Treasures, and all participating dealers retain their total sales.
“This is our second largest fundraiser each year, and all funds raised will support the Angel Harvey Family Health Center in Chicago,” Szot said.
Attendees can also donate directly to the Angel Baby Diaper Program, make purchases at the volunteer-run bake sale or Treasures tent, or purchase crafts and games in support of the Clinic’s Behavioral Health Integrated Care Room.
Chicago-area dealer Eric Wheeler said as a child growing up in the 1970s, he attended the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago preschool, and also received medical services there.
“I feel proud and blessed by my 50-year association with IWS, and as a dealer this year, I am grateful to have come full circle, to support the families at the Logan Square clinic.
Joe Schulenberg of Lake Forest attended on Sunday.
“When I was younger, I used to imagine a great superpower would be knowing the providence of an object just by holding it in your hands – this is a place for touching the past, for uncovering vintage secrets, and for seeing history come to life,” Schulenberg said.
Gina Grillo is a freelancer for Pioneer Press.
