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Annual vintage book, paper show is Sunday

MAYVILLE -- Those with an interest in history are welcomed to return to the annual Chautauqua Region Vintage Book and Paper Show as it makes its return to Chautauqua Suites at the beginning of August.

Held on the first Sunday of August every year, this year's show and sale is set for August 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Chautauqua Suites, 215 West Lake Road, Route 394. Over 30 dealers will be in attendance this year, dealing with a variety of historical paper and print artifacts both for showing and selling, including primarily vintage books, paper collectibles and ephemera, including postcards, photographs, prints, posters, historical items -- both local and beyond, sports memorabilia, and more, supplemented with a variety of other antique collectibles to provide things of interest for most everyone. Vendors will also include antiquarian, first editions, local history books, and some other vendors will be there that can help with family history and research. Authors of local and regional historical offerings will be in attendance as well, including Ken Springirth, author of many railroad history related publications.

Bob Johnston, Jamestown Street Railway Trolley Car #93 Restoration Project founder and Chautauqua Region Vintage Book Paper and Collectibles Show and Sale chairman, said he likes to bring the show and sale back every year as it gives him and those in attendance the opportunity to meet with dealers and collectors that share an interest in early history.

"We always have room for more dealers," Johnston said. "Bring your friends. We have a few new dealers this year, and there's always something interesting."

Johnston will have his own display there with the history of Trolley Car #93, and will also have a display at the old Mayville high school the following day for the county's history fair. Proceeds from the book and paper show go towards the Trolley Car #93 fund with the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation to help the trolley car get a building at the Fenton History Center and for continued preservation of what is pretty much the last of the hundreds of streetcars and trolley cars that serviced residents of Erie County and Chautauqua County, New York as well as Erie County, Pennsylvania. Admission is five dollars and children 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult.

"The show is a fun thing," Johnston said. "Those interested in early history will find something that interests them. I will have a display on post card collecting, and some for sale."

Johnston's display will also have his books for sale, "Early Chautauqua County New York Brewers and Bottlers", "Milk Bottles of Chautauqua County and Their Stories", which has been updated, and "Collecting Chautauqua County, New York Postcards".

Other dealers will have items such as sports cards and comic books, with Johnston saying there is a good chance people will come and be able to find something that interests them, though he also noted people do not always understand what all is included in the show. Some vendors will have Pan American items, such as posters and art work as well.

Often, Johnston added, people will bring their own items from home to share with dealers, and sometimes to sell, saying there are many there that can help people out with their own historic paper artifacts.

"I know it's a busy time of year, but proceeds from this show go towards a good cause, and we would like to have a nice showing," Johnston said. "A lot of people enjoy what they do and enjoy sharing that with people. We are always looking for more dealers, and there are many there that can help people out with their own items."

For more info about the Trolley Restoration Project and the show, visit jamestowntrolley.org.