One year into new ownership, Fairgrounds Antiques, the Monadnock region’s oldest group shop, is going strong. "We are still excited by our purchase," said proprietors Peter Shepard and Victoria Hawkins, who maintain that even during these difficult economic times, the "thrill of the hunt" continues to draw dealers and other antiquers from near and far .
   "We are just amazed at how readily this shop attracts potential customers. After one visit, people just seem to be hooked," said Victoria.
   And that’s because at the Fairgrounds, the sense of discovery prevails and great buys are still to be found. It’s a mecca for dealers and friends.
   Both Hawkins and Shepard had their own booths at the Fairgrounds before seizing the opportunity to buy the shop last year. Familiar with the shop and its history, they knew they didn’t need to reinvent the wheel. "We loved the Fairgrounds just the way it was and didn’t want to lose the lively, friendly atmosphere that is so attractive to our customers. We wanted the transition of ownership to be seamless and invisible. In that, I believe we succeeded."
   To help gauge the effectiveness of their advertising, Peter and Victoria recently did a casual written survey of customers coming through the door. (See sidebar comments to the right). To their delight, the survey confirmed what they believed to be true. Word of mouth is the shop’s greatest ally and reflects the shop’s enduring strength.
   “Most customers have been coming to the shop for years -- try 28 years as one example!” said Hawkins.
   "We have a strong family of more than 60 dealers who provide a great variety of merchandise. Our customers make a beeline for their favorite booths -- in hopes of making one more score. Some make the rounds every day!"
   It’s also no secret that fresh merchandise arrives daily at this shop.
   Hawkins and Shepard always hope to see new faces and promise a welcoming smile and helpful service. "Our staff has been here longer than we have," says Hawkins. "They’ll make you feel at home."
   Fairgrounds Antiques (and collectibles!) is open seven days a week, except for major holidays, from 9 to 5. It’s located on Route 12 in East Swanzey, NH at the Cheshire Fairgrounds in the big red barn. You can’t miss it. Make it YOUR destination. It’s worth the trip! Telephone 603-352-4420 for more details, or look for their ad elsewhere in this issue of the Gavel.

   After 30 years of operating in a steel Quonset-style building, the owners of the Brookline Auction Gallery in Brookline, NH have decided to demo the old and build new.
   “We now have a new 7200 square foot Morton Building, with many upgrades. Bigger and Better Kitchen, New Sound System, larger Handicapped Accessible Rest Rooms, No More Cement Flooring, Better Lighting, etc,” said auctioneer Ron Pelletier. “ We will be able to offer more quality auctions in a comfortable setting.”
   “We have also included a large storage- warehouse area,” he continued, “where we will be able to process more merchandise, in a more efficient manner.
   “We look forward to welcoming back our old customers and look forward to having new customers join us. Come and see for your self. We believe you will be pleasantly surprised.”
Visit them online at:    www.brooklineauctiongallery.com
   Brookline Auction Gallery LLC is owned and operated by Ron and Kathy Pelletier. They can be reached at 603-673-4474.