The Chester County Historical Society held its 31st annual Antiques Show on April 5, 6 and 7. The theme for this year’s show was Architectural Elements in Furniture, and the weekend was kicked off in style with an exclusive Preview Party on Friday night. Held at the stable at The Phelps School in Malvern, this bucolic setting was a fitting locale to show off some of the Historical Society’s own collection, the wares of antiques dealers, as well as a spread of food and drink graciously provided by Jimmy Duffy’s and Doc Magrogan’s Oyster House.
When I walked into the stable, I was immediately greeted by tuxedoed servers offering up a glass of either red or white wine. I walked a little farther and time traveled to find myself in what appeared to be individual living rooms, all overflowing with furniture and other objects from various time periods. I couldn’t help but pretend that I was a Revolutionary War bride sitting at my writing table, sending a message to my love or a Civil War era mother cooking a meal for my children with the various pieces of antique cookware. I was brought back to present day when servers offered me some tasty passed hors d’oeuvres.
Highlights of the small bite hors d’oeuvres included the pulled pork bruschetta and the succulent duck confit spring rolls served with a tangy plum dipping sauce. My personal favorites were the honey brie, pecan and pear bruschetta, a sweet and savory combination that melted in my mouth, and the Caesar salad canapes: bits of lightly dressed, crisp shredded romaine and grated parmesan cheese served in a small flaky phyllo cup.
After wandering through the barn for a bit, I came across a beautiful raw bar filled with fresh oysters provided by Doc Magrogan’s. As servers freshly shucked the oysters, they were served with either Doc’s cocktail sauce or a shallot mignonette. It is fitting that there was a raw bar at this prestigious Chester County event. I was told that in the late 1800s and 1900s, there were more than a dozen places to enjoy oysters in West Chester. Doc Magrogan’s restaurant in West Chester is reminiscent of a classic 1900s Oyster House and takes you back to a simpler time of food, fun and merriment. This raw bar, coupled with the unique antique furniture, achieved the same atmosphere.
Now that my belly was slightly full, I was able to really delve into all that the Antiques Show had to offer. I gazed longingly at jewelry from another time and enjoyed chatting with a purveyor about a book of Chinese drawings that were brought to the United States on ships via England. The drawings were, unbelievably, still vibrantly colorful. I also relished the scrimshaw drawings—carvings into walrus tusks made by sailors. They often depicted women and I could imagine a lonely mariner dreaming of his lady, passing time while out to sea. But, my favorite item was a sign from the 1960s that simply stated “Downingtown Women’s Club.” I joked to my companion that I should buy it and resurrect the organization. I’ve come to learn since that there is still an active Downingtown Women’s Club, so perhaps I’ll join.
As if I weren’t full on the fabulous hors d’oeuvres, a trip down the center of the stables brought me to a lavish spread expertly executed by Jimmy Duffy’s. The longtime Chester County caterer presented their signature baby lamb chops, served with tarragon fingerling potatoes and a spicy Asian slaw served in endive. The evening was capped off with a delicious spread of desserts and coffee.
If you didn’t get to enjoy this year’s preview party or the antiques show, I highly suggest you put it on your calendar for next year. I guarantee that you will learn about Chester County’s intriguing past while savoring the best in food and drink.
To learn more about our local history, visit the Chester County Historical Society, located at 225 N. High Street, West Chester; (610) 692-4800.
Photographs credited to Nina Lea Photography. View more scenes from the Antiques Show’s Preview Party by clicking here.
