HECKLER COLUMBUS DAY EVENT 2007

Article written by Jeff and Holley Noordsy

Crisp, clear blue skies, comfortable temperatures and spectacular fall foliage greeted the many hundreds of antique bottle and glass collectors who made their annual pilgrimage to the Hecklers’ Columbus Day Event. More popular than ever in its ninth year, the day long affair drew folks from across the globe flocking en masse to the Heckler property in search of treasures. Affording dealers and collectors the opportunity to gather with friends in celebration of the hobby of bottle and glass collecting, this event has become a mainstay of the Keene Bottle Show weekend. Enthusiastic participants began arriving in the stonewalled fields just after dawn, even though the day did not officially begin until 9AM. Tailgating is encouraged here (and free to boot!) with the great majority of visitors taking advantage of that opportunity. Selling began at nine o’clock sharp (not a minute earlier!), as announced by the tolling of the Hecklers’ 19^th century church bell. The ensuing scene would best be understood and appreciated by collectors, as wide-eyed men and women dashed about wildly, frenetically seeking additions to their collections and/or sales inventory. Bottles, glass and table top antiques of all price ranges were proudly offered and as always, the selling was brisk. In fact, many of the tailgaters reported stronger sales in the Heckler fields than they were to have at the venerable Keene Bottle Show the next day.

After contemplatively navigating the tailgaters’ offerings, folks found their way to the stately four-story Heckler barn to preview the many fine objects offered at auction later that morning. This year’s sale was arguably the event’s finest, with eighty lots of quality bottles and glass (sold individually and in lots) ranging in value from several hundred to several thousand dollars. The auction itself was an old-fashioned, walkaround affair that provided humorous exchanges between noted raconteur Norman Heckler and his affable crowd. Though bottle and glass collectors are a friendly, close knit lot, they live by the adage that "there are no friends at an auction" and bidding was fierce. Still, with fun as the watchword of the day, everyone left the sale with a smile on their face.

Following the auction, many of those gathered appreciatively previewed the Hecklers’ upcoming absentee sale. The one hundred lots of antique bottles and early glass were housed in a small outbuilding and displayed beautifully. In canvassing the crowd, several long-time collectors noted that this sale was the best in recent memory. The offerings included bottles and glass of all categories in addition to an important group of figured flasks, with the sunburst category particularly well represented. Of particular interest and delight to those that previewed the sale was a stunning Lancaster railroad flask, which has since sold for $26,000 plus the 15% buyer’s premium.

One cannot deny that it is the allure of bottles and glass draw the crowds but with that said, it is the special touches that transform a simple gathering to an event, and the efforts of the Hecklers and their supporting cast does just that. Complimentary coffee and soft drinks were offered throughout the day, with donuts served at breakfast and a choice of corn chowder or hot dogs at lunch. Those with a sweet tooth were thrilled to once again find that David Sidelinger had donated ample amounts of his famous maple candies. The day’s festive atmosphere was reinforced by the spectacular autumnal-themed decorations created by Liz Maxbauer of Ann Arbor, Michigan. Each year, Liz spends countless hours preparing for the event and it was widely acknowledged that this year’s displays were her finest achievement to date. Special notice must also be given to Michigan’s John Pastor, who has been the event’s coordinator for the past two years. Under John’s firm-handed direction the day went off without a hitch once again. None of this, of course, would be possible without the generosity of the Heckler family and their willingness to share their home and property. Originally conceived as a small get-together of like minded hobbyists, the Heckler Columbus Day Event has blossomed into an important gathering celebrating the collecting of bottles and early glass. It is indeed a day that is not to be missed!