VALDOSTA, Ga. — The Garden Center Inc. continues its long-running tradition this week of an antique sale to benefit The Crescent.

Starting Friday, Oct. 6, and running through Sunday, Oct. 8, antique furniture, jewelry, heirlooms and collectibles will be available at Mathis City Auditorium, according to organizers.

The antique show and sale has been one of the chief fund-raisers for The Crescent almost annually for more than 50 years. Several years ago, the event was discontinued but, after a two-year absence, the tradition was revived in 2003.

There are several dealers coming to the show this year, Judy Pinkston, antique show chairperson, said in a statement.

“We have nine dealers returning to the show this year and five new dealers,” she said. “This is going to be a great show. There is something for everyone big or small – come buy early Christmas presents or splurge on yourself.”

Returning dealers are:

– Antiques by Wanda, Cantonment, Fla., jewelry, pottery, glassware.

– Angevines Fine Silver, Deland, Fla., antique silver and jewelry.

– Caroline’s Antiques, San Antonio, Texas, porcelain, cut glass, jewelry.

– Laroque, Atlanta, home accessories, estate jewelry.

– Molly’s Antiques, Crescent City, Fla., rose medallion, Imari, ABC Glass.

– Seven Sisters, Jacksonville, Fla., smalls, collectibles, books.

– The Purse Lady, Marietta, vintage purses, accessories.

Newcomer Schurter’s Curio Cabinet, St. Mary’s, sells Fenton glass and Shelly china.

John Forrester, Statesboro, repairs crystal and glassware on site, Friday and Saturday, with Pinkston encouraging people to bring items early Friday to ensure time enough to repair.

The Garden Center is charged with caring for the landmark Crescent, which regularly draws out-of-town visitors to its stately columns, while its spacious rooms and halls have hosted countless local wedding receptions and other activities through the years.

“While The Crescent property is available for rental, the expenses have risen over the past few years to $70,000 per year,” Garden Club Council President Rita Hightower said in a statement. “Additional funds for much needed repairs and upkeep are raised through the Antique Show.” 

The antique show has regularly supplemented the bulk of the money needed to maintain The Crescent, according to Garden Center representatives.

The Crescent was once the home of Col. William S. West and his family. The Crescent, built circa 1898 along North Patterson Street, became a reflection of West’s success.

The Crescent was the first home in Lowndes County to have electric lights, indoor plumbing and central heating, according to Garden Center history.

The large oaks on the grounds were planted after The Crescent was built; the house was not built around the trees as many people assume, according to the Garden Center.

By the middle of the 20th century, The Crescent was one of several buildings earmarked for demolition as one in a series of projects that removed numerous historic structures from the city before the historic-preservation movement gained local ground in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

The Crescent received a preservation movement of its own in the early 1950s.

The Garden Club, which would soon become the Garden Center Inc., learned of the potential fate of demolition for The Crescent.

Through the efforts of members Mrs. Leonard Mederer, Mrs. T.H. Smith and Mrs. R.B. Whitehead, the Garden Club purchased The Crescent in 1951, making the Wests’ former home the new home and restoration project of the Garden Club.

From 1951-83, Garden Center fund-raising was dedicated to completing the major restoration work on The Crescent. In 1980, The Crescent was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, according to Garden Center history. The antique show and sale has been a way to preserve The Crescent as well as share the interest in antiques with the region.

Antique Show & Sale

The Garden Center’s 57th Antique Show & Sale.

When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, Saturday, Oct. 6, 7; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8.

Where: Mathis City Auditorium, 2300 N. Ashley St.

Ticket: $5, advance; $7, at the door; advance tickets available from Garden Center members.

Lunch: Crab casserole, Friday, Camilla Garden Club; Chicken Crescent, Saturday, Dogwood Garden Club; Chicken Tetrazzini, Town and Country Garden Club.