As Berndt Meyer stood in his room at the annual Lakeshore Antiques & Treasures Christmas Open House on Saturday, he watched the steady stream of visitors moving from table to table, browsing through the treasures on display by local dealers.
For Meyer, it was more than just a chance to showcase his items — it was a way to share his passion for antiques with the community.
It’s great to have people come in and enjoy the atmosphere, said Meyer, who has participated in the open house for years. It’s a chance for businesses in the area to come together and showcase their treasures.
Lakeshore Antiques & Treasures held its annual Christmas open house and sale from Nov. 22 to 24, open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering a storewide discount of 20 per cent.
Each room at Lakeshore Antiques & Treasures is independently owned, with dealers working together through a cooperative business model. Meyer explained how the model allows each dealer to manage their sales while assisting others when needed.
“We rotate shifts. Each person works an average of five days a month,” he said. “On those days, we not only manage our own sales but also help with others, making sales and showing items from the other shops as best as we can.”
This collaborative approach adds to the sense of community which makes the open house special, he said.
As someone who has explored the different rooms many times, Meyer offered his thoughts on the variety of antiques displayed.
“You can really see the history and value in each piece,” he said, his appreciation evident as he pointed out specific items, such as the delicate porcelain in one room and a vividly coloured piece that came to life under a black light in another.
“Each room tells different stories,” he said, pointing out the craftsmanship and care given to each piece.
“It’s wonderful to see people coming in,” said Dianne Moody, who greeted guests at the door and assisted with transactions.
Moody said it was great seeing the community enjoy the antiques and leave with something that tells a story.
Meanwhile, as people strolled through the different rooms, the hum of chatter filled the air, blending with the scent of fresh-baked goods.
“We really look forward to doing it every year,” said Betty Ann Lepp, who ran the apple cider stand and baked goods table. “We anticipate a nice turnout.”
The cider, which was sourced from Palatine Hills, proved to be a hit among guests.
As the day progressed, the variety of unique offerings became more apparent, with John Monaghan’s Japanese room standing out as one of the highlights.
Monaghan, who specializes in European and Japanese antiques, said the open house provided great exposure for his room — which even has a presence in Japan.
Although his shop wasn’t part of the sale, he welcomed the opportunity to share his collection with the crowd.
