I heard a rumor this week that Mike and Frank from American Pickers would be coming to Seale, AL to go to the Possum Trot Auction, which is on Butch Anthony's property. I am a huge admirer of Butch Anthony. He's one of the foremost folk artists in the nation, with his work in the Smithsonian, and widely collected around the world. He is also the partner of Natalie Chanin, owner and designer of the American couture line, Alabama Chanin, and author of two books in my possession, Alabama Stitch Book, and Alabama Studio Style. Butch has been on American Pickers before (remember the Piggly Wiggly mascot head?), and he was such a hit that they returned again this time. Here are Kat and I, before the heat, humidity, and crowds reduced us to sweaty, puffy, pink people.
Kat, her husband Daniel, and J and I got there around 7pm, set-up time, but there were no pickers to be seen! Seems they got lost (poor guys, almost happened to us too!). We picked a standing spot in the back corner where we were least likely to be in the way, and where we could see all the action. There were some incredible things up for bid, and I managed to score a gorgeous robin's egg blue Eskimo fan for $11 with the help of my amazing boss, Michelle (thanks Michelle!). I also got an incredible 100-year-old quilt in excellent condition for $20. After the guys from American Pickers got there, I scored a sweet and shabby old medicine cabinet for $10 (which I bought from Mike and Frank themselves, and Frank was kind enough to sign it for me).
Also, Kat and I spoke to Butch Anthony during a break between lots, and he agreed to give us a tour of his Museum of Wonder, and an interview for our blogs next Sunday. I'm so excited! I'm going to try to not be a squealing fangirl.
Here are Kat and I with Mike Wolfe. He was very nice!
And J and I with Frank Fritz. He says Nicholas Cage is a huge prick.
J and I outside the Antique Archaeology van with our treasures. It looks a little like a very strange version of "American Gothic". I look a little like a sweaty hillbilly. J somehow manages to still look good.
The auction house. Hot, cramped, sweaty, but fascinating. A true cultural experience!
The camera guys did a lot of filming right next to us (we must have picked the best spot in the house). At one point, he was literally standing between me and J, filming.
Here's my new medicine cabinet! They filmed me bidding on and winning it, and had me sign a release/consent form, so it may end up on the show!
Signed by Frank (very, very nice guy). I was really astounded by how nice they were, and very humble and down to earth as well. You'd expect them to be impatient and hurried, but they made sure to talk to everyone, pose for every photo, and sign everything handed to them. Frank stood and talked to J, Daniel, Kat and I for about 15 minutes or so, like we were all old pals.
I have been wanting one of these fans for ages! I was so tickled to get a working one so inexpensively. The lower body looks a little rough with age, I think I'm going to take it over to the auto-body shop and get a price quote on having it painted.
The quilt! It's in pretty darn good condition for its age. I'll be bathing it in Woolite, patching all the tiny spots where bits of fabric have eroded, and adding a new binding (it's binding is in rough shape in spots).
After that it will be good as new, and I plan on letting this bit of history warm our toes while we sleep.
After the exciting day I had today, I am exhausted! I'm going to go curl up in my soft, warm bed now. Tomorrow I'll post about my adventures with Kat earlier in the day!
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