Tuesday, May 7, 2024

Field Guide to Coronado History: Stories of History in Every Antique

Fascinating, intriguing, or thoughtful tales about people and places in Coronado history — presented by your Coronado Historical Association

If you don’t learn anything else as an active member of the Coronado Historical Association, you learn of the hidden stories that are buried within almost every antique or family heirloom that comes our way.

The Coronado Historical Association maintains an expansive professional Archive contained in what used to be the Bank of America’s vault here in our building. Several times each month Coronadans swing by with an antique or piece of historical memorabilia in their hands to add to our Collection highlighting Coronado history.

The neat thing has been the stories that complement these items. Just imagine the tales that have accompanied: a Japanese battle headband from World War II, a four-generation family portrait taken at Tent City, flippers from a Navy SEAL, a life ring from the ferry Crown City. Many of these priceless pieces of the past came from back closets or dusty attics. Some of these are connected with Navy deployments or overseas travel, some are simple hand-me-downs from family members.

CHA’s involvement with historic memorabilia has taught us that there may be hidden value in many of these pieces, value that is not often recognized by Coronadans. To further our mission of service to Coronado and to spur trips to local attics, garages, or back rooms, CHA plans to hold a unique antiques appraisal event right here in Coronado

On Saturday October 4th, the Coronado Historical Association will host its first Coronado Treasures Roadshow at our building at 1100 Orange from 8 am to 5 pm. The event will be televised locally on Channel 19 and is intended as a way for residents to conveniently obtain an appraisal of valued antiques or family treasures for insurance, estate planning, eBay sales, charitable tax deductions, or other purposes.

CHA has invited six professional appraisers to the event specializing in Antiques, Fine Arts, Asian Art, Jewelry, and Gems. Rather than having to go through the complex and time-consuming steps to obtain your own appraisals, we are bringing these professionals to you.

If you are interested in this service, CHA encourages you to sign up for appraisal appointments on our website at www.coronadohistory.org. There is no limit to the number of antiques you can have appraised. Appointments are expected to fill fast and are allocated on a first come, first served basis. A nominal fee per object of $15 for CHA Members and $18 for non-members will help us cover costs.

… and bring your stories with you as well!

By Bruce Linder

Come visit the Coronado Museum and the Coronado Historical Association archives for this story and others. The entire compendium of intriguing “Field Guide” tales is posted on www.coronadohistory.org. © CHA



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