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Buttons, matchbooks, dolls, handmade jewelry, soapbox derby racing, baseball and more were among the varied interests featured at the Federalsburg Historical Society’s Hobby Fair on Saturday, July 25, at the museum on Covey-Williams Alley.
The fair has a rich history dating back to the 1930s, according to Dicky Wheatley, who coordinated this year’s event. There is even an official Hobby Fair statue.
Wheatley said Hobby Fair was started by teacher Max Chambers at the old Federalsburg High School. Chambers later became editor of the Preston News and Farmer, where he wrote two regular columns, Hobbies and Hobby Riding. The Historical Society has been hosting the fair for at least the last 15-16 years, he said.
The fair is open to everyone, whatever their hobby, Wheatley said. “The idea is to get people into the museum.”
Some hobbyists return from year to year, oftentimes choosing to highlight different interests. For example, Federalsburg Town Councilman Ian Ferguson featured his Fiesta collection on Saturday, educating visitors about the tableware line and how it could be purchased by the piece. He said he bought his first plate at a Goodwill store when his wife was attending Salisbury University. Ferguson pointed out the different colors, yellow, turquoise, cobalt, and radioactive red (a bright orangish color) that was really radioactive, which he demonstrated with a Geiger counter. Ferguson said he featured his collection of shark teeth last year.
Some people highlighted multiple interests, like Maggie McConnell of Federalsburg, who displayed her collection of postcards, bank notes, and space, in addition to a World War II exhibit featuring memorabilia from a local prisoner of war’s family. McConnell said this was her first time at the Hobby Fair.
Pastor Marie Turpin Coulbourne brought her cameo jewelry, Norman Rockwell collectibles, and firefighting mementos. She said she sometimes wears the antique cameos that were passed down through the family. The firefighting collection featured her late husband Wayne, who was a member of the Federalsburg Volunteer Fire Department for 52 years.
Donna Glime of Federalsburg showed her collection of buttons, buckles, and pins created from seashells by the old Excelsior Pearl Works, which produced buttons for the garment district in New York City, her husband said.
Woodturner Tim Moore and carver Howard Freeman had displays of their artistry. Sharon Dennis demonstrated her woodburning, and Pat Jester made jewelry during the fair. Both Dennis and Jester had handmade items for sale. Jester also exhibited a collection of antique dolls that included one constructed of empty thread spools, which she said was made by her aunt and uncle in the 1940-60s for leper children.
Ella Abbott and her dad Jacob had a large display featuring some of Ella’s soapbox derby trophies, medals, and photographs. Having won the local races, Ella, 14, now travels to compete in super stock and masters classes.
Janet Bacorn of Preston filled a table with part of her Barbie collection. She said she had been collecting dolls for more than 25 years and has more than 1,200 Barbies alone. Of the ones on display Saturday, she said the Ralph Lauren Barbie was her favorite.
John Phillips, whose hobby was genealogy, had traced his family roots to Picton Castle in England. Nathaniel Merriken displayed his Matchbox and Hot Wheels cars. Zoe Durando collected items featuring the video game character Kirby. Gina McConnell featured her collection of art glass boots, although she said she also collected glassware hats and Copley chickens. Other displays included such things as model building, baseball, and arrowheads.
