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I pulled up to the Cobb Public Library Thursday night with four old baseball gloves in tow. Pat Reilly and I had carefully selected the four gloves earlier that day for an antique appraisal event that night, led by Antique Roadshow appraiser Mark Moran. I thought it would be fun to bring a couple over to the event and see what other items would be brought in by area residents - anyone that knows me well knows that I appreciate old things, and I myself am sort of an "old soul."
I was greeted with a smile by Cobb librarian Linda Gard, and welcomed by the 20 or so others who delicately grasped the items they brought along for appraisal. Some items were large, others were small, but it was interesting to see the variety and wonder - out of all their possessions, this item was the one they were most curious about.
Alice Bomkamp cradled a doll that had been given to her by her mother. Judy Fillback had several old books, including a heavy "Catholic Church in Wisconsin" book that had drawings of Ss. Anthony's in Highland before it had even been built! June Nagel sat on her possession - a beautifully crafted chair, part of a set that had been in her grandfather's house.
The item I found most interesting was brought in by Eileen Fingerson. It resembled a paddle of sorts - and Mark revealed that it was a Norwegian crafted "mangle board." It had an intricate carved design on it and featured a handle shaped like a horse (which is common, Mark said); Eileen shared that it had belonged to her grandmother, who was Norwegian.
Mark estimated the mangle at about 230 years old! He further explained its use - for pressing linens similar to ironing. They were made by young men as a gift for the woman they wanted to marry, with each one created specially.
"Beware of the man with many mangles," he said, recalling the old Norwegian saying.
When it was my turn, I walked to the front of the room with my boss's ball gloves. "If anyone knows my boss, you know he's a baseball fanatic," I explained. Some of the ladies in attendance shared that Pat's mother, Ruby, was also a baseball enthusiast, and it was neat to hear those memories.
Mark took particular interest in a Stan Musial glove and accompanying "How the Majors Play Baseball" booklet, searching his database for similar items that had sold. Paperwork is important, he said, and having the booklet made this particular item unique.
We all waited in anticipation as Mark gave his professional opinion on the value - about $75. So as it turns out, I wouldn't be skipping town that night with a ball glove worth a fortune. But I loved every minute I got to spend that night at the Cobb Library, learning about the residents who attended and the items they care for so deeply.
This isn't the only event happening at the Cobb Public Library - there are lots of events going on all the time, especially this summer! Be sure to read Carolyn Nagel-Thomas's Cobb News, check our Update section for events at the Cobb Public Library or give the library a call at 608-623-2554.