After a successful day of antiquing, Ron and Bettie Carlson packed their car with unique finds — a Middle Eastern camel saddle, a rare wool Steiff bear and a carefully crafted walking stick.
The pair, from Murrysville, bought the items during Sunday’s Antique & Collectibles Market at Historic Hanna’s Town.
It has been 20 years since the Carlsons began shopping at the market. Some days, they leave with nothing. Other days, they fill their car with collectible items.
“You can find some unique things here,” Bettie Carlson said.
In the past, they’ve purchased everything from end tables to a vintage French wine bottle at the outdoor market, which has been a community tradition since 1974.
Sunday’s market, which was the last of the 2022 season, welcomed 118 vendors. Sunny skies made up for the frosty October weather.
Kendra Harshberger, who sells items primarily from the 1800s out of an antique mall in Bedford, sold the Steiff bear to Bettie Carlson.
Though Harshberger’s passion for antiques began years ago, she didn’t begin selling them until recently.
“It’s rewarding when someone gets something that they love and we were able to be part of that,” she said.
The “people” aspect of the Historic Hanna’s Town market also drives Karen Newman to continue selling. Newman and her husband, from German Township in Fayette County, are collectors.
“You know so many of the people and you get to see them,” Newman said.
Anita Zanke, the library coordinator for the Westmoreland Historical Society, said people travel from across the state to attend the market.
Historical society volunteer Thelma Matthews said the market is nostalgic for many.
“You go back to your childhood when you come here,” Matthews said.
Rain or shine, the market takes place on the second Sunday of each month from May through October.
Vendor and parking fees help support the reconstruction of Historic Hanna’s Town, the site of the first seat of government for Westmoreland County until 1786.
“It’s a major fundraiser for the historical society,” Zanke said.
