Rare Finds at Canton Trade Days

Most everyone in Northeast Texas knows about Canton Trade Days, the event that boasts itself as the "World's Largest Flea Market." Lately the reviews have been mixed about what types of items you can find at Canton. It seems more people are finding craft items than collectibles. So this month, The Rare Collections decided to scour the vendor booths in search of some truly rare finds.


First some background for those readers who are not familiar with this event. The weekend before the first Monday of each month, the small town of Canton, Texas (population 5,000), accommodates more than 200,000 visitors during it's monthly Trade Days event. The event started in the 1860's as a livestock auction at the courthouse held on the first Monday of each month. Today, it is a 4 day event with thousands of vendors with everything from antiques to kettle corn to crafts and collectibles.

There are many different areas to shop, from the east gate to the original grounds to the civic center and various markets outside the grounds that piggyback onto the event. For this review, we're sticking to the event grounds, but there is so much to see, we can't possibly get to all of the shopping areas in one weekend. 


We decided to start in the East Gate Village at 19th street near the end of the grounds. Parking is on the left, the grounds are on the right. This is where we had a booth on our collectibles tour last November.  This is a charming area of shanty-like wooden buildings, each painted a different color. The grounds are a bit uneven and there is a big hill, but there are some regular vendors in this area that are worth the trek. Rumor has it that this area is slated to be torn down and rebuilt for a more safe and modern shopping experience. That's probably good for the long term, but this area is  nice change from the modern booths that dominate the grounds.

Right after you enter the east gate, there is a shop on the left about two doors down called Moore Than Imagined. Owned by Peggy and Donnie Moore, this shop is a sister location to their antique store in Chandler, Texas. They have a lot of vintage and antique items. Prices are reasonable and they will haggle a bit. They have furniture, glass, toys, records, household items and much more. They have built a collection that puts vintage pop culture with lovely antiques. There are a few odd items, but hey, it's Canton, so why not.

Outside on the porch they have a number of vintage drink coolers with advertising from Coca-cola, Dr. Pepper, 7up and more. These are great items because they are highly collectible pieces from the days of general stores, but also very usable. They keep drinks nice and cold, yet look much better than the coolers of today.

  
Inside is where the real treasure is. You'll find vintage and antique furniture, true rare collectibles and unique finds. The highlight of the shop is this very rare and beautiful 1890's original kerosene oil cast iron table lamp with green marbled outer shade in excellent condition. The flame spreader is marked "THE IMPROVED M&W 94 LAMP." The Matthews and Willard Mfg. Co. of Waterbury, Connecticut manufactured lamps from 1890 until 1904. I have not seen one that works and is in such great condition. This piece is a great buy at $250.

While we were there, one happy shopper came by to pick up her purchase; a large vintage Mobil oil can she's planning to give to her father to add to his collection.  She was happy to pose with her purchase, but asked that we simply refer to her as, "all shopped out." The shop will hold items for you until 5pm (and of day) so you are free to shop the grounds without having to lug your items with you.

So, it's only day one and we already found a shop with really unique and truly antique items. We'll see what we find today, but so far our opinion is that among the many craft and food vendors, Canton still offers some rare collections.