Flea market weekends turned into a 30-year tradition for this Macon family
Many volunteers with the Historic Macon Foundation’s annual flea market have been involved with the event for so long that they say it feels like a family, but for three women, that really is the case.
Katie Griffis, her mother Kathy Griffis and her grandmother Gloria Wynn have all been working together at the flea market for over 30 years. Wynn began the tradition in 1983 to help raise money to save the Sidney Lanier Cottage, which had been owned by Wynn’s aunt. A couple of years later, her daughter joined in and since the late 1980s, Katie has been involved.
“Every year, this is just what we did,” Katie said. “ We didn’t have a choice. It was flea market weekend and we went, and we loved it. I love the people. I love the things Historic Macon supports, and of course spending time with my family.”
They have always worked in what they call the “fine items” section, which is a collection of various antiques and collectible items, including crystal, silver, paintings and other unique pieces.
The highest price item they have this year is an antique oriental chest for $400. Although they’ve learned a lot through the years about the value of such items, they don’t claim to be experts. Macon antique dealer William Slocumb helps them with the pricing.
Their work involves a lot more than arranging the items on a shelf and selling them. They spend hours cleaning the items.
Wynn said she has enjoyed doing the work with her daughter and granddaughter.
“They have naturally sort of fallen into it,” she said. “I’ve got some others who have helped through the years.”
Rachelle Wilson, director of engagement with Historic Macon, said they were expecting to collect about $15,000 at last year’s spring sale and ended up making about $25,000.
Funds go toward Historic Macon’s preservation programs.
People donate items throughout the year, often after loved ones die or go into assisted living. A wide range of items are offered for sale, including household items, yard tools, Christmas ornaments, vinyl albums and more.
Two Victorian couches are among the notable items this year, including one listed for $2,000.
One of Wilson’s favorite items is a “fainting couch.” That’s an antique, one-sided couch similar to a chaise lounge, and it’s the first one Wilson has seen in her six years with the flea market.
“Every sale has it’s one character and all the items have their own stories,” she said.
Historic Macon has held a fall flea market for 41 years, but this is only the second year they’ve had a spring flea market. It’ll take place Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 357 Oglethorpe St., next to Macon Beer Company.