Once Ros Winslow started to collect antique glass and other items about 15 years ago to decorate her home, she became hooked.
After only a few years as an antique collector, the Kent woman also became a dealer.
Winslow will be one of about 40 vendors to display more than 200 tables of glassware, pottery, jewelry, china and other collectibles at the 32nd annual Green River Glass Show and Sale from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday at Kent Commons.
Admission is $3. Proceeds benefit local chapters of the American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
“All of the proceeds go to charities, that’s what I like about this show,” said Winslow, a retired nurse from Valley Medical Center in Renton.
Winslow will have four table displays of various items at the show, including Depression-era glass manufactured in the 1920s and 1930s during the Great Depression. She has a bar decorated with the distinctive glass, including Cambridge pieces, in the basement of her home.
Winslow plans to display more of her inexpensive items rather than expensive pieces because of the tough economic times.
“Spending is down now,” Winslow said. “I will not take many $200 pieces. I’ll take a lot of glasses that people can buy to add to their collection. People want small, fun items.”
About a dozen years ago, Winslow joined the Green River Depression Era Glass Club to learn about selling pieces. The club sponsors the annual show in Kent.
“I wanted to learn more about glass-selling and I enjoy the fellowship of the other people who enjoy glass,” Winslow said. “Most are dealers and are at the show every year.”
This marks the 10th year for Winslow at the Kent show. Her husband, Larry Winslow, a retired Boeing engineer, helps with the table displays.
“He goes with me and when the guys get bored, they come over to our tables and talk sports with him,” Winslow said.
The featured guests at the show will be Randy and Debbie Coe, of Hillsboro, Ore., who are authors of numerous books on collectable glassware. Randy Coe will identify glassware for show attendees for free with a limit of two items per person.
Roy Taylor also will be on site to repair chipped glass items.
Winslow has decorated her house with antiques. She has numerous glassware displays in the dining room, living room and family room.
“I keep looking for pieces to add to my collection,” Winslow said.
She finds many items at antique shops across the state, from Puyallup to Chelan.
The Kent grandmother also hopes to influence her three children and five grandchildren to collect antiques.
“I’m trying to express to them the value to have old, nice things,” she said.
Glass manufactured by Cambridge, Fenton, Fostoria, Heisey and many more will be among the items displayed by vendors. The companies made thousands of pieces during the peak in the 1930s. But many manufacturers went out of business as the nation geared up for World War II.
And the glassware isn’t just for display at home. Winslow doesn’t hesitate to use Depression-era glass because the items are so well-made.
“Things don’t break that easy,” she said.
IF YOU GO
What: Green River Glass Show and Sale
When: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28
Where: Kent Commons, 525 Fourth Ave. N.
Cost: $3
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