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2 - Antique Shoppe - www.antiqueshoppefl.com
Retro Recipe
WHAT’S IT WORTH ANTIQUES MINUTE OBITUARIES—

BY: Mike Ivankovich Flo Maddy Rife— passion, knowledge, and expertise,

Understanding the Antiques & Collectibles Pecking Order Florence E. “Flo” Maddy Rife, age that it became nationally recognized;

Here’s a concept that’s rarely discussed: “The Antiques & Collectible Pecking 69, passed away on July 9, 2020 in both in its specialty and for its
Sarasota, FL. She was born March 26,
reputation for quality, fairness, and
Order”. What I mean is that there are different “levels” within the Antiques & 1951 in Sanford, FL to the late Rudolph old-fashioned honesty and integrity.
Collectibles trade, and it’s sometimes interesting to watch an item move from one O. Maddy and Ethel C. Rogers Maddy. Her antique store and its reputation
level to the other, and how “value” changes at each level. Flo was a 48 year resident of Arcadia. was instrumental in the revitalization
This is a true story and a perfect example: Some years ago a friend purchased an of downtown Arcadia. Her role as
antique country wooden bucket, in original blue milk-based paint, at a Garage Sale She is survived by her husband of President/CEO of Antique Association
(level #1) for $1. The next day at a Flea Market (level #2) where we were both set 53 years Donald Rife, Sr. of Arcadia, of Arcadia allowed Rife to maintain
up, he sold it to me for $10. It was a fair price. I had no intention of selling it, and FL. They have three children: Donald her unique and highly successful
planed to take it home and add it to my collection. Rife, Jr. (Christi), Angela Rife Ehling vision for the fourth Saturday monthly
Another dealer, who was shopping the Market, saw the bucket and asked its (Jerrod Sr.), and Amy Rife Wuthrich antique fair that she initiated and
price. I said it wasn’t for sale. Before long the offer was $200 and I couldn’t say (Jonathan). Few things meant as implemented for Arcadia.
“No” any longer. I accepted the $200 and split it with my friend. I later learned that much to Flo as her five grandchildren;
the new owner was a high-end antiques dealer who took it to a high-end Antiques Eme Wuthrich (19), Susan Ehling Rife was strong-willed and
Show (level #3) where he sold it for $500 to a serious and wealthy collector (level (15), Jerrod Ehling Jr. (15), Anthony independent, traits that contributed to
#4). Roman-Rife (32), and Ryan Witmer her success. Rife was compassionate,
The point of this vignette is that something purchased for $1 at a Garage Sale on (15). Flo also has a younger brother; frequently opting to privately donate
a Saturday morning, sold for $500, the very next day. James (Diane) Maddy, 2 nieces, 1 to people and animals alike. Rife was
This illustrates the way merchandise can move through the Antiques & nephew, 2 grand-nieces, and 6 grand- an active and devoted member of
Collectibles Pecking Order, until it finally reaches the ultimate retail buyer. What a nephews. She was preceded in death the Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ.
great business we’re in. by her parents and a younger sister Known for her humor, her stories, and
WHAT’S IT WORTH? Eventually almost every collector reaches the point where Edna Ruth Maddy. for believing wholeheartedly in the
they decide to sell their collection. There’s a lot of great merchandise returning to Rife was a fourth generation values of old, Rife was well-respected
and loved deeply.
the marketplace today, with even more in the coming years. Which is great news antique dealer. Although she bought
if you’re a collector because, with declining prices and fresh merchandise, there and sold antiques beginning in the A Memorial Service and Celebration
probably hasn’t been a better time to collect over the past 25 years. 80’s, Rife opened her antique store of Flo’s life was held on July 25, 2020
in 1992. Naming her antique shop at Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Home,
Mike Ivankovich is an Auctioneer, Appraiser, Home Downsizing Expert, and host of the “What’s It Worth? Ask Maddy’s Antiques, in honor of her Arcadia. Online condolences can be
Mike the Appraiser” Radio Show. Now in its 5th year, “What’s It Worth” airs live Friday mornings from 9:30-
10:30 AM EST on WBCB 1490 AM, and on the Internet at: www.WBCB1490.com. You can also visit his Radio father, she insured, through her made at pongerkaysgrady.com
Show Web Site: www.AskMikeTheAppraiser.com.

World’s Fair Today, World’s Fairs in U.S. locales are just
Continued From Page 1 a distant memory; there hasn’t been one held on
our shores since the 1980s. Nowadays, visitors
are lured to such exotic Fair sites as Korea and
Plus, “Annie’s” rubbery lips had to be Shanghai. Those in search of domestic dazzlement
wiped thoroughly with rubbing alcohol need travel no further than Disney World (a
after each use, playing havoc with teenage current home of audio-animatronic Abe, and those
complexions. persistent “Small World” singing puppets.)
But for two brief summers during the 1960s, a
“Ben Franklin”, star real World’s Fair, right here in our own backyard,
of the “Tower of Light”
Show. After the close enthralled, entertained, and educated crowds from
of the Fair, a young around the globe. It was the New York World’s
collector requested the Souvenir china plates, each with a central image of the Unisphere, Fair, with its gee-whiz, gosh-almighty visions of
Light-up figurine—and and a border montage of other notable Fair attractions. 8” d., 7” d., the future. And wasn’t that future
received it! (Photo marked “Made in Japan”. $15-20 each. (Jan McKelvie Collection) wonderful?
courtesy of Gary
Holmes) However, time away from of Disney’s “It’s A Small World”. Indeed it was. Scout’s honor.
“Annie” was magical. My Fair During our “Small World” mini- Reference materials courtesy of Jan McKelvie;
notebook indicates that, over the cruise past multi-national singing and Andy Kaufman (www.worldsfairauction.com); Gary
summer, “Don saw 41 exhibits”. cavorting puppets, the boat ground Holmes; Bill Cotter, and Michael Alonge.
Photo Associate: Hank Kuhlmann
Among the favorites: General to a halt. We stayed as we were for Donald-Brian Johnson is the co-author of
Motors’ “Futurama”; GE’s about half an hour--but those happy numerous Schiffer books on design and collectibles,
including “Postwar Pop”, a collection of his
puppets kept on singing. I still have
“Skydome”; the Kodak “It’s A Small World” committed to columns. He eventually made it to Eagle Scout.
“Moondeck”; the Vatican memory. (Well, at least the chorus Please address inquiries to: donaldbrian@msn.com
Pavilion, with its awe- with the Swiss yodeler.)
inspiring “Pieta” sculpture; The emphasis of almost every Fair
the Illinois Pavilion with a exhibit was on, as General Motors
walking, talking Abe Lincoln put it, “things yet to come”. Every
(Disney’s first use of that day at the Fair, there was something
technology); U.S. Rubber’s new to see. . .something new to
80-foot Ferris Wheel in the explore. I think I owe much of my
shape of a gigantic tire; and, fascination with learning more about
Oval Unisphere tray with enamel decoration, marked of course, the Pepsi-Cola the unknown to my Scouting stint at
“Japan”. 7-1/4” l., $15-20. (Jan McKelvie Collection) Pavilion, featuring the debut the New York World’s Fair.