I had not been to this show in more than a dozen years, but it will not be that long before we go again.

It was mostly outdoor vendors, but there were quite a few dealers inside of buildings with a great selection.

I do not know how to grade this event, but I know I had a real feel of satisfaction with the things we bought. We spent quite a bit of money, but felt our investment was wise. Most of the items will bring more after a little work and restoration, and we purchased a number of things got well under current prices.

We headed for Route 47 for the trip home. In a previous article, I mentioned a new antiques mall in Woodstock. The Colonial Antique Mall is probably now the finest overall venue I have seen since I started writing this column. Located just 1/2 block off of Route 47 at Lake Avenue, Woodstock, it occupies 35,000 square feet on two floors. Their phone number is (815) 334-8960.

There are no reproductions or crafts, and the majority of items for sale would pass the 100-year test of true antiques. Probably about a third of the building is dedicated to good wooden furniture. If you are building a large home or a small bar, you should check this place out. We saw large cupboards, island cabinets and complete bars. There were dressers, beds, tables, even a working gum-ball machine with the shovel, similar to the one in the Courier Cafe, priced at $2,500.00. There are quality antiques, restored and refinished architectual items, mantles, built-ins, lamps, jewelry, primitives and collectibles. This place is so clean; you would think it had only been open a week instead of 2 years.

They have restoration supplies, hardware for furniture and people who repair glass, crystal and porcelain. It is open seven days a week, with layaway plans. It also offers furniture repair, refinishing and caning. I just can not say enough good things about this place.

For a last-minute trip, this was a real winner, topped of by a really great meal across the street at the Coleman and Company Restaurant and Bar.

Going up Route 47 to visit this mall and restaurant seems like a long trip, but if you truly enjoy quality antiques and good food, it is worth it. This mall will be what I judge other outlets by. On a scale of one to ten, and I do not believe there are any tens, this is a nine plus.

Having never met the owner, Lee Muto, I called one morning and learned that she lives above her business venture. She told me she has a group of young men who help her refinish and restore furniture. They are from local schools and come to her through the school work program. Most are about 15 years of age when they start and stay about three to four years. She employees a full-time professional carpenter and engineer plus three to four skilled bodies besides the students. I asked about how much of the 35,000 sqaure feet of space on the first floor and lower level was devoted to her own stuff. She said that her items were on the first floor and took about 5,000 square feet.

Muto has been refinishing for over 25 years and loves it.

Muto says her dealers come from Wisconsin and Illinois and help each other out, sharing ideas and information. Muto will not send them their monthly checks, as she thinks it is good for them to come in at least once a month to rearrange their area, visit and get paid.

Bob Swisher has been a collector since he was a child. Questions or comments can be directed to Swisher by writing to The News-Gazette, P.O. Box 677, Champaign, IL 61824-677, or by e-mail at aacana@soltec.net.