I had no idea what I was going to see as I rang the doorbell at the Richard Miller home in Joetown. I told him I heard he had antiques and would do a story on them. “Who told you that?” I said I couldn’t remember anymore.

Richard and Martha have been collecting glassware and antiques for 10-12 years. Glassware they collect is Victorian era, Greentown glassware, Chocolate glass, Holly Amber, Custard glass, Hiesey glass, Carnival glass, Delft Country dishes, Northwood Leaf Medallion, Bone China cups and saucers, Fastoria glass and just name it.

In the picture, you will see 300 pieces of glassware they took to a sale in March at Rock Falls, Illinois.

Semi-retired in 1988, they really got interested in this project. They would go to antique sales and buy name items.

Richard would get antique books and research the value of the articles he purchased. They went to a tooth pick holder convention and that got them started in getting many beautiful tooth pick holders. Then there is the bell collection, thimble collection, and the glass of gold collection.

There are many beautiful cupboards and desks, old and new, that Richard made and worked on. They thing that took my eye was the one he pointed to and said, “this is the only one in the world.” The reason was that it was a corner cupboard with a reverse curved glass in it. It was a beauty. He can verify all glassware he has in the book selection he has. He rebuilt a marble top commode.

The musical marble roller he made was of great interest. Also, a display case that has old, old Methodist hymnals and a complete set of all National Geographic Magazines from 1916 on.

I could go on and on about all the many things Richard and Martha collect, but I am afraid I can’t do justice to all of them. He says, “It’s a hobby.”

In case you want to know which Richard he is, he is Alvin and Paul Howard’s brother. Also, Richard is in one of the Brick Layers Duplex housing units at Pleasantview Home.

All in all, it was a hard time to leave this interesting couple and the many items they have. They may sell more items as they grow older.