Dolly Johnson Antique and Art Show facts for kids
The Fort Worth Show of Antiques and Art is a big yearly event where people can see and buy old and interesting items. It started way back in 1963 in Fort Worth, Texas. For almost 50 years, the Johnson family, across four generations, worked hard to put on this show every year. It was held at the Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth's Cultural District.
In 2009, Jan Orr-Harter bought the show and changed its name to The Fort Worth Show of Antiques and Art. Today, it is the longest-running antiques show in the American West. It happens every March at the Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, Texas.
How the Show Started
The show was first created in 1963 by a woman named Dolly Johnson. It became a model for other shows that focused on American Country Antiques. These are old items from the countryside of America. Dolly Johnson was known as a "petite, fun-loving" manager of antique shows.
In the 1990s, Dolly's daughter, JJ Frambes, took over running the show. She worked to keep the quality high for the 50 special sellers who took part.
New Ownership and Growth
In 2009, JJ Frambes sold the show to Jan Orr-Harter. Jan had been a writer for the show for a long time. She owned her own antique shop in Aledo, Texas.
What Changed with New Leadership
When Jan Orr-Harter took over, she made some exciting changes. She added more art to the show, making it a mix of both antiques and art. She also brought in a wider variety of old items and more sellers. Jan also started using the internet to promote the event. She shared thoughts about what it means to live surrounded by old and vintage things.
