Cannonsburg — It is nearly impossible for anyone to disguise their curiosities and interests when surrounded by items that helped define life in the past.

“I love lamps — as you can tell,” said vendor Sharon Easterling of Flatwoods during Saturday’s portion of the El Hasa Shrine Antique Show and Sale. “They all call me the lamp lady.”

Easterling, who owns Empty Nest Antiques, said Saturday’s crowd was sort of small, but definitely interested in spending money if people saw something they liked.

“It’s the law of supply and demand —if you’ve got what they want,” she said, explaining her strategy of stocking items including Roseville pottery, Aladdin lamps and Fenton glassware.

Jerri Cossett of Louisa, owner of Kentucky Roots, said she had excellent sales during Friday evening’s preview event including the sell of a antique feather tree — a Christmas tree made of dyed goose feathers. Specializing in primitive decor and furniture, Cossett said she admires the works of people who used their available resources to create things to make their life better.

C.R. “Porky” Nichols of White Eagle Antiques in Russell said he believed the small crowd was a reflection of current economic considerations.

“There’s buyers, but it is not the high-end stuff. They’re buying what they can afford,” Nichols observed.

A veteran of the antiques and collectibles market, Nichols said he saw one item in particular “that really turned me on,” while surveying the show’s merchandise. He pointed across the aisle to a space occupied by Mark Bailey, owner of Mark’s Antiques in Huntington and asked Bailey to show his hand-carved cane depicting portraits of 33 U.S. presidents, Jesus and a third degree Mason’s symbol.

“I’m positive this was carved in West Virginia,” Bailey said as the men examined the cane for details, with both agreeing the stick would sell for more than $1,000.

Nick McCoy of Ashland was pleased to find a copy of some sheet music composed by Louise Poage, a member of the family credited for founding Ashland. McCoy said he has a particular appreciation for items of local historical interest.

“I just appreciate it for the rarity of it really,” McCoy commented.

Elaine Messer of Messer’s Appraisal & Liquidation Service said she noticed Saturday’s shoppers were buying “the small things ... the pocket knives and the little specialty things. Things they can pick up and take with them.”

Sara Trimble of Priceless Possessions said she was a bit surprised people weren’t doing their Christmas shopping during the weekend event.

“People are really letting the boat leave them by not coming,” she said.

There was a gleam in Nicole Belville’s eyes as she spotted a old butter mold while strolling through the sale with her parents, Ed and Alisa, as well as her brother, Jake.

“I only have wooden ones and this one is glass. I’ve never seen a glass one,” she explained.

Terry Bryan of the Horsin’ Around antique shop in Huntington said the day began slowly, but picked up by quitting time.

“I’ve sold a lot of western collectibles,” he noted. “I sold a Roy Rogers lunch box to a collector today.”

A spokesman for El Hasa Shrine Temple said their next antiques sale and show will be held next spring.

TIM PRESTON can be reached at tpreston@dailyindependent.com or at (606) 326-2651.