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Zern's Vendor Spotlights |
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Cliff’s Puzzles and Hobbies
PUZZLES AND UNIQUE HOBBYCRAFT -
Stand Number Eight, North Wing
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Cliff Kohler ,a gentle soft-spoken gentleman from Easton, Pennsylvania is a new and very popular ZERNIE vendor. Selling puzzles in the tri-county area since 1987, Cliff came in to Zern as a vendor in November 2008, and has done two expansions already. Kohler works with over twenty-five different puzzle companies.
At the high end, he sells an 18,240 piece puzzle made by Ravensberger, and gets at least two puzzle fanatics every week to admire the huge game of skill. Designs include a rain forest and a World Atlas in a red box that sells for $99.98. (The puzzle lists retail for $150.00).
Within a few weeks of opening at Zerns Farmers Market, Cliff sold two of the 18,000 piece puzzles. “It just shocked me and I waited for someone to say “Smile you are on Candid Camera….because given the economy, I didn’t expect two sales in one week! One was an older lady and the other a woman in her twenties, which shows just how broad the range of puzzle addicts is out there. Both ladies had seen the puzzle in a book, and wanted to try the Historical World Maps. I have only one left as that series has been discontinued. “
Beginning with a hobby shop in Nazareth , Pennsylvania in 1987, Cliff says that he never really closed it; “I just changed things and went to Bethlehem and Quakertown. Now it is great to be out on my own at Zerns” Cliff affirmed. “The people seem more laid back and understanding, and curious about puzzle-solving. The shoppers are more family-oriented at Zerns and there are a lot more puzzle people than I had at other markets. Most had not seen so many puzzles in one place!”
Cliff says that "the word of mouth advertising has been great" and even though he markets 3000 kinds of puzzles, folks sometimes come in and ask, "Is that all you have?" He also sells stationary steam toys that work on steam, with twelve different models that use steam and an alcohol-based fuel. The models will run as long as the water is at a certain level and there is a safety valve to insure there are no accidents.
New for summer is a Scrabble square game, with a five minute challenge to figure out the puzzle, happening on site at Cliff's stand every Friday and Saturday, with a reward of a free puzzle. Winners can pick out and take home a B. Dazle Scrabble puzzle free.
Cliff assured us that there are still Ravesnsberger puzzles marketed in the 18,000 piece range; one is ‘Tropical Impressions,’ and another is Skylines of the World, which is the world largest jigsaw puzzles - so large in fact that it contains the skylines of four of the greatest cities in the world (San Francisco, Sydney, New York and Singapore). Each image is packed in a separate bag. Are you up to the challenge?
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WHICH CAME FIRST? THE CHICKEN OR THE EGG?
ERUDITE EGG NEST VENDOR at ZERN'S GIVES THE ANSWER!
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We asked one of Zern's Farmers Market's erudite vendors, Richard “Rick” Mitchell, owner of the popular THE EGG NEST, the nearly unanswerable question. What came first, the chicken or the egg? With a chuckle, Rick responded: “If you are looking into evolution, it would be the egg. But from a religious point of view it would be the chicken! “ From either perspective, you will find the freshest eggs and delicious freshly cooked chickens for sale at THE EGG NEST.
The Egg Nest has been at Zerns Farmers Market for decades, specializing in a few popular products that people love to eat and talk about.
Rick’s adventure with The Egg Nest started in July 1998. As former customer since he moved to Pennsylvania in 1976, Rick purchased and enjoyed food from this stand for over a couple decades. When he heard the business was possibly for sale, his enquires led to business ownership.
The Egg Nest is on Facebook and offers coupons on a regular basis. Stop in to pick up a free refrigerator magnet --no purchase necessary. The Egg nest has given out over 7000 refrigerator magnets already.
Rick Mitchell sells logo T-shirts, and can provide catering for parties, weddings, and class reunions. But the big sellers continue to be VERY fresh white and brown eggs from cage-free hens, supplied by a local farmer, including double yolk eggs on request, a barbecued chicken based on an Amish recipe, rotisserie ham and sautéed gizzards, livers, and mushrooms, all marinated in a tasty marinade made from seven secret spices in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Cooked specialties are prepared fresh from scratch each Friday and Saturday just before the market opens to the public. Phone Rick Mitchell for additional information at 610 473 0888, Stand 107 at Zerns Farmers Market. TheEggNest@comcast.net.
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BanjoJimmy
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BANJO
JIMMY
LIGHTS
UP THE WEEKENDS AT ZERN'S |
Banjo Jimmy LaRue, age 64, is one of our favorite 'Zernies"
and if you are lucky, you can meet him on a Friday or Saturday
night in Center Court or walking through the aisles,
strummin' and jammin' at Zerns Farmers Market. Born in
Coatsville, Pennsylvania, and currently a resident of Leola
resident, Jimmy started banjo pickin' when he was eight years
old.
Jimmy recalled that, "Stepgranddad owned a little banjo and
he used go up to the attic to play sometimes. One day, I sneaked
up to the attic and tried it, one string at time, little ditties
like "You are My Sunshine."
Of course, he got caught, when his grandfather came home
unexpectedly one day. Jimmy was scared of getting spanked up in
the attic, but - - instead of a licking, Granddad said"
"I want to hear you do that again, boy!"
"I was so scared, I started playing on one string, but
granddad got the guitar out and played along on the chords with
me! And after he passed away, I taught myself all the
chords.".
Years later, Jimmy LaRue got his wish to play with the famous
Preservation Hall Jazz Band.
Never married, Banjo Jimmy used to work with ponies, setting up
rides for happy children at festivals and schools in a tri-state
area. Many people remember him working for eighteen years at
John G. Stump gas stations, and in theatres in the Lancaster
region. On weekends at Zern's Farmers Market, Banjo Jimmy is
often joined by Paul Painter from New Jersey, and Bob Krieder of
Lancaster on the bass fiddle. Not long ago, a customer who
played a mean harmonica joined in.
Catch Banjo Jimmy and his cronies at Zern's and join the music
and fun!
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HAlOerlman
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Hal
Perlman,
Book Vendor West
Wing
Stand Number 141
Hal's Book Store |
HAL has left Zerns due to health problems as of December 2009 and he will be missed by vendors and customers. Thank you
Hal Perlman, our affable book vendor, hails from Elkins Park,
Pennsylvania, and started selling books at Zern's Farmers
Market, twenty-four years ago in 1979. During his freshman year
in college, where he was taking courses in marketing and
communications, a car accident curtailed his activities. A
friend told him about a book stand for sale at Zern's; the
former owner, Ned's was retiring after forty years. The transfer
started a new career for Perlman. "I had to dispose of most
of the books," he said, and "start with new
inventory."
Hal began with used paperbacks, inexpensive coloring books,
storybooks and magazines, and all occasion cards, two for $1.
Now he carries much the same stock, plus old National Geographic
magazines, and the full series of Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys
books. There is also a selection of monopoly games, magazines
and books, a bargain at 25% off the cover price. Best buy?
Current paperbacks are 4 for $5. Hal is married to Lisa; the
couple met while she was working at another Zern's stand -
-Carr's Seafood. Their first communication, Hal remembers
sheepishly, was "Can I have a coke please?" The
Perlmans have a nine year old son and one year old Julie, who
can sometimes be spotted being wheeled into the market on top of
the book stacks. Stop by and ask to see photos!
Perlman keeps close tabs on what the industry is doing and what
holds the popularity year after years. The Goosebumps books were
hot for awhile, he commented, and we couldn't keep enough in
stock. Now that has all faded away. One guy asked him for
"used crossword puzzles!" With two uncles working in bulk magazine sales, Hal Perlman has
a ready supply of fresh stock at reasonable prices, and
maintains another bookstand at New Castle Farmers Market, in
Delaware.
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annamaeshaner'sgiftsandcollectibles
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Anna Mae Shaner's
Gifts and Collectibles
Stand 151
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Bill Shaner sells distinguished dogs and Harmony Kingdom Boxes |
Anna
Mae Shaner
A Zern's
vendor for thirty-five years, Anna Mae Shaner got started as a
Zern's vendor back in 1968, out in the open-air flea market. She
sold first and seconds shirts produced in her husband and
brother-in-law's Perkiomen Knitting Mill in East Greenville. The
shirts at 50 cents each, were a hit at Zern's. The bargain price
was because they were from dye lots that didn't set. Mrs. Shaner
was careful to tell her 50 cent buyers to be sure to "soak
in salt water and vinegar to keep them from running."
In 1970, Anna Mae switched to collectibles and antiques with the
opening of her first inside stand. She had long collected
Hummel, and antique glassware, it seemed a natural choice. Anna
Mae's son, Bill began working at Zern's at age thirteen, running
the outside stand, selling shirts and antiques. In 1988, the
Shaners expanded on certain upscale giftlines, stone resin
pieces from Mill Creek Sculpture, Marty Sculpture of elephants,
dogs, cats and whimsical baby dragons, and the beautiful
Castagna line of wildlife sculpture.
The Shaners are avid dog fanciers, and their extensive line of
dogs demonstrate this well - - - they have one of the largest
selections of dog breed figurines, even vying with the Berks
County Humane Society!
After twenty-seven years, the Shaners are still sometimes
surprised by the specialty requests from collectors. One popular
item is the array of Harmony Kingdom Collectible Boxes from
England-that have a hidden acorn or mouse or mystery item hidden
somewhere on the piece, depending upon the artist.
"We have loyal customers that have been coming to us for
twenty years," says Bill. "And we carry the largest
selection in the area of many lines, we believe that if you are
going to order a product you have to show and display the
product. One or two of the line just won't do."
One long time client keeps asking for figurines of roller
skaters - - - let him know if you know where to find this!
Another frequent request is for 'ceramic pieces of obscure dog
breeds.' There is always humor at the busy stand 151 at Zern's.
One weekend, the Shaners had a replica of Michelangelo's David
displayed on top of a glass case, and three elderly ladies
passed by. When one exclaimed, "Look at the Naked
Man!" - - the other two ladies said , "Where,
Where"?! "Like a bunch of schoolgirls," Bill
smiled. .
Partner Jeff Klopp started at Zern's market in 1969 with his
parents with Klopp's Ceramic Stand, and met the Shaners years
later, after Klopp's was sold to Jeff's sister. In 1990,
he started with Anna Mae Shaner Gifts and Collectibles Says
Bill, "Ours is a recession proof product because people
adore their pets and it is a steady ongoing love affair with
animals!, Jeff added."
Anna Mae celebrated her 72nd birthday this year. In her spare
time, this spunky widow takes care of landscaping her yard, and
swimming in her own deep pool in warm weather.
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danbreslinestatejewelrystand
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Gentleman
Jeweler with a Heart
Neill Breslin, Estate Jewelry Stand 130-B |
Neill
Breslin
White-haired Neill Breslin looks like a gentleman and is one. This
Philadelphia born estate jeweler estimates that he has been in
and out of Zern's for forty or fifty years! Many of those
years, Neill worked from a stand in the flea market, and then, the
right spot came along inside, Stand 130-B in the middle of the
West Wing.
Breslin's specialty is pre-owned jewelry, older pieces that have
survived time. To collectors, the intrinsic value could be
greater than the gold and gems, like the brooch one customer
bought that had been a Christmas day present - - eighty years
ago. "We don't have enough of it," laments Neill, "
about half of what I have is more contemporary jewelry and it
doesn't have the same feeling for people that love estate
merchandise. Most of my customers look for older pieces, things
that their grandmother's might have worn, I often hear 'oh, my
grandmother had one just like this.'"
With a smile of satisfaction, Neill says, "This is a really
nice business. I have been doing it for thirty some years, and
many of these pieces of jewelry are like little works of art! I
have some Civil War period items, and even older, hair jewelry
on display." 0ne piece is dated 1839, pre-Civil War, a
woven hair locket. These pieces are treasures and Neill can rarely
be convinced to take them out of the glass display cases.
"I have one pair of earrings and pendant that is gold with
the hair woven into it, exquisite." But some of the pieces
are just too fragile, and are kept mostly in a collection,
rather than worn. Breslin even has an original soldier's
government pension - - at the time it was $3 a month!
To find the special jewelry that he sells at Zern's Farmers
Market, Neill haunts specialty auctions, looks at listings
in the Philadelphia Inquirer, or calls the auctioneer to see
just what they have. Neill tells me that "occasionally I buy
out contents of a house and if I am lucky, I may acquire nice
pieces from that."
"Often, I feel attached to a piece - - like my Civil War
jewelry, and cannot sell it. The craftsmanship in some of the 18
kt. jewelry cannot be replicated. I have a green gold watch
piece from 1860; it runs as good as a quartz watch today. I
looked up the serial number and there was a long story on the
pocket watches, all hand-finished, all the parts. Then of
course, equipment changed and the hand finishing was not
necessary".
"My customers love that old engraving - they can feel that
they were touching onto that person and his life."
And Neill Breslin loves the customers. "At a mall you don't
meet people - - here there is a lot of conversation.
Zern's is therapy! And when our elders come to Zern's, they can
talk to people all the time!"
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greatamishoutdoorfurniture
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Ralph
Mastrangelo
ZERN'S MIDWAY VENDOR
MARKETS GREAT AMISH OUTDOOR FURNITURE
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Ralph
Mastrangelo :
If
you are lucky enough to own a piece of Amish outdoor furniture,
you can feel confident that it will last. The Lapp family,
indeed, most Amish furniture producers, come from a long line of
woodworkers, who work together, work hard and are meticulous
about what they do. The furniture is always Quality with a
capital Q, The Amish outdoor furniture carried by Zern's Midway
vendor Ralph Mastrangelo is constructed from pressure-treated
yellow southern pine. Ralph carries gliders, rockers, hanging
swings and picnic tables. Wood storage sheds made by Amos Lapp
can be special ordered.
Like many of Zern's entrepreneurial folk, Ralph got into the
outdoor furniture business after he lost his full-time job,
working for Gruber's Bleach Company in the seventies. When the
firm went out of business, a friend said to him "You just
gotta have the right product at the right price." And Ralph
was eagerly looking for a new business venture where he could be
the boss.
"I started driving up to Lancaster back in the late
seventies, and brought home some outdoor furniture to my home in
Spring City. I began selling to friends first - - about six
years ago." Meanwhile, at Zern's Farmers Market, where
Ralph had gone since childhood, he met an Amish woodworker. Amos
Lapp was selling outdoor sheds at Zern's and in a friendly
gesture, gave Ralph some space to sell outdoor furniture. Then
Amos left - - "I guess he was too busy making his sheds for
customers to commute," Mastrangelo laughed.
Ralph got into his wonderful wooden furniture with real
enthusiasm as a Zern's vendor and has since grown in knowledge
and sales. He enjoys the compliments of return customers, who
come back to get more chairs, or a swing.
"Summer months are always a good time for sales," he
says, and one of our favorites is our Amish Adirondack line of
chairs, rockers and gliders. They are almost always the
bestsellers."
Chairs start at $89, wooden swings are $100. and up, and gliders
run about $175. Philadelphia and Main Line customers drive out
just to see Ralph, because his prices are always at least 20%
lower than Philadelphia. Locals buy because they know the
quality.
Ralph also carries an attractive line of outdoor lighthouses,
and will do delivery on some furniture.
During the week, Ralph helps a friend with a cleaning service.
He is married with two daughters; his youngest just graduated
from Kutztown State College. His oldest daughter teaches sixth
grade English in Phoenixville. A golf buff, Ralph plays at the
Gilbertsville Golf Course with a handicap of about fifteen.
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Lorraine
Brinkmann
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SPICES-'N
SUCH
stand # 148
LORRAINE
BRINKMANN
SPICE LADY DELUXE |
Lorraine
Brinkmann, a former bank employee at Union National Bank, has a
very special skill. As the owner of SPICES-N-SUCH, she never
reckoned that there were so many things to learn about coffee, tea
and spices. Her weekend stand at Zern's is full of fragrant and
mysterious aromas and after more than a decade, Lorraine has
developed an unusual expertise in the world of spices.
Now, nothing stumps or deters her to satisfy customer requests and
fill her own deep well of curiosity with knowledge. Along with her
manager, Chris Hoffman, the duo at SPICES 'N SUCH STAND run an
efficient and busy stand. Lorraine declares" we go to ends of the
earth to find and fill a special order, be it spices, teas or
unusual coffee. We can almost always meet the need, even if our
customer doesn't even know how to pronounce it,"she laughs.
SPICES-'N SUCH at stand # 148, has continually expanded, and
delighted customers can find 70 kinds of coffees, 100 kinds of
boxed tea and loose tea, all purchased from the best sources and
priced by the ounce, real quality products. While she doesn't head
off for Borneo or Tanzania, Lorraine often journeys out of town to
the Home Shows, always searching for something new and different.
Among the loose teas, you can order "Gunpowder Tea;" at 1.00 an
ounce, it is a very high grade of green tea that is noted for form
and flavor. Young leaves are rolled into miniscule balls in the
Guandong Province of China, imbuing it with a sharp flavor, and
light color. Another unusual tea available at SPICES-N- SUCH, is
Lapsang Souchong. Priced at 95 cents an ounce, the tea is dark in
color and delicious when served iced; the tea leaves are smoked
over a wood fire to give the product a refreshing smoky flavor.
Lorraine's imported coffee beans and ground coffee are always very
popular. She will special order the high end and delicious
Jamaican Blue Mountain, (usually priced at over $40 a pound,
certified and pure from an estate). Kona coffee is also a favorite
among high end clients, and for the health purists, organic
Peruvian and Sumatra beans are available.
Look for expanded spices; the popularity of certain items vary by
seasons. In winter, cinnamon and nutmeg seem to be very popular.
During hunting season, customers want coriander and fennel to make
sausage when they bring in venison.
"Or," says Lorraine, "sometimes customers see something on a TV
cooking show, and there is a rush for a certain kind of spice. We
have to be up on what could be happening!"
Anything unusual? "Well, Lorraine laughed, there was recently a
huge run on fennel after a UPI news story declaring fennel as a
preventative for flatulence."
Pick up your free catalogues from Lorraine next time you are at
Zern's, and place your order with Lorraine at 610-367-5753
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