News Summary
Evelyn Bauer, a 97-year-old antique enthusiast, has found happiness in downsizing and sharing her cherished collection after moving to a smaller apartment. Her passion for antiques spans over 65 years, showcasing her delightful collection that tells personal stories. Through community lectures, she shares her knowledge and inspires those around her, proving that the love for art and history transcends age. Bauer continues to engage in her interests, creating lasting connections with both her treasures and community.
Reseda, California – Evelyn Bauer, a 97-year-old collector, has embraced the challenge of downsizing and is finding joy in sharing her cherished antique treasures. In 2014, Bauer moved from her spacious four-bedroom house in Sherman Oaks to a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment in an independent living facility for seniors in Reseda. This significant downsizing required her to part with many personal belongings, a process that proved to be emotionally challenging.
However, Bauer discovered a new sense of happiness from seeing others adopt her possessions during an estate sale. She retained approximately a third of her beloved items, ensuring the essence of her past would remain with her. Bauer has been passionate about collecting antiques for over 65 years, describing it as both her passion and addiction. Her apartment is now adorned with an eclectic mix of furnishings and decorative arts that reflect a rich history.
Bauer, originally from New York, worked as an elementary school teacher in both New York City and Los Angeles. In the 1990s, she was the proprietor of the Encino Antique Center, which further fueled her interest and expertise in antiques. Each piece in her collection carries a personal story, contributing to her deep emotional connection to them. For instance, she delights in the beauty of purple glass, which changes color due to magnesium after prolonged exposure to sunlight, and treasures an iridescent orange vase made of stretch glass that holds significant sentiment.
Her keen eye for unique finds has led her to acquire a variety of notable items, such as an 1880 ceramic pitcher, which is her top choice for salvation should her apartment ever catch fire. One remarkable piece is a Fretwork wood wall panel she bought at a yard sale for $65, which she has creatively repurposed over the years. Moreover, Bauer’s fondness for an orange stretch glass vase, purchased for just $4, remains one of her most prized possessions due to its sentimental value.
To complement her collection, Bauer has painted her apartment walls a pale orange, harmonizing the space with her ceramic and decorative items. Although she no longer drives, her adventurous spirit remains intact. She spends her time researching antiques both online and in several reference books, diligently keeping records of her purchases by annotating each piece with details about the maker, year, price, and current value.
Bauer also plays an active role in her community by hosting monthly lectures about antiques at her retirement home. Recent topics have included celluloid, vintage weddings, and Art Deco. During these informative sessions, she often showcases pieces from her collection, providing context and history that enrich her audience’s understanding of the antiques. A neighbor, former L.A. City Councilwoman Joy Picus, acknowledges that Bauer has significantly expanded her interest in the world of antiques.
In spite of personal losses, including the passing of her first and second husbands, Bauer’s passion for antiques continues to be a source of joy and inspiration. Her creative inclinations extend beyond her collection, as she engages in fun activities, such as preparing for a Halloween costume as Michael Jackson and practicing moonwalking.
Bauer’s dedication to sharing her knowledge and passion for antiques keeps her connected to her community and enhances the lives of those around her. Through her lectures and the warmth of her living space, she exemplifies how collecting and sharing history can provide enduring joy and companionship at any age.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: 97-Year-Old Collector’s LA Apartment
- Wikipedia: Antique
- Time Out: Best Antique Stores in LA
- Google Search: Antique Collecting
- Modern Luxury: Best Antique Stores in Los Angeles
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Antiques
- Secret Los Angeles: Antique Stores
- Google News: Antique Stores Los Angeles
Author: STAFF HERE HOLLYWOOD
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