The Americana Collection of Frank Gaglio

ORDER YOUR COPY OF THIS INCREDIBLE AUCTION CATALOGUE TODAY!

ONLY  A LIMITED NUMBER OF COPIES TO BE PRINTED!

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Pre-Order your copy of The Americana Collection of Frank Gaglio Today! The auction will take place on Thursday, June 6th, 2024. This soft-cover bound catalogue is shipped via USPS priority shipping. Shipping within the United States is included in the price. Please contact the auction house for an International shipping quote. Catalogue is expected to ship early May.

Dear Friends, Colleagues and Fellow Collectors,

It is with a profound sense of joy and anticipation that we extend to all a warm welcome for the unveiling of our cherished family Americana collection. Within this group of unique objects lies not only the tangible artifacts of the past but also the intangible threads of human connection and shared experience that have woven themselves into the very fabric of our lives. 

Our journey of collecting has been a family affair, ignited by chance encounters and bound by a love for history and artistry. While attending an antiques show in Hudson, Ohio, fate intervened, introducing me to my beloved wife, Kathleen Molnar. Her discerning eye and unwavering passion for antiques illuminated our path, leading us to hidden gems and a shared excitement for the next exciting find…often in basement shops like Mary O’Connor’s in Strongsville, Ohio. One such discovery was a ‘Tree of Life’ quilt….an $85 purchase that is now pictured in an iconic quilt book and would become a cherished heirloom, symbolic of Kathy’s keen intuition and unyielding spirit. Kathy was a true weekend ‘antiques warrior’! Our daughter, Ciara Nicole, honed her collecting skills at a young age, selling drawings at antiques shows to fellow dealers like Pat and Rich Garthoeffner to buy vintage teddy bears and painted baskets. At age 15 she created our logo for Barn Star Productions. Today she leads her own graphic design firm, Moonlight Media Group, LLC, preserving the legacy of bygone eras.  

Transcending mere acquisition, this collection is a testament to the enduring bonds of many friendships forged during our adventures. Each object carries its own unforgettable story. My introduction to the business began with my cousin, Leo Wilensky, who sent me throughout New England to sell betty lamps and milking stools. Through Leo I was introduced to the legendary Roger and Ruth Bacon. Visiting their home was akin to stepping into the artist Grant Wood’s ‘American Gothic’ setting, but with a great deal more of the New England charm and pilgrim spirit. One memorable moment occurred when Roger donned wooden Dutch shoes and, along with Ruth and other relatives, began to dance to the clapping of hands and joyful laughter, all while humming three different tunes at the same time! His earlier training in Shakespeare was evident in this bigger-than-life character. That was the beginning of many incredible friendships to come.   

As we embark on our next chapter, parting with our collection is bittersweet. We have been humbled by the privilege of stewarding these treasures and now entrusting them to the kindred spirits who share our reverence for them. To each of you who grace our sale, we extend heartfelt gratitude and the hope that these special items bring you as much joy and inspiration as they have bestowed upon us! 

With warm regards,

Frank, Kathy and Ciara Gaglio, Rambo and Rocky (in Heaven!)