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Member Profile:
Jones' Antiques
in Cambridge, MD
Owner:
Gertrude Jones
A love of beautiful art objects acquired in childhood
from a great aunt, "really particular about nice things"
led Gertrude Jones of 518 High Street, Cambridge, into a
career in the antique business and a shop of her own since
1952. Her childhood visits to her great aunt on her maternal
side instilled in the small child an awareness of form and
line and texture. As she grew older, she visited museums
to heighten her appreciation of valuable pieces and took
courses at local colleges to help her in her chosen profession.
Her shop on High Street is crammed with silver, brass, china,
glassware, books and other accessories. A member of ADAM
for 14 years, as well, as a charter member of the Delmarva
Antique Dealers Association, she also participates in antique
shows around the Delmarva Peninsula. Her husband, Philip
Jones, retired from the Chesapeake & Potomac Telephone
Co. in Easton. They have two grown children. Marshall and
Sonya, who have helped over the years in the shop and with
packing and setting up for shows.
Gertrude recalls that in her early years in the business,
Miss Dolly Harper of Cambridge, a collector, encouraged
her by taking her to sales and visiting homes to look at
private collections. Like all antique dealers, she has a
few favorite possessions, which are not for sale: an inlaid
rosewood Swiss music box of the mid-1800's is one of her
most prized possessions. She also has a Shoo Fly manufactured
in the 19th century. For those who have never seen one,
the 40-inch high fan has two revolving paddles for shooing
flies. Over the years, Gertrude has had many items of purely
local interest, such as an eel pot made of marsh grasses.
Recognized on many occasions for her work in the Cambridge
business community, Gertrude maintains an active interest
in church and community affairs. She has been honored with
the Business Week Award from her church, has served as a
member of the Chamber of Commerce, a leader in the local
4-H Club, the American Red Cross, and numerous other volunteer
organizations. And She served on the committee, which selected
the Dorchester County seal. Gertrude has an associate degree
from Chesapeake College and concentrated many of her papers
on antiques.
In 1985, she was named runner up for the "Outstanding
Business Woman of the Year--Lola M. Parker Award,"
Eastern Region, Iota Phi Lambda Sorority. The congratulatory
letter from the chairperson included this note:
"Mrs. Jones has shown foresight and daring in establishing
her antique business at a time when women, and particularly
black women, were not known as entrepreneurs. Her unusual
achievements are commendable!"
And, in Gertrude's own words, in an age of "doing her
own thing," even knowing what "your own thing,
is," she is fortunate to have discovered her "own
thing " very early in the game.
You can visit Jones' Antiques in Cambridge almost anytime,
but please call ahead to be sure. (410-228-1752)
Jones' Antiques
518 High Street
Cambridge, MD 21613
(410) 228-1752
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