Publications & Sites 
Lake Forest antiques event benefits infants
8/28/12 Anna Schuster of Anna's Mostly Mahogany is reflected in a sunburst convex mirror in Highwood. | Joel Lerner~Sun-Times Media
Article Extras
Updated: September 6, 2012 8:18AM
LAKE FOREST — Treasure hunters will be chomping at the bit to get a look at the furniture and decor items Anna Schuster of Lake Forest has pulled together for the 45th annual Antiques & Treasures in the Field on Sunday.
And who can blame them?
The donated pieces cram three storage units, the most the owner of Anna’s Mostly Mahogany and Anna’s Antiques and Art Consignments in Highwood ever has collected for the Treasures Tent at the Lake Forest Chapter of the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago benefit.
“This is the biggest year ever,” the associate member of the Lake Forest chapter of the Infant Welfare Society member said. “As my business grows, more gets donated.”
Schuster is known as the go-to person when owners no longer need or are replacing their fine furniture. And she’s willing to store the pieces for the annual Lake Forest benefit.
The Treasures Tent is just one attraction at the single-day event that this year will feature more than 50 dealers from across the Midwest. It runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the field behind Deer Path Middle School, 95 W. Deerpath, Lake Forest.
Most agree the Treasures Tent is the key draw for the annual event.
“It’s very important to the whole event,” said Lake Forest resident Jennifer Mower, who is coordinating the Treasures Tent.
“It’s the biggest tent out there,” said event co-chair Leslie Davidson, also of Lake Forest. “Everybody who goes to the sale looks for the Treasures Tent.”
All proceeds from items Schuster and others donate to the tent go to the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago to help fund its health-care clinic in the city, Davidson said.
Mower credits Schuster’s dedication with the tent’s growth and reputation.
“She really built it up to be as successful as it’s become,” Mower said. “People line up early and go right to that tent because there are such great things at such great prices.”
This year, shoppers will find more big furniture pieces than ever before.
“We have fine china breakfronts, headboards, dressers, sofas. We have everything, especially big furniture pieces,” Mower said.
The Treasures Tent draws a variety of lookers and buyers — even other vendors, Mower said.
“I’ve bought things there over the years. For people moving into their first apartment, it’s a great place to shop. They can furnish it on a dime and help others at the same time,” she said.
Admission to Antiques & Treasures in the Field is $10 for adults. Children are admitted free of charge.
For more information, go to www.infantwelfaresociety.org/lakeforest.html. ~.
