Milford Historical Society antique show set May 3 at Parson Thorne Mansion

The Milford Historical Society will hold its Spring Antique Show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, May 3, on the lawn of the Parson Thorne Mansion. This event features antiques from several local vendors as well as plants from the Milford Garden Club.

“This has always been one of our biggest events,” said Ralph Prettyman, historical society president. “Our dealers have been coming for decades, and we are excited to be able to offer some unique items from several different vendors.”

Tours of the mansion will be available, led by volunteers dressed in period attire. The mansion is one of the oldest structures in the city. The Milford Historical Society was gifted the property by the Draper family in 1961 with the goal to protect, preserve and maintain the historic structure that was the home to one of Delaware’s governors.

Light refreshments, created from recipes popular in the 1700s and 1800s, will also be available. Milford Garden Club will offer plants for sale that are perfect for Mother’s Day, and also have a Master Gardener on hand to provide information on spring planting.

“We will be offering annuals, perennials, wildflowers and gifts that day,” said Linda McDevit, garden club marketing chair. “We appreciate the opportunity this event gives us to provide everyone with beautiful flowers as the planting season kicks off.”

Normally, Parson Thorne Mansion is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., every Saturday, but it will be open the first Saturday in May for the antique show. Admission to the show is $1, and donations are accepted. All proceeds go to protect and preserve the mansion. Volunteers are always welcome; for more information, email parsonthorne@gmail.com.