Engle Printing & Publishing Co. Inc. is marking the 55th anniversary of Antiques & Auction News. Its a major milestone for the company, which is celebrating its own 70th anniversary in 2024. First and foremost, wed like to thank the regular readers and loyal advertisers who have supported the publication over the decades. There is a lot to be excited about as we both reflect on the history of the paper and look ahead to the future. The publication was founded by Joel Sater in May of 1969. From the inception, distribution was strong. Antiquing With Joel Sater was a syndicated newspaper column that ran across the country. Sater began by publishing a series of regional antiquing guides, and the newspaper format version was an outgrowth of the guides. At first, the paper was published monthly. Early on, interest grew, and it soon went to a biweekly schedule and then to the weekly format of today. Since Volume 1, Number 1, the paper served to provide information to readers on upcoming auctions and shows, as well as reports on past shows and sales, museum exhibition coverage, and other interesting topics and marketplace news. An article that ran in the first issue was titled Post Card Buffs Fear Rate Hike. Postcard stamps were five cents 50 years ago (today, they are 53 cents). The main headline in that Vol. 1 No. 1. May 1969 issue was Eastern Antiquing Season Opens, with the subhead reading, Antique shows and flea markets now in operation every day this month. Marketplace news among the antiques trade was abundant. A full slate of multiple farm sales took place every Saturday, and regular sales occurred nearly every night of the week. Regional antiques shows were a regular occurrence as well, and it was all happening here in southeastern Pennsylvania. The markets in Adamstown were among the epicenter of it all. Fresh items bought at sales on Saturdays were taken to the markets to be offered for sale on Sundays. The markets remain basically a mecca for an antiquing enthusiast. Other markets remain active such as Golden Nugget in Lambertville, N.J., and Brimfield, held three times a year in Massachusetts. We send an extra 12 boxes of Antiques & Auction News for distribution at the Brimfield shows, the next one running from May 14-19. The countrys bicentennial in 1976 only fueled the growth and interest in antiques. Americana was vogue, and our paper became a regional powerhouse providing a go-to source for news. It was the proverbial heyday, and the paper was hitting its stride. The interest level and pride felt for the country s material culture and heritage was evident. Perhaps, in two short years, during our country s semiquincentennial in 2026, a renewed affinity and appreciation will be felt for American decorative arts? Engle Printing & Publishing Co. Inc. bought Antiques & Auction News in 1984. Joel passed away the following year. His widow, Denise, was one of six editors of the paper. In sequence they have been Joel Sater, Jim Powell, Marjorie McCarthy, Denise Sater, Doris Johnson, Denise Sater (second time), and myself, Karl Pass, since 2013. In 1996, four-color was added, giving the publication color-printing capabilities. Especially important for this industry, the change allowed readers and advertisers a truer impact of an item s detail and represented an object to better scale and quality. The biggest news for any trade paper is prices realized. And from the beginning, we consciously report what things are selling for from as many auctions and shows as possible. What something is worth and how much it sells for are at the core of any market-based trade paper. With that said, any aspiring freelance journalists who wish to report on regional shows or auctions for the paper are encouraged to email me at kpass@antiquesandauctionnews.net to discuss opportunities. A cover redesign took place in 2015, so more articles could appear on the cover, laying out a clean and professional product. Circulation has long been a success story. A comment that was often said to Joel became the unofficial motto and placed on the masthead: You See It Everywhere. Just a couple of the longtime advertisers who use the paper to promote their businesses include Barry Slosberg, Dave Rowe, John Hess, Clarke and Luke Witman, Howard Parzow, Ron Funk, Gary Fluck, Ted Wiederseim, and many more. Auction houses and shops that wish to advertise in the paper can learn more by visiting www.antiquesandauctionnews.net. There are so many exciting things on the horizon as we look to the future. And, as always, thank you for the support.