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Author Biography
Linda Hamer Kennett writes "What’s in the Attic?"
After many years of living on the East Coast, Linda Kennett returned to her home state of Indiana and settled in Irvington to raise her two children. With the original intent of staying for 5 years, she is now on her 24th year in her 1902 farm house, with no plans to leave. She began her estate liquidation company "What's in the Attic?' in 1993 and after 5 years of assisting the residents of the eastside with selling their antiques, she took the advice of friends and started her column to share her experiences. From it's beginning with one local paper in 1998, her column is now carried weekly in over a dozen papers in the mid-west, as well as online with Ruby Lane, Auction Trends and eHow.com.
Today her work takes her throughout Central Indiana viewing everything from heirloom sterling silver to primitive farm tools. In addition to her column and her company she lists among her credits a long time membership in the International Society of Appraisers, 2 time recipient of the Southport Antique Mall Award for Excellence and production staff assistant to the Antiques Roadshow.
Linda Hamer Kennett’s Story Archive
A Right Jolly Old Elf — Collecting Vintage Santas
Santa Claus, as we know him today, first appeared in the 1823 Clement C. Moore poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” where he is described as “chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf.” This figure was popularized in 1863 with a series of illustrations by Thomas Nast that appeared … Read More
Tidings of Comfort and Joy
It is believed that the first official “Christmas card” was the joint effort of two Englishmen, artist John Horsley and postal worker Henry Cole. Their three paneled card featured a center panel depicting three generations of a family raising their glasses in a holiday toast and two side panels depicting … Read More
A Fisher-Price Christmas
The Fisher-Price Toy Company was founded in 1931 by Herman Fisher, Irving Price, and Helen M. Schelle. While none of the three had much experience in the field of toy manufacturing, they shared a vision to produce a line of toys that would stimulate the creativity of a child. As … Read More
It’s Downhill All the Way — The Flexible Flyer
Collected for their beauty, charm and historic relevance, antique sleds are one of the fastest growing categories of holiday collectibles. Sleds from the late 1800s and the early part of the 20th century can demand hundreds of dollars in mint condition. Even those which have been restored can be of … Read More
Make it a Vintage Christmas for 2021
With Thanksgiving 2021 a mere memory (except for the leftovers) and a hint of snow in the air, our thoughts have turned to Christmas and all the joy that comes with it! This year I am joining the ever-growing number of families who are decorating “vintage.” Thinking you might do … Read More