Additional Coverage:
- ‘Antiques Roadshow’ guest says ‘holy cannoli’ after expert revealed the value of his rusty signboard (marketrealist.com)
A Rusty Sign, a Folk Legend, and a “Holy Cannoli” Surprise on Antiques Roadshow
A seemingly insignificant rusty signboard recently took center stage on PBS’s “Antiques Roadshow,” revealing a fascinating connection to folk music icon and activist Pete Seeger. The sign’s owner, appearing on the “Extraordinary Finds” episode, recounted discovering the piece in a Rosendale, New York, antique shop.
Initially, he didn’t think much of it. However, after reading Seeger’s book and recalling the infamous Peekskill riots, the sign’s significance became clear.
The owner, a longtime friend of Seeger, even recalled being at the musician’s bedside when he passed away.
Appraiser Timothy Gordon detailed the historical context of the sign, explaining that it advertised a concert featuring Seeger and Paul Robeson. The event, initially planned at the Hollowbrook Drive-In, was canceled due to protests and then reorganized in support of unions and leftist ideals.
This took place in the politically conservative town of Peekskill, and the concert became a flashpoint. Seeger, Robeson, and others were attacked by an angry mob.
As they left the event, their motorcade was pelted with rocks, with Seeger’s car having every window smashed.
Despite its rusty condition, Gordon recognized the sign as an important piece of American history. He estimated its auction value between $2,000 and $3,000, prompting the owner to exclaim, “Holy cannoli!” This exclamation quickly earned him the moniker “Holy Cannoli guy.”
Following the broadcast, Deana McCloud, founding executive director of the Woody Guthrie Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, contacted the owner. McCloud, who was curating a Seeger exhibit for the Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame collection, expressed interest in the sign. The owner generously donated the piece, expressing his joy at knowing it would be displayed alongside other significant artifacts, rather than hanging in his office.