A convention all about antique doorknobs is in Bloomington.
It’s the 42nd annual convention hosted by the non-profit, Antique Doorknob Collectors of America. The organization chose Bloomington for this year’s event based on their 2022 theme, “Midwest Manufacturers and Mechanisms”.
Their mission statement is to create a “forum for the exchange of information about antique builder’s hardware such as doorknobs.”
ADCA President Paul Woodfin said the doorknobs the group collects date back to the days of Abraham Lincoln.
“[We] appreciate antique hardware that was made from about the Civil War to the 1930s, which was the heyday of American hardware,” said Woodfin.
Woodfin said an 1870s doorknob can sell for anywhere between $20 and hundreds of dollars. A high-quality, bronze antique knob can sell for more than $1,000 if it's in good condition. And yes — doorknobs will be bought, sold and traded at the convention.
One reason why people join the organization is restoration efforts: People looking to restore a home built in the early 1900s might not have doorknobs that match. That’s where the Antique Doorknob Collectors of America group steps in.
Of course, simple admiration of the style of older doorknobs is another reason enthusiasts join. Today’s doorknobs are smooth, plain and primarily brass. While there were brass doorknobs in the 1870s through 1930s, there was more material variety — like glass, gold and porcelain.
Woodfin said it’s possible for doorknobs to be fashionable.
“You can have a little style with this sort of hardware that is very useful, but is also decorative,” said Woodfin.
A doorknob collection and convention may seem unconventional. But those who admire doorknobs and seek to collect them say there's more to them than just being a piece of hardware.
“Every one of us turns a doorknob every single day. And we lock and unlock doors when we leave home,” said Woodfin. "This is the more ornamental version of that.”
The Antique Doorknob Collectors of America convention is being held at the Doubletree Hotel in Bloomington through July 23. The public is invited to an open house on Friday, July 22 from 2-6pm and Saturday, July 23 from 9-11am.
