ANTIQUES: ‘Jump hour’ watches were ahead of their time, F7
IN THE GARDEN: Accessing this year’s vegetable garden, F4
HOME: How important is it to seal your driveway? F5
14 plants to try for a sweeter-smelling backyard
By K aren Hugg
The Washington Post
WHEN SELECTING
plants for an outdoor space, it’s easy to let your eyes do the picking. While pots of bold, colorful flowers always cheer up an outdoor space, don’t overlook another key sense: smell.
Scented plants perfume the air, attract pollinators and can help you relax. Here are some easy-to-care-for options to help you enjoy those lazy, sunny days.
Heliotrope
This annual is one of the best for fragrance, says Tim Pollak, plant production manager at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Because of its vanilla-cherry scent, this sun lover is often called Cherry Pie Plant. “When those things are in bloom, which is all summer long,” he says, “the fragrance is unbelievable, especially at night.” Try Deep Marine for dark purple flowers or the white Alba for a more intense aroma.
lar water and fertilizing.
Garden phlox
As some perennials begin to fade in midsummer, garden phlox comes into its own. This cottage garden favorite bursts with vivid color while giving off whiffs of sweet clove. Because phlox is susceptible to powdery mildew, Pollak recommends choosing cultivars that have been bred for mildew resistance. “They can be quite tall as well,” he says. “So best to choose dwarf or compact varieties.”
Roses
Sweet alyssum
This honey-scented white annual is “a smaller, shorter plant,” Pollak says, “but it does flower all season long.” Sweet alyssum usually needs shearing once or twice a season to keep the flowering going and maintain a compact shape. Cultivars in the Princess series, though, don’t necessarily need shearing to rebloom.
Lantana
Though some folks find lantana pungent, the actual flowers emit a sweet scent. As a bonus, the foli-
age is also fragrant. “It has a citrus smell,” Pollak says, “from the warmer months up until the first frost.” This butterfly attractor’s blooms come in red, orange, pink, yellow and white. Some cultivars boast an alluring mix of colors on a single flower. Lantana loves sun and needs about an inch of water a week. Pollak recommends the Lucky and Little Lucky series for their combination of beautiful colors and strong scent.
Scented geraniums
Scented geraniums (in the Pelargonium genus) also offer both fragrant flowers and foliage. Pollack recommends the variety Old Fashioned Rose, “which is a taller variety but has a nice, rosy colored flower. The foliage has a very floral, roselike fragrance.” Other cultivars, such as apple geranium or peppermint geranium, smell like their respective names.
Other annuals
Because moths and other insects pollinate at night, it’s worth adding some annuals that release more scent in the evening for those late alfresco dinners. Flowering tobacco, which has white, red, purple or chartreuse blooms, casts a sweet, jasmine-like smell. Night-scented stock, with its spindly, white or lilac-colored flowers, releases a syrupy, spicy aroma. And the lavender-hued Evening Scentsation petunia sends out a hyacinth-like honey smell, which becomes more
prominent as the sun sets.
Lavender
Lavender is a reliable, colorful and, in some climates, evergreen choice for containers. English lavender is hardier than Spanish or French varieties, while Hidcote and Munstead having the strongest bouquet. All require full sun, light soil and a shearing of green stems (not woody) to encourage reblooming. Lavender does best when grown by itself in a pot, Pollak says, as it may need less water than other herbs it might be paired with, like parsley or basil.
Russian sage
“Russian sage would also be great for a container,” says James Gagliardi, director of the Bellevue Botanical Garden near Seattle. Like lavender, it’s drought tolerant and grows wands of purplish flowers. He recommends Little Spire, a shorter, more compact cultivar that has dusky blue blooms and soft gray foliage. Russian sage releases a spicy, herbal scent when you brush against it.
Lilies
Lilies are another tried and true option, Gagliardi says. Stargazer, with its large, pink-speckled flower and tall profile, makes a bold visual statement while emitting a classic perfume. Or the snowy white Casa Blanca blasts a powerful, far-reaching vanilla scent into the air. Both benefit from well-draining soil, regu-
Roses offer traditional, often familiar scents and a visually romantic touch. Pollak recommends fragrant miniature, topiary or shrub varieties. “Shrub roses tend to be floriferous,” he says. “They’re going to have flowers most of the season and they’re more compact.” David Austin roses produce abundant blooms, and they have high disease resistance and varying fragrance strengths. Princess Anne has ruffled, magenta blooms that sit atop dense foliage. Its perfume is moderate so it won’t overwhelm people sitting nearby. Carding Mill has a soft apricot color, blooms on longer stems and produces a myrrh-like scent.
Gardenias
While many U.S. gardeners might think gardenias are only grown in southern climates, Gagliardi says this is changing. “There are hardier types of gardenias that are better for our northern environments,” he says. Cultivars like the lower growing Kleim’s Hardy and taller Frost Proof can survive down to zone 7. For best results in northern areas, make sure your pots have a well-draining soil mix and store them under an eave or porch during severe snows or extreme temperatures.
Other shrubs
Other solid choices include Eternal Fragrance daphne, which grows in a tight, ball-like shape of bluish-green foliage. It likes partshade and, if given a slow-release fertilizer and regular water, it can lightly bloom throughout summer with tiny, fragrant flowers. Another compact shrub, the Miniature Snowflake mock orange, displays white, sweet-smelling puffs in June and is hardy to zone 5.
Closeup of a heliotrope plant with its characteristic flowers. Note the incredible purple color of the petals. Heliotropes are one of the best annuals for fragrance, according to gardening experts. Front cover: Some folks find lantana pungent, but the actual flowers emit a sweet scent. (ADOBE STOCK PHOTOS)
A macro photograph of sweet alyssum flowers. (ADOBE STOCK PHOTO)
Lee Reich | In the Garden
What’s is (and isn’t) working at this
year’s farmden
ALOT ABOUT THIS YEAR’S vegetable garden warrants my patting myself on my back; other things warrant a nuggy (virtually impossible unless I was double-jointed). Let’s start with the pat-worthy stuff. Perhaps you’ll find some of it useful in your vegetable garden. Perhaps you’ll want to comment on it.
Sweet corn is one of my favorite vegetables, both fresh in summer, and frozen in winter. Evidently, chipmunks are also fans. I plant sweet corn — the old variety Golden Bantam — in hills (clumps) of three stalks per hill, the hills eighteen inches apart in the row, with two rows running the length of each three-foot-wide bed. I spread out the harvest with four plantings, the first on about the average date of the last frost, mid-May, and the last planting the end of June.
With a variation on traditional corn planting — “one for the rook, one for the crow, one to rot, and one to grow” goes the old saw — I drop five rather than four seeds at each hill. Seed is cheap. Unfortunately, those extra seeds merely gave chipmunks more to eat in that first planting. So ...
For subsequent plantings I sprinkled a mixture of cayenne pepper and cinnamon over the seeds in each planting hole. Although birds can eat hot pepper, furry animals generally, my dog Daisy excepted, cannot. I figured the chipmunks wouldn’t like the taste of cinnamon and/or it would mask any aroma from the corn seeds. The result: success. Pests threatening my onions and leeks arrived here on the farmden just a few years ago. Leek moth is one of them and thrips possibly another. Leek moth flies to lay its eggs in early spring, and thrips overwinter in debris. Another pest severely stunted last year’s onions, but neither I nor a university vegetable specialist could find anything odd about the roots, tiny bulbs, or
“Just like other gardens, mistakes plague my garden; but they can be corrected, such as last year, when I finally reoriented east-west
vegetable beds to a northsouth orientation,” writes columnist Lee Reich. (LEE
leaves on which to lay blame.
Thoroughly cleaning up debris, which I do for all beds anyway, and covering the bed with fine mesh should keep leek moth, thrips, and possibly other pests at bay. A wire frame to support a large piece of organza fabric, with the organza clothes-pinned tightly near ground level did the trick. The leeks and onions look healthy and vigorous.
The need for a bold makeover of my south vegetable garden is embarrassing, but I’ll come clean. For some reason I oriented beds in that garden, created in 1997, east and west. I should have known better.
It was a more favorable location for the two gates, but that’s not a good excuse. Tall plants in east-west beds shade shorter plants in those and nearby beds throughout the day. So whenever possible, north-south, or nearly north-south, beds are best.
Last fall, with some help from friends, I raked soil in the beds and wood chipped paths as level as pos-
REICH PHOTO)
sible. (My beds aren’t raised beds, but they do slowly rise after decades of annual slatherings of an inch or more of compost.) We rolled out gray resin paper to suppress weeds sure to sprout in the newly disturbed soil, then topped the paper with compost in the beds and wood chips in the paths.
It’s a young garden again! Sort of. When planting, I can feel the difference in the ground from where a bed crosses regions that were once paths versus those that were beds. But the soil will get better every year, and the beds now run the better direction. Only one garden gate now, though.
Not all is always rosy down here on the farmden. Flea beetles, as expected, attacked my eggplants. I could have netted the eggplants also, but I was foolishly banking on hope. I’ll admit to spraying the organic pesticide Pyganic while waiting for the eggplants to outgrow the damage. The other pest here is a weed,
creeping woodsorrel (Oxalis corniculata). The straight species grows tall and is very easy to weed out. No problem.
The problem child is the purple-leaved variety (Oxalis corniculata var. atropurpurea) which blends in with the soil and hugs the ground in spreading mats. It responds favorably (for me, not it) to sprays of household strength vinegar or any of the other organic herbicides whose active ingredient is ammonium nonanoate, such as Ortho® GroundClear® Weed & Grass Killer or the more benign sounding BioSafe Weed & Grass Killer.
And finally, we come to drip irrigation, a watering technique on which I’ve heaped tons of praise for saving water, for limiting weeds, for healthier plants, and for being easily automated. This last quality can cause a problem. A few years ago, I thought a spring had sprung it my field; it turned out to be an old main line for drip watering that was still online and spewing out water below ground. Another year plants in a couple of beds seemed to languish as drier weather moved in; the underground connection of some drip lines had disconnected from the main line. Yet another time, water was pouring out of an unplugged end of a drip line. Or, last year the battery died on one of the timers; most affected were two small rosemary plants, trained as small trees, many of whose leaves and stems dried up, dead.
This spring, the drip problem first came from the main water source, which is from a shallow well, clogging the filter. And then, a piece of hose running from the well pump to the main line developing a kink. All these irrigation glitches were easily fixed once I noticed them. And there’s the key. My very smart phone now reminds me to spend the few minutes required to check the drip irrigation system every Monday.
Come early and for their Farmers Market from 3 to 6 p.m.
Cost $15 members, $25 nonmembers. To register or for more information, visit
Berkshire Botanical Garden presents the following upcoming program. Monday, June 30, “Music Mondays,” return, featuring New Orleans funk and soul from The Rejuvenators, featuring Wanda Houston. Concerts are held in front of the Fitzpatrick Greenhouse from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Food will be available for purchase from Hand Crafted Catering + Events, and beer and wine can be purchased from Another Round Mobile Bar.
www.berkshirebotanical. org. Berkshire Botanical Garden is located at 5 West Stockbridge Road.
Send items for Garden Notes to pmastriano@repub.com two weeks prior to publication.
By Jeanne Huber
The Washington Post
Q. Do I really need to seal my driveway, or is that a racket? And can I do it myself?
A. There is considerable debate about whether it’s truly necessary to seal asphalt or concrete driveways, but there is also general agreement about
the benefits of doing it. Both concrete and asphalt are mixtures of sand, gravel and a binder that holds everything together. In concrete, the glue is Portland cement. In asphalt, it’s petroleum-based oil. Both types of paving, if installed correctly with drainage factored in, can last for decades as-is.
But both types can also absorb — or be broken down by — spills. Acids and salt
colorful and, in some climates, evergreen choice for containers. (ADOBE STOCK PHOTO)
Scents
CONTINUES FROM PAGE F2
Vines
If you want to add privacy in addition to a sweet smell, consider vines. Gagliardi recommends star jasmine and honeysuckle, two twiners that need a trellis to grow on and like part-sun conditions. “They will really fill in a space and create a lot of atmosphere within a garden,” he says. Also, both attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
Star jasmine boasts glossy, dark foliage and bright white flowers that release a scent like vanilla or root beer. “Pruning the plants after they first bloom will encourage the vines to bloom again longer into the season,” Pollak says. In milder climates, star jasmine might remain evergreen in winter, but
are big enemies for concrete; dripping oil from a vehicle can break down asphalt. Ultraviolet rays and heat from the sun can bleach colored concrete and degrade asphalt by making it more brittle and prone to cracking under pressure. And water is one of the worst foes for both types of paving. Where temperatures dip below freezing in the winter, the surfaces can crack when water seeps in and expands. Sealers help keep water from
penetrating into the paving. Some have other benefits, such as blocking UV or protecting against stains. And all sealers help a driveway look like it’s well cared for.
For concrete, you can use a penetrating sealer, which seeps into the minute pores that were left when water in the original concrete mixture evaporated; or a topical sealer, which sits on the surface. For a driveway, the best choice is generally a penetrating sealer with siloxane
in colder areas you should protect it with frost cloth or position it under an eave. Conversely, the deciduous honeysuckle is hardy to zone 5. It blooms in tropical, clawlike flowers that emit a highly sweet scent. The American Beauty cultivar has pink-yellow flowers, and Serotina can bloom into fall.
Herbs
There are always herbs, which provide a subtler but useful approach to fragrance. “They don’t have that strong emitting perfume that you smell from a distance,” Gagliardi says, “but plants that you brush up against or even cut for culinary reasons are certainly things you want to consider when planting for fragrance.” Rosemary, thyme, lemon balm and pineapple sage all have spicy, fresh-smelling foliage, and they can be used in cooking.
and/or silane, such as Foundation Armor SX5000. It won’t change the look of the concrete or make it more slippery, but it should block water and salt — and all of the problems they cause — for seven to 10 years before it needs to be reapplied. The manufacturer warns, though, that because it isn’t a surface coating, it won’t block stains. Nor does it resist spilled brake fluid, gasoline or many other solvents.
Lavender is a reliable,
A high-quality sealer can dramatically reduce future heat and UV damage. (ADOBE STOCK IMAGE)
Driveway
To get more protection against stains (though still not against brake fluid, gasoline and solvents), you would need a surface sealer, such as Foundation Armor AR350, which would give the surface more of a wet look. By darkening the color, it would also help bring out any color added to the concrete, and it would protect against UV, which can cause colorants to fade. You could also mix in color to change the look of your driveway; Armor Foundation sells color packs that result in an opaque coating, like paint. But a surface coating would make the concrete slippery when it is wet, so for a driveway, you’d probably want to use an anti-slip additive or buy a sealer with that feature built in. Also be aware that a surface sealer typically doesn’t last very long. You’d need to commit to ongoing maintenance, and you would need to reapply it in one to three years. If your driveway is asphalt, you’ll probably want a water-based asphalt sealer. (Coal tar sealers are still sold in parts of the country, but some states have banned them because of concerns about toxic substances in the runoff.) The most challenging part isn’t applying the sealer, usually with a squeegee; it’s cleaning the surface and filling all the cracks. Pricier sealers include fine sand and other aggregates to help fill tiny cracks (wider cracks and any holes still need to be patched beforehand) and they are likely to last longer than their less expensive counterparts. Black Jack Drive-Maxx comes in formulas labeled 200, 400, 500,
The 5 cleaning products you really need
By Jolie K err
The Washington Post
T700 and 1000; the 200 type is expected to last two years, the 1000 sealer is expected to last 10 years. To decide whether you should seal your driveway yourself, read the technical data sheet, often referred to as the TDS, for the sealer and make sure the steps seem like ones you’re able to follow precisely. Details about surface preparation, the application process, the weather and even the time of day really matter, and they vary by product. With concrete sealers especially, apply the product in a small test area before you coat the whole driveway. That way you can avoid unexpected problems, which can occur if an earlier sealer is incompatible with what you are applying, or if the driveway isn’t clean and dry — or damp, the requirement for some asphalt sealers. Calling a pro might be especially helpful if you don’t know what care your driveway has received in the past.
Family Handyman has a good step-by-step guide for installing asphalt sealer, including tips about the main ways people mess up, such as by trying to stir a bucket of thick, gooey sealer with a stick instead of with a paddle powered by a drill.
The guide author’s answer to the question of whether asphalt sealers are really necessary? “It’s true that driveway sealer can’t replace the liquid asphalt (oil/tar) that oxidizes and bakes out of the mixture from heat and sun exposure. But a high-quality sealer can dramatically reduce future heat and UV damage. Plus, it seals the pores to prevent aggregate breakup damage caused by water penetration, freeze/thaw cycles and chemicals. So, it really does extend the life of your driveway.”
AKING A TRIP DOWN THE CLEANing aisle of any big box retailer, or watching TikTok videos from creators obsessed with making sudsy #CleanWithMe content may leave you with the idea that you need an arsenal of cleaning supplies to keep your home sparkling. There are pink pastes and purple foams and dish soaps that are dispensed via a sprayer mechanism. And there are cleaners for just about every surface you can imagine — marble, granite, tile, hardwood, stainless steel — and a few you probably can’t (hello, coil cleaner). But while the colorful pastes and foams have their place and can be fun to use, they aren’t necessary to achieve and maintain a clean home. All you need are a few basics, paired with the right cleaning tools.
The essentials
Think of these five items as the primary colors of your cleaning supply collection — they’re the items for which there are no substitutes.
Dish soap: You could, in theory, clean your entire home with dish soap — a powerful but gentle agent that is safe to use on just about everything. The main drawback is that if it’s not thoroughly rinsed off, dish soap can leave a sticky film on surfaces. When used correctly, however, it cuts through grease and grime in kitchens, where it can be used on delicate glassware, a stovetop covered in baked-on food and other surfaces. You can dilute it with water to make a mopping solution that is safe to use on any type of hard flooring. In the bathroom, use dish soap on bathtubs, toilets, sinks and vanities, and even mirrors (you’ll need a squeegee to make that work).
Multi-surface cleaning spray: It’s true that you can use dish soap to clean just about everything in your home, including glass. But a cleaning spray that you don’t need to rinse off surfaces is undeniably convenient. Look for a hard-surface cleaner formulated for use on glass, in addition to other hard, nonporous surfaces such as kitchen counters and bathroom surfaces. I like Windex’s Multi-Surface Disinfectant Cleaner, which also takes care of your disinfectant (see below).
Dishwasher detergent: Unfortunately, as many people have learned the hard way, dish soap is not a substitute for dishwasher detergent, so if you have a dishwasher, you will also need its corresponding soap.
Laundry detergent: The same goes for laundry. You can use dish soap to hand-wash clothing and household linens, but when it comes to the washing machine, you will need laundry detergent. Powder detergents have a longer shelf life, and detergent pods offer convenience, but liquid is the most versatile choice. Use it for machine washing, hand-laundering and to pretreat stains. Disinfectant: A disinfectant is a must-have for cleaning up after handling raw meat, or when someone in your household has been sick. There are a number of good options, including chlorine bleach, hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol,
disinfecting sprays, steam and distilled white vinegar. The best disinfectant for your home will be the one you’re most comfortable using.
The supplements
Minimalism has its merits, but most people like to stock a few nonessential products that can make cleaning your home and caring for your things easier and less time-consuming. Specialty surface cleaners: Most homes have at least one surface that could benefit from a specialty product. This could be a stainless steel cleaner for fingerprint-dappled kitchen appliances; a mold and mildew eliminator for damp spaces; or a calcium, lime and rust remover to combat mineral buildup in households with hard water.
Oven cleaner: Experts will tell you that the best way to clean your oven is to never let it get dirty in the first place, but here in the real world our ovens often need a deep cleaning. A dedicated oven cleaner is the best product for the job.
Car wash soap: Yes, you can use dish soap to wash a car — but car people implore you not to do this. Here’s why: Dish soap strips the wax layer that protects the car’s paint from scratches, dings and other damage. So, if you do your own car washing and detailing, it’s worth investing in a bottle of car wash soap. It will run you about $10, last forever and save you from costly damage.
The nice-to-haves
You don’t need these products, but they can elevate the experience of cleaning or solve a very specific problem. Or in some cases, they’re simply more convenient or effective than less specialized alternatives.
Laundry boosters: Liquid laundry detergent is incredibly versatile and effective, but it doesn’t do everything. That’s where laundry boosters — stand-alone products used in addition to detergent — come in. Options include fabric softeners, stain removers, odor eliminators, whitening agents and scent beads.
Abrasive cleansers: Abrasive cleansers can make short work of deep cleaning jobs, including scouring soap scum on a bathtub or restoring a Dutch oven. They come in creams, powders and pastes, and they range from gentle to coarse. Name brands include the Pink Stuff, Comet, Bon Ami and Bar Keepers Friend. Baking soda is another option, or there are abrasive sponges, like the Magic Eraser. Or you can create a similar effect by using a non-scratch scrub sponge, such as a Dobie Pad, paired with dish soap.
Appliance cleaning tablets: You don’t need a specialty product to deep clean major household appliances (think dishwashers and washing machines), but appliance cleaning tablets are a convenient alternative to distilled white vinegar or chlorine bleach. And if you clean your appliances frequently, using a tablet will help protect gaskets and other rubber parts from the damage that bleach or vinegar can cause.
Jolie Kerr is the author of the best-selling book “My Boyfriend Barfed In My Handbag … And Other Things You Can’t Ask Martha.”
Terry & Kim Kovel | Antiques & Collecting
‘Jump hour’ watches were ahead of their time
TAKE A MOMENT and picture a pocket watch. Are you thinking of a hunting case watch with elaborate relief decorations and an engraved monogram? A minimalist open-faced watch with a 14K gold case? Maybe a chain and a fancy fob? One thing is safe to assume: The watch probably tells time with hands on a dial. “Jump hour” watches like the one pictured here show that isn’t always the case. (Yes, this one has a seconds sub dial, but the jump hour mechanism tells the hours and minutes.)
The jump hour, or jumping hour, watch movement was patented in 1883 by Josef Pallweber, an Austrian engineer. This new type of mechanism included rotating discs with the numerals for the hours and minutes. Windows in the watch face reveal the appropriate numeral. Instead of the familiar hand sweeping the watch’s face in one fluid movement, the hours appear to “jump” from one discrete number to the next, like today’s digital timekeepers.
The jump hour mechanism was extremely complicated, so not many were made. They experienced a resurgence in the 1920s, when their sleek look and nod to advancing technology fit in with the art deco movement. Jump hour watches from any time are still rare. Unsurprisingly, they sell for high prices at auctions. This one, a Swiss watch with a gunmetal case from about 1900, had a presale estimate of $80 to $120 at an auction by Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates. It sold for $960, more than surpassing expectations.
Q. I have a small china doll. Its surface is rough and not glossy. The hair is sculpted with short curls and painted blond. The face is painted with blue eyes, and socks and shoes are painted on. The arms and legs are attached with
Would you believe the first digital watches were mechanical?
The “jump hour” watch, which displayed the hour and minute as discrete digits, was invented in 1883. (JEFFREY S. EVANS & ASSOCIATES)
wire. The only mark is the word “Germany” on the back. How old is it, and how much is it worth?
A. Your doll is made of bisque, an unglazed porcelain. Collectors call dolls like yours “all-bisque” to distinguish them from bisque-headed dolls, which are larger, mounted on bodies made of material like wood, leather, or composition, and usually have a maker’s mark. Sometimes small dolls like yours are called “penny dolls” or “dollhouse dolls.” Dolls were marked with the name of their country after 1891. All-bisque dolls were made up to the mid-20th century. Dolls like yours are usually worth about $20 to $30. Unusual features, like a molded hat, or an identifiable maker can increase the value. There are many resources available for doll collecting. For more information, look for books like “The Collector’s Encyclopedia of Dolls” by Dorothy S., Elizabeth A., and Evelyn J. Coleman or Patricia Smith’s “Album of All-
Bisque Dolls” at your library or contact a collector’s club like the United Federation of Doll Clubs Inc. ufdc.org or a doll auction.
Q. I bought this padlock shaped like a turtle at a thrift store. I had never seen one like it before. That’s why I bought it. It is 5 1/2 inches long and 3 inches wide. On the back of the lock, there is a shape like a wheel with six spokes, and symbols between the spokes. When you turn the key to the right, it is locked, but if you push the turtle’s head to the left, you can pull the top part out so it is unlocked. Turn the key back to the left, and it is fully locked. Can you tell me how old it would be, where it was made and if it has any value?
A. Figural padlocks like yours have been made in China for hundreds of years. Artisans made them in many shapes, including animals, everyday objects like musical instruments, and human fig-
ures. Turtles and tortoises, often interchangeable in art and mythology, have appeared in decorative arts around the world for thousands of years. In Chinese traditions, they are usually symbols of longevity, strength, and protection, making them especially appropriate for padlocks. The symbol on the back of yours is a Buddhist mantra. Locks like yours are generally worth about $20 to $50, depending on their condition, age, and type of metal. It can be difficult to determine the age of these locks. Many very convincing replicas were made in the 20th century. They were popular souvenirs for tourists, being relatively small and having a practical use as well as decorative value. Like other reproduction hardware, they were also made to use with antique furniture. A lock collectors’ club like the American Lock Collectors Association alca. name or West Coast Lock Collectors Association wclcanet.startlogic.com may have more information.
TIP: Vintage watches should be cleaned regularly, probably once a year.
Kovels answers readers’ questions sent to the column. Send a letter with one question describing the size, material (glass, pottery) and what you know about the item. Include only two pictures, the object and a closeup of any marks or damage. Be sure your name and return address are included. By sending a question, you give full permission for use in any Kovel product. Names, addresses or email addresses will not be published. We do not guarantee the return of photographs, but if a stamped envelope is included, we will try. Questions that are answered will appear in Kovels Publications. Write to Kovels, The Republican, King Features Syndicate, 300 W. 57th Street, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10019 or email us at collectorsgallery@kovels.com.
CURRENT PRICES
Current prices are recorded from antiques shows, flea markets, sales and auctions throughout the United States. Prices vary in different locations because of local economic conditions. Toy, train set, Lionel, The Liberty Special, electric, 027 gauge, box, 20 x 30 inches, $60.
Candelabrum, five-light, pierced scrolled arms, gilded, porcelain base, dark blue, portrait medallion, courting couple, paw feet, spelter, 16 1/2 inches, pair, $65.
Moser, vase, Prism, four tiers, smoky glass, faceted, octagonal, Josef Hoffman, 8 inches, $85. Textile, panel, embroidered, center phoenix, corner spandrels, dark blue border, silk, frame, Chinese, c. 1900, 233 x 33 inches, $125.
Advertising, can, Hitts Danger Lights Red, Illuminates Night Scenes Instantly, red and white lettering, blue ground, flying devil graphic, two parts, Hitts Fireworks Co., $230.
Porcelain-Asian, vase, oval, blue and white, flowering branches, peony, chrysanthemum, daisy, flying butterflies, marked, Fukagawa, Japan, c. 1920, 12 inches, $510.
Music, box, cylinder, mixed wood case, hinged lid, inlaid flowers, grain painted sides, eight tunes, Swiss, c. 1900, 6 x 20 1/2 x 8 1/2 inches, $530. Quezal, vase, flared neck and foot, King Tut, iridescent, pulled swirls, label, drilled as lamp base, early 20th century, 12 1/2 inches, $560.
Furniture, bench, hall, Golden Oak, hinged seat, two relief back panels, masks among leaves, scrolling leafy trim, paw feet, dolphin arms, 39 x 56 inches, $900.
Furniture, secretary, painted, white, two doors, wire front, tapered base, fall front over two doors, gilt trim, raised swags, tapered legs, Italy, early 1900s, 89 x 42 1/2 inches, $1,170.
30-year US mortgage rate drops to 6.77%
Rate at lowest level since early May
By A lex Veiga Associated Press
The average rate on a 30-year U.S. mortgage fell to its lowest level since early May, an encouraging trend for prospective homebuyers at a time when the U.S. housing market remains largely held back by elevated borrowing costs and rising prices.
The long-term rate fell to 6.77% from 6.81% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. A year ago, the rate averaged 6.86%.
Borrowing costs on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, popular with homeowners refinancing their home loans, also fell. The average rate dropped to 5.89% from 5.96% last week. A year ago, it was 6.16%, Freddie Mac said.
High mortgage rates can add hundreds of dollars a month in costs for borrowers and reduce their purchasing power. That’s helped keep the U.S. housing market in a sales slump that dates back to 2022, when mortgage rates began to climb from the rock-bottom lows they reached during the pandemic.
Last year, sales of previously occupied U.S. homes sank to their lowest level in nearly 30 years. They’ve remained sluggish so far this year, as many prospective homebuyers have been discouraged by elevated mortgage rates and home prices that have kept climbing, albeit at a slower pace.
Mortgage rates are influenced by several factors, from the Federal Reserve’s interest rate policy decisions to bond market investors’ expectations for the economy and inflation.
The key barometer is the 10-year Treasury yield, which lenders use as a guide to pricing home loans. The yield was at 4.28% in midday trading Thursday, down from 4.58% just a few weeks ago.
The average rate on a 30-year mortgage has remained relatively close to its high so far this year of just above 7%, set in mid-January. The 30-year rate’s low point this year was in early April when it briefly dipped to 6.62%.
The average rate has fallen four weeks in a row, reflecting the recent pullback in bond yields. With the latest decline, the average rate is now at its lowest level since May 8, when it was 6.76%.
Deeds
AGAWAM
Carol A. Gawron, Brian M. Regnier, Donna M. Dionne and David R. Regnier to Beth Ann Regnier, 238 Colemore St., $200,000.
Chenyan Zhuo and Hua Gui Yang to Emanuel Rivera,142 Autumn St., Unit H, $205,000.
Conrad J. Phillips, trustee, and Conrad J. Phillips & Hazel M. Phillips Revocable Trust, trustee of, to Jospeh T. Ceccarini, 24 Homer St., $241,250.
Deborah Krawiec and John Paul Krawiec to FH Vision Estate Inc., 86 Willow Brook Drive, $380,000.
Global Home Properties LLC ,to Nicholas S. Ratush, trustee, Olga A. Krasnozhen-Ratush, trustee, and Ratush Family Trust, trustee of, 11 Fox Farm Road, $725,000.
Ivette Nunez to Luigi Calabrese and Maryanne Calabrese, 53 William St., $259,000.
Joseph E. Cardin and Kathryn Cardin to Tyler Peich, 74 South Park Terrace, $320,000.
Kathleen Cassidy, Paul Cassidy and Christine M. Cassidy to Edward R. Cabana, 4 Maple View Lane, Unit B, $328,000.
Kathleen Comeau, Kathleen Searles and Joseph Comeau to Robert Rash Jr., and Shauna Rash, 297 Cooper St., $400,000.
Laura R. Butman to Emily Nalewanski and Stephen Piascik, 241 Meadow St., $338,000.
Mary A. Husson to Mitchell J. Sparrow, trustee, Denise Spina, trustee, and Mitchell J. Sparrow and Denise Spina Revocable Trust, trustee of, 151 Corey Colonial, Unit 151, $260,000.
AMHERST
Matthew Cornell and Mary B. Cornell to Trustees of Amherst College, Amherst College, 34 Dickinson St., $1,100,000.
Paul H. Motts to Greta Birkby, 30 Hills Road, $240,000.
Kimberly G. Keegan to Cats in Baby Dresses LLC, 10 Taylor St., $550,000.
Gerald L. Jones and Jones Amherst Realty Trust to William Kelly, 1 Baldwin Lane, $465,000.
Khunga Lama to Khunga Lama and Chime Wangmo, 33 Pomeroy Court, $100.
Douglas D. Waskiewicz, trustee, Karen A. Carmona, trustee, Karen A. Joy, trustee, Jeffrey R. Waskiewicz, trustee, and Marion A. Waskiewicz Revocable Trust to Kristin M. Small and Jonathan D. Holz, 199 Glendale Road, $565,000.
BELCHERTOWN
Jeffrey Schrenzel and Beth Rosen to 2025
Jeffrey Schrenzel & Beth Rosen Revocable Trust, 49 Cheryl Circle, $100.
Wayne R. Roy and Nikki C. Roy to Gerald LaBonte and Suzanne LaBonte, 85 North Main St., $339,900.
Laliberte Home Builders Inc., to Angela Gaj and Kyle A. Maslak, 230 Allen St., $730,000.
Gerald R. Maloney and Kelly A. Maloney to Shauna A. Looze and Stephen Looze, 312 South St., $625,000.
Samuel Clark and Samuel J. Clark to Jerri Ross and Geoffrey Bannister, 63 Oak Ridge Drive, $570,000.
BLANDFORD
Angela M. Mikulski and Angela Marie Alvarez to Tomasz Nazim, Boguslawa Nazim and Benjamin Nazim, Shepard Road, $69,000.
Ronnie Armany to Nicole C. Carriveau and Taylor J. Shedd, 14 Russell Stage Road, $315,000.
BRIMFIELD
David H. Peters to Sean Mazelli, 73 Champeaux Road, $728,500.
Mahogany Ridge LLC, to Michael Cordi, 1 Warren Road, $535,000.
CHARLEMONT
Mary A. Campbell and Thomas C. Campbell to Shire Basecamp 413 LLC, 198 Main St., $390,000.
CHESTER
Michelle F. Sivard and David E .Jackman to Michelle F. Sivard, 264 Huntington Road, $100.
CHESTERFIELD
Cody Rida and Kayla Rida to Richard A. Provencher, 574 Main Road, $449,900.
CHICOPEE
Eric B. LaChapelle and Paula LaChapelle to Harrison Valerio, 15 Gilmore St., $400,000.
Frederick Golba to Nikita D. Salagornik, Shepherd Street, $120,000.
Laurie Drzewianowski, representative, and Ann Elizabeth Ogorzalek, estate, to Richard Kowalski, 93 Melvin St., $235,000.
Lynn A. Sorel, Lynn A. Riley and Donald Sorel to Kevin T. Craven, 123 Watson St., $289,000.
M&G Renovations LLC, to Katherine A. Robertson, 85-87 Charles St., $430,000.
Mary Consolata Mudachi to Lee Sandro Zayas and Maria Virgen Vazquez Gomez, 819 McKinstry Ave., $298,650.
Mary T. Hill to Kyle LaPlante, 33-35 Dallaire Ave., $235,000.
Michael J. Catanzaro Jr., to Stephen Hinnebusch and Elizabeth Hinnebusch, 25 Lafond Drive, $367,400.
Richard A. Parker to Maria Pastore, 62 Polaski Ave., $415,000.
Tracy L. Duncan, Tracy L. Allen and Kristopher J. Allen to Yun Liu, 91 Telegraph Ave., $328,000.
COLRAIN
Betty J. Karbon, trustee of the Betty J. Karbon Investment Trust, and David E. Karbon,
trustee of the David E. Karbon Investment Trust to Frank J. Mooney IV, and Jennifer L. Mooney, 2 Herzig Lane, $659,000.
CONWAY
David A. Barten to Lianna Hart, 194 Upper Baptist Hill Road, $430,000.
CUMMINGTON
Colin M. Korzec and Michele Korzec to Laurel R. Greenberg, trustee, and Laurel R. Greenberg Revocable Trust, Cole Street, $45,000.
DEERFIELD
Frances S. York, trustee of the Valeski Investment Trust to Allen-Chase Foundation, “dba” Eaglebrook School, Pine Nook Road, $30,300.
EAST LONGMEADOW
Ann Rossiter Buchholz, trustee, Mary Conboy Rossiter Trust, trustee of, and Mary Conboy Rossiter Revocable Trust, trustee of, to James Gaudreau and Daneen Gaudreau, 314 Pinehurst Drive, Unit 314, $510,000.
Catherine M. Dodge to Silent Enterprises LLC, 45 Parker St., $150,000.
Daniel M. Daggett to Kellee Omelia, 9 Knollwood Drive, $376,000.
Diane Friedberg, trustee, Ian Charles Michelow, trustee, Bryan Joseph Michelow, trustee, and Berenice Michelow Trust, trustee of, to Nancy A. Labrie and Robert W. Labrie, 102 Pinehurst Drive, $441,000.
Dominic Kirchner II, trustee, and Lumturi Realty Trust, trustee of, to Erin Beaulac, 101 Melwood Ave., $400,000.
Evan Charles Layne and Evan Charles Lantzakis to David Chapdelaine, 260 Porter Road, $205,000.
Harriet J. Parzivand to Elisana Rubiera, 31 Oak Bluff Circle, $400,000.
Ross D. Ginsberg, trustee, and Barbara Judith Ginsberg Trust, trustee of, to Lucia Deering, 2 Bluegrass Drive, Unit 2, $580,000.
EASTHAMPTON
Maureen Pine and Karen E. Lynn to Rebecca Thomas, 359 Main St., $475,000.
Joseph J. Jarmen, Joseph J. Jarmen, trustee, Dawn M. Jarmen, Dawn M. Jarmen, trustee, and Joseph J. Jarmen & Dawn M. Jarmen Revocable Trust to Maureen Pine and Karen E. Lynn, 20 Holly Circle, $700,000. Michelle D. Pontbriant, trustee, Lawrence R. Pontbriant, trustee, Andre G. Pontbriant, trustee, and Lawrence L. Pontbriant Rental Income Trust to ST Properties LLC, 42-44 Pleasant St., $445,000.
Steven Paul Winkel to Alexander J. Castergini and Erika Castergini, 36 Holly Circle, $1,250,000.
Romney Biddulph to Ewa TK Nowicki, 27 Bryan Ave., $380,500.
Deeds
ERVING
Debra J. Fiske, Patricia A. Harrington, Philip L. Harrington and Tracy E. Miner to Curtis Michael Chapin and Samantha Anne Chapin, 19 Pratt S., $200,000.
GILL
Doreen A. Kwader and Kurt D. Kwader to Kole Kovacs, 61 Riverview Drive, $387,500.
GREENFIELD
Philip G. Decato to Russell A. Johnson, 38 Cypress St., $150,000.
Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity Inc., to Donovan Lee and Shelby Lee, 184 Petty Plain Road, $170,000.
Michael Chudzik, personal representative of the Estate of Donna G. Courchesne, to Lucas Giusto and Dominic Santaniello, trustees of the Naples Home Buyers Trust, 18 Silver Place, $160,000.
Lucille M. Hawks to Dominic Kirchner II, trustee of Targaryen Realty Trust, 34 Brookside Ave., $211,250.
Marc P. Houlihan to David A. Peters, 166 Federal St., $367,500.
Quality Realty Partners II LLP, to Bridge Primary Real Estate LLC, 55 Federal St., Units 200, 260 & 300, 55 Federal Street Condominiums, $251,200.
Rebecca M. Demers and Robert M. Demers to Timothy Brady and Hannah McDonald, 146 Leyden Road, $300,000.
HADLEY
Glenn W. Stowell III, and Judith K. Stowell to Chenghui Zheng and Xiuping Zheng, 9 High Meadow Road, $644,000.
Alice L. Holmes to Joanne G. Katz and Carly Myers, 16 Highland Circle, $498,900.
Steven F. Johnson and Viviana V. Johnson to Kyle Zeng, Liangzhou Zeng and Qiong Huang, 21 Shattuck Road, $720,210.
HAMPDEN
Hampden Farms LLC, to Ram Krishna LLC, East Longmeadow Road, Lot 1, $950,000.
Holly Anne S. Evans, representative, Evelyn Anne Schoolcraft, estate, and Evelyn G. Schoolcraft, estate, to Jem Homebuyers LLC, 210 E Longmeadow Road, $215,000.
HEATH
Angie Turner and Gerald L. Turner Jr., to J. Blake Bridwell and Miriam Barrera Bridwell, 27 Al Stetson Road, $105,000.
Edith A. Crochiere to DianeMarie Collins and William E. Collins, 134 Sumner Stetson Road, $439,000.
HOLLAND
David M. Costa and Despina A. Costa to Thomas P. Flaherty Sr., and Maureen Ann Flaherty, 33 Pine Tree Drive, $610,000.
Marianne E. Guskey to Adam A. Hussey and Katherine A. Hussey, 335 Mashapaug Road, $309,000.
HOLYOKE
Andrew P. Cole to Jackson Findlay and Alyssa Findlay, 33 Dillon Ave., $285,000.
ASW Fund 1 LP, ASW Private Lending LLC, and ASW Fund I LP, to Jose Maldonado, 526 Pleasant St., Unit E, $165,000.
Bjarney A. Cruz, Khayyan E. Cruz and Khayyam E. Cruz to Bryndis K. Cruz, 393 Jarvis Ave., $100.
James A. Doyle, representative, and Penelope Doyle, estate, to Juan V. Romera Aguila, 137 Whiting Farms Road, $267,857.
Scott Lacombe and Nikolaus Lacombe to Cynthia Asal, 42 Evergreen Drive, $385,000.
HUNTINGTON
Azure Lynn Layton to John Brian Aldrich and Lisa Renee Aldrich, 147 Worthington Road, $369,000.
Elizabeth Van Vechten Bedell, trustee, and Bedell Nominee Trust to Elizabeth Van Vechten Bedell, 148 Pisgah Road, $100.
LEVERETT
Julia D. McQuade and Andrew P. Parker-Renga to Ella A. Dunne and James Dunne, 108 Old Mountain Road, $633,000.
LONGMEADOW
Joel Wun and Paula Wun to Richard Appleton and Laura Appleton, 26 Andover Road, $468,000.
Kevin C. Peabody to Kevin Labrecque, 15 Falmouth Road, $390,000.
Michael P. Williams and Cathy Ann Paige to Bachir J. Sakr and Sylvia Caroline Sakr, 97 Forest Glen Road, $1,050,000.
LUDLOW
Daniel L. Black to Carol L. Roy, 56 Chapin Green Drive, $250,000.
Irene M. Pereira and Elaine M. Szlosek to Deven M. Tracy and Shannon R. Worley, 42 Adams St., $362,500.
J L N Properties LLC, to Peter C. Wilson and Carol A. Wilson, Lyon Street, Par C, $3,200.
John A. Luszcz and Michele Luszcz to NAF Cash LLC, 12 Stebbins St., $435,000.
John Dryjowicz, estate, and Edward F. Kozlowski Jr., representative, to Katelyn S. White, 153 Ray St., $214,000.
Maria Julia Dias to John O’Brien, 33 Hampshire St., $313,000.
Marti-Ann Martins to Oguzhan Karaaslan, 54 Reynolds St., $360,000.
Nathan D. Quiterio to Stephanie Nascimento and John Rossetti, Balsam Hill Road, Lot 62, $177,000.
Shauna Looze, Shauna Leblanc and Stephen Looze to Mitchel Wells and Chelsea Bernice Wells, 64 Oak Knolls Circle, $390,000. WestMass Area Development Corp., to NRB Realty LLC, State Street, Lot 1, $372,000.
Whitetail Wreks LLC, to Carolina Elite Builders LLC, Balsam Hill Road, Lot 70, $177,900.
Whitetail Wreks LLC, to Carolina Elite Builders LLC, Balsam Hill Road, Lot 75, $177,900.
MONSON
Anthony Patalano and Aimee Dorval-Patalano to Paula Aversa, Maxwell Cooney and Adam Souza, 195 Lower Hampden Road, $699,900.
MONTAGUE
Rodney E. Bergiel and Judy Eng to Kyle Andrew Dodge and Amanda Rose Savinski, 7 Oakman St., $329,900.
Betsy Burnham, Amy Murphy, David Thornton and Karen Thornton-Follett to Patricia A. Martin and Thomas R. Martin, 486 Turners Falls Road, $365,000.
NORTHAMPTON
William E. Clayton, Dorothy A. Clayton, Dorothy A. Gagne and Helen M. Langlais to Sangmin Yun, 955 Burts Pit Road, $350,000.
Carmen Grenat, trustee, Grenat Trust, and Gengerelli Trust to John C. Owens and Jaime L. Kubik, 492 Elm St., $475,000.
Michelle Lesperance to Judie M. Garceau, 26 Laurel Lane, $79,750.
Judy A. Peret to Joseph H. Tedesco, trustee, Billie Ann Tedesco, trustee, and Tedesco Family Trust, 183 Brookside Circle, $360,000.
Evan Ngan Dang and Vania X. Wu to Richard Peter Beck and Kenneth A. Bertsch, 87B Bridge St., $749,900.
Cheryl E. Butler, trustee, Judith L. Atwood, trustee, Eric M. Atwood, trustee, and Declaration of Trust of Shirley L. Atwood to Lori Divine-Hudson, 20 Bridge Road, $950,000.
Gary P. Giller, trustee, and Giller Family Trust to Steve Ganzel, 80 Damon Road, $33,000.
SBC Realty LLC, to RGB Properties Florence LLC, 54-56 Main St., $625,000.
Andiron LLC, to Jeremy Durrin and Gabriella Day, 22 Hockanum Road, $234,000.
Olivia O’Brien, personal representative, Claudia M. O’Brien, estate, and Claudia Moore O’Brien, estate, to David Pruskin, 27 Fairview Ave., $405,000.
Thomas E. Quinn to David Howard Pierce, trustee, Jamie Levin Pierce, trustee, and Joint Revocable Trust of David Howard Pierce & Jamie Levin P, 597 North Farms Road, $1,306,000.
Kerry W. Brown, personal representative, Stephen A. Brown, estate, to Kyle H. Hughes and Victoria Murphy, 5 Stowell St., $360,000.
Greco Properties LLP, to Zig Northampton LLC, 326 King St., $775,000.
NORTHFIELD
Town of Northfield to Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Conservation and Recreation, Swamp Road, $31,000.
ORANGE
Cheryl Lynn Rickert to Matthew Nolan, 196 South Main St., $75,000. Lisa Fernandez to Frank Price, 79 Marjorie St., $351,000.
Claudia Correa to Yarielis Rodriguez De Leon, Zayra De Leon and Jose Rodriguez Rivera, 52 Kelton St., $370,000.
Elizabeth Kelley, personal representative of the Estate of Robert J. Kelley, to Patrick Capparrille, 16 Sandrah Drive, $199,900.
PALMER
Gerald R. Labonte and Suzanne J. Labonte to Thomas J. Modzelewski, 5 Meadowbrook Lane, Unit 5, $295,000.
Mary Margaret Lamica, Patricia Lamica, Patricia Fontaine, Ann Marie Baxter, Sandra Russo, Donna Benard, Carolyn Antoloci and Bonnie Benard to Christopher Pastorek, trustee, and Glendale Realty Trust, trustee of, 1780 North
Main St., $500,000.
Michael D. Sherman, representative, and Irene C. Sherman, estate, to Brian Pulikowski and Caitlin Wemette, 1057 High St., $347,500.
P E L Realty Trust LLC, to 1376 Main LLC, 1376 Main St., $300,000.
Pah Properties LLC, to John M. Mancini and Shannon L. Mancini, 3020 Foster St., $560,000.
RUSSELL
William K. Riley and Cynthia M. Riley to Aramis Weimann, 108 Highland Ave., $300,000.
SHELBURNE
Brenda J. Adams and Robert A. Adams to Joseph Angelico, 85 Frank Williams Road, $80,000.
SOUTH HADLEY
Constance C. Grise to Jackson R. Hosking, 95 Pearl St., $285,000.
Melissa Callahan, Melissa Wanat, Kyle Callahan to Gary Andre Leroux II Emily Paige Leroux, 7 Susan Ave., $367,000.
Jeffrey D. Lusczynski, personal representative, Arleen Anne Lussier, estate, Arleen A. Lusczynski, estate, to Steven Schlachter and Karen Schlachter, 310 Alvord Place, $370,000.
Rory M. Pommerening, Lana E. Alexander to Kyle Callaghan and Melissa Callahan, 17 Upper River Road, $658,100.
Parick M. Greaney to Melanie Bitely, Riley Bitely, 44 Spring St. Extension, $367,000.
Barbara E. Kedzior to Thomas R. Herbert, Samantha J. Herbert, 35 Brigham Road, $323,000.
Douglas Stoddart, trustee, Katharine M. Bedard, trustee, I-Trust for Katharine M. Bedard to Margaret Gallagher and Althea Lewis, 21 Silver St., $569,000
Doris C. Hastings, Doris C. Carvalho to Laura M. Tompkins and Harrison D. Neill, 107 Lathrop St., $421,000.
SOUTHAMPTON
William H. Ziegler to Alicia Estes Ziegler and Nathaniel P. Zieger, 5 Quigley Road, $140,000.
Prime Flips LLC, to Christopher Hampson, 34 Bluemer Road, $405,000.
David Michael Conti to Alisha R. Conti, Deanna M. Conti, 31 Hillside Meadows Drive, $100.
Guinevere Arthur Vanhorne to Joseph Cardin, Kathryn Cardin, 100 Whie Loaf Road, $424,900.
Deeds
SOUTHWICK
Hamelin Framing Inc., to Yong Jo, 10 Silvergrass Lane, $150,000. Kenneth B. Howe Jr., to Jordan Daniel Bushey, 4 Evergreen Terrace, $325,000.
Nancy C. Godbout, conservator, David Twining and David P. Twining to Stellar Homes Inc., 33 Granville Road, $176,000.
Valeriy Burkovskiy and Alla Burkovskiy to Dominic Santaniello and Claire M. Santaniello, 15 Overlook Lane, $1,350,000.
SPRINGFIELD
Abdul Ghani Mourad and Jacob Saleh to Leonardo H. Delacruz, 142-144 Miller St., $470,000.
AJ Capital Inc., to Jordan A. Torres and Ann M. Bianchi, 60 Skyridge Drive, $265,000.
Ambrose I. Mwea to Michele Valessa Tamg no Gounou Ngapmen, 59-61 Farnsworth St., $530,000.
Andler LTD Limited Partnership and Arnold E. Andler to Wason Ave Properties LLC, Bourne Acquisition LLC, and 2527 LLC, Rear Birnie Avenue, Lot A, $682,500.
Armando M. Mora Fernandez and Anjouli Tatiana Mora to BHO Realty LLC, 53 Warrenton St., $220,000.
Barbara Vanvalkenburg to Stacey Podmore, 156 Ashbrook St., $335,000.
Benjamin D. Richardson and Mary Ashton to Emily Ruffini, 189 Essex St., Unit I, $210,000.
C. James Bullock, representative, Maura K. Bullock, representative, Joy Hibsher, estate, and Joy C. Hibsher, estate, to Emilie Fernandez and Natanael Ortiz-Garcia, 143 Gardens Drive, $330,000.
Chrissy L. Ivas to RG Main & Oak LLC, 24 Davis St., $358,000.
Cynthia M. Gaudreau and Cynthia M. Cook to Veronica Vargas, 1114 Allen St., $300,000.
Daniel Chalue Jr., and Katelyn Ellen Chalue to Margarita Rivera-Walker, 154 Packard Ave., $305,000.
Daniel Searles and Jenna Searles to Fadi Chalhoub, 45 Lexington Circle, $740,000.
Darcy Lambert to Frances K. Harrell, 127-129 Pineywoods Ave., $325,000.
Diana L. Mieltowski to Lucas Giusto, trustee, Dominic Santaniello, trustee, and Naples Home Buyers Trust, trustee of, 115 Hampden St., $130,000.
Dominic Kirchner II, trustee, and Redwood Realty Trust, trustee of, to Bianca Paola Gonzalez Perez, 9 Ladd St., $245,000.
Dontell J. Lofton and Sylvie Joseph to Dmytro Pershyn, Lyudmyla Ligouri, trustee, and Lyudmyla Ligouri Revocable Trust, trustee of, 346 Maple St., $490,000.
Emtay Inc., to Deen Orange 190 LLC, 283 Oakland St., $285,000.
Faith I. Garcia to McKenzie Brothers Realty LLC, 89 Cherokee Drive, $193,000.
Gemini Town Homes LLC, to Noelia Elizabeth Cruz, 35 Morris St., Unit 101, $206,000.
Israel Djesus Rosa Moreno and Gabriela Estefany Ramirez Arias to Chandrashekhar H. Joshi, 89 Carol Ann St., $320,000.
James F. Whalen and Cheryl A. Whalen to Erin Foley, 26 Belvidere St., $350,000.
JJS Capital Investment LLC, to Felix Morales Nova, 739-741 Carew St., $390,000.
Judith A. Carter to Christine Gangne,189 Essex St., Unit R, $200,000.
Kamai Norman to James Fiore, 89 Bristol St., $135,000.
Kiara L. Pina to Dominic Kirchner II, trustee, and Amenadiel Realty Trust, trustee of, 44-46 Calhoun St., $267,000.
Lurdes Nunez, representative, and Agripina Nunez, estate, to Eric Frimpong, 88 Massachusetts Ave., $276,000.
Marco Zepeda Martinez to Yarimar Castro, 35-37 Suffolk St., $420,000.
Mariela Villafane Camacho and Armando L. Rodriguez to Edwin O. Garcia, 65 Kenway Drive, $155,000.
Michael A. Yandow to Round Two LLC, 325 Hartwick St., $145,000.
Norman J. McCannon Jr., Kevin M. McCannon, Christina A. Zeppa and Christine A. McCannon to Veteran Stan LLC, 99 Massreco St., $175,000.
Orionls LLC, trustee, and 39 Kenwood Nominee Trust, trustee of, to RBT Enterprise LLC, and H P Rum LLC, 39 Kenwood Terrace, $2,725,000.
Patricia James, representative, and Pansy L. James, estate, to Ethan Clayton and Laura Ann Gruszka, 180 Berkshire Ave., $255,000.
Patrick Jordan, representative, Ty Novelli, Toni L. Jordan, estate, Mario J. Novelli, estate, and Linda F. Jordan, estate, to Cornerstone Homebuying LLC, 137 Shawmut St., $193,000.
Rafael Perez to 30 Forest Park Properties LLC, 32 Acushnet Ave., $370,000.
Rebecca Ocasio, Rebecca Donnelly-Treat and Felipe Ocasio to Santo Mauricio Diaz Castillo, Maria L. Pena and Jordanny Diaz Pena, 141-143 Berkshire St., $316,326.
Richard Evan Swift, trustee, Suzanne Breit Swift, trustee, and Richard & Suzanne Swift Revocable Trust, trustee of, to Sara H. Mullan and Mark J. Mullan, 235 State St., Unit 406, $235,000.
Sidney Borges, Channel Williams, Channel Borges and Latisha Borges to Jonathan Jamison, 44 Gatewood Road, $260,000.
Squire Investment LLC, Squire Investments LLC and 120 Squire Road LLC, to Venus Real Estate LLC, 90 Kensington Ave., $665,000.
Stephen Lee Edwards and Kayla N. Gonzalez to David Anthony, 95 Leavitt St., $260,000.
Urban Neighborhood Homes LLC, to Carolina Sosa Henriquez, 19-21 Hayden Ave., $320,000.
Wernfred Benjamin to Nicole Benjamin and Wernfred Benjamin, life estate, 200 Maynard St., $100.
William J. Laporte and Patricia A. Laporte to Ryan Thomas and Alexis Thomas, 127 Catalpa Terrace, $320,000.
William Teddy Martinez Reguero to David MacLennan and Ellen Friedman, Castlegate Drive, Unit 59B, $241,000.
SUNDERLAND
Janet L. Ewing and Alice L. Yang to Cullen Shipman, 8 Valley View Lane, $470,000.
WALES
Doreen J. Stanuch, representative, and Eugene C. Vandall, estate, to Matthew Carpenter and Kylie Carpenter, 90 Union Road, $325,000.
Jurisdised Agencies LLC, to Matthew Smart and Christina Smart, 73 Main St., $432,000.
WARE
Joseph E. Pinsonnault, Vickie L. Pinsonnault to Shellie Fountain-Hinckley and Dean Fountain-Hinckley, 26 Aspen St., $245,000.
Wilfred J. Bateman to James Edison Moser, 223 Osborne Road, $20,000.
Michael Hackett, Lisa Marie Caissie to Thomas J. Wood Jr., 246 Belchertown Road, $315,000.
Tomas Tenzer, trustee, Tenzer Investment Trust to Kimberly Boutwell, 4 Gareau Ave., $285,000. Victoria Kolenda, Mechelle Lee
Brown to Kelly Parker and Richard Parker, 242 Monson Turnpike Road, $480,000.
WENDELL
T.S. Mann Lumber Co. Inc., to Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Conservation and Recreation, Old Farley Road, “aka” Stone Place Road, $390,000.
WEST SPRINGFIELD
Apple Ridge Realty LLC, to McDonalds USA LLC, 352 Riverdale Road, $100.
Konstantin P. Khodunov, Konstantin Khodunov and Leah G. Khodunov to Isa Turan, 76 Squire Drive, $451,000.
Shannon Cavanaugh to Susan Lee Lucia, 250 Poplar Ave., $349,900.
Susan L. Lucia to Kimberly Dunleavy, 77 Jensen Circle, $330,000.
Zachary D. Breton and Megan Breton to Christopher AJ Allen Sr., and Melanie M. Nunez-Allen, 367 Hillcrest Ave., $407,500.
WESTFIELD
Cam Property Management LLC, to Monolith Holdings LLC, 40 Mechanic St., $600,000.
Cindy A. Nikiforakis to Shawn David Medeiros and Jacqueline Medeiros, 64 Northridge Road, $350,000.
Jenelle Lynn Masotti to Kristin Halls, 87 Birch Bluffs Drive, $320,000.
John M. Ramistella, representative, James Benedict Ramistella, estate, Lindsey Ramistella Tedesco, and Nicole Ramistella Walker, to Debra Ramistella, 27 Laurel Ave., $300,000.
Joseph M. Houser Jr., representative, and Janet R. Houser, estate, to Luke Edward Callender and Dominee Allison Callender, 87 West Silver St., $380,000.
Kelli Wood to David Tompkins and Anna Tompkins, 43 Kittredge Drive, $500,000.
Kellie L. Gonzales, representative, and Michael P. Gonzales, estate, to Kristi L. Gonzales, 182 Russell Road, $170,000.
Mac Squared LLC, to Robert Boyer III, 24-26 Maple St., $410,000.
Michael D. Getto and Cheryl A. Getto to Patrick Greaney and Tanya Sullivan, 30 Patterson St., $485,000.
Shauna Rash, Shauna Collins and Robert Rash Jr., to Jewelianna Elizabeth Walker, 111 Union St., Unit 10, $285,500.
Tammy L. Clayton, representative, Jay W. Yaple Sr., estate, and
Jay W. Yaple, estate, to H2 Asset Solutions Inc., 24 Francis St., $95,000.
WESTHAMPTON
Tessa K. Young, Bruce W. Young to Joyce Nolan, 41 East Shore Drive, 41 Pine Island Lake, $605,000.
WILBRAHAM
Chetana H. Sanghvi to Dingbin Chen, 17 Briar Cliff Drive, $890,000.
WILLIAMSBURG
James W. Forster, Nancy Stowe Forster, Nancy S. Forster to Grass Hill Farm LLC, Adams Road, $100.
Leslie E. Smith, trustee, Christopher G. Smith Revocable Trust to Jeremy David Jackman, Jaime Recor Jackman, 103 Petticoat Hill Road, $475,000.
WORTHINGTON
Tyler Pease, Hannah Pease, Hannah Dion to Brett Michael Mollison, 24 Old Main Road, $390,000.
Michael Moloff to Michael Sanzo and Whitney Sanzo, 44 Goss Hill Road, $610,000.
Ivette Nunez to Lionel Nunez and Aleithea Dawn Nunez, 561 Dingle Road, $100.
info@towneauction.com / 781.790.7870 www.towneauction.com
MORTGAGEE’S FORECLOSURE AUCTION HELD ON THE PREMISES
MONDAY, JUNE 30, 2025
2 PM 49 South St, Agawam, MA
11 AM 60 Federal St, Montague (Millers Falls), MA
Terms of Sale: Deposit by bank check required to register to bid at time of sale. Visit: currentauctions.towneauction.com or call.
Balance to be paid 30 days from sale date. Other terms announced at sale. Auctioneer makes no representations to the accuracy of the information contained herein.
NO CASH - S Hill - MA Lic. AU 3381
MORTGAGEES’ REAL ESTATE AUCTIONS TO BE SOLD ON THEIR RESPECTIVE PREMISE WEDNESDAY JULY 2, 2025
4:00PM - SHEFFIELD, MA 1449 COUNTY ROADDEPOSIT $10,000 MONDAY JULY 7, 2025
1:00PM - MONTEREY, MA 434 MAIN ROADDEPOSIT $10,000
4:00PM - SPRINGFIELD, MA 114 LUCERNE ROAD DEPOSIT $10,000
Cute, little, orange kitten with white spots, $200. Call 413-244-7901.
Maine Coon mix, 1 female, 1 male $50.00 each. Call 413-777-9659 or text 575-1389
Dachshund Puppies, 8 wks old, females only, $1500. Serious inquiries only. Call 413-636-6561
English Springer Spaniel, Liver & White female, current on shots. $300. Call 413-596-8190
GermanShepherdpuppies forsale,1m&2f,$650, call or text 802-323-2538
TERMSOFSALES:DEPOSITSINTHEAMOUNTS SPECIFIEDABOVEARETO BEPAIDBYTHEPURCHASER(S)ATTHETIME ANDPLACEOFEACH SALEBYCERTIFIEDOR BANKCHECK.ALLBALANCESDUEARETOBE PAIDWITHIN30DAYSOF EACHINDIVIDUALSALE. OTHERTERMS,IFANY, TOBEANNOUNCEDAT EACH SALE. CALL OUR AUCTION SCHEDULE LINE AT (617) 964-1282 FOR A LIST OF THE CURRENT DAY’S AUCTIONS AND VISIT OUR WEBSITE www.commonwealth auction.com FOR CONTINUOUSLY UPDATED SCHEDULING INFORMATION AND ADDITIONAL SCHEDULING
AARON POSNIK & CO. INC. Indust & Comm. Auctions 31 Capital Dr. W. Spfld. 733-5238 www.posnik.com
DouglasAuctioneers.com
ESTATES-ANTIQUES 413-665-2877
SpringMeadowApartmentswaitlistwillbe re-openingandacceptingapplicationsfor twoandthreebedroomunitsunder theaffordableprojectbased/Section8program beginning July1,2025 .HUDincomequalifications areusedtodetermine eligibility.Allreceived andcompletedapplicationsaredatedand time-stampedatthe timeofreceiptand placedontheaffordableproject-based waitlistintheorderin whichtheyarereceived.
Applications can be picked up at Spring Meadow Apartments located at 176 Canon Circle Springfield, MA 01118. Office hours are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 10:00am-4:30pm and Friday 9:00am2:00pm. Applicants can contact management at 413-426-9718. EHO Equal Housing Opportunity.
Be prepared before the next power outage.
Receive a free 5-year warranty with qualifying purchase* - valued at $535.
Call 413-930-9984 to schedule your free quote!