A Tradition of Preservation: The Chiselers’ Market Through the Years

Since their founding in 1959, the Chiselers have been steadfast champions of preserving and restoring H.B. Plant Hall. Just five years later, in 1964, they launched what would become a beloved annual tradition: the Chiselers’ Market. With the exception of one year during the COVID pandemic, the Market has been held every year for more than six decades.

In its early days, the Market, then called the Thieves Market, inspired by famous French street markets, was a vibrant, themed affair. Each year featured a new motif, from Victorian and Oriental to French, with members decorating elaborate displays and dressing in costume to match. Elegant luncheons were hosted on the verandahs, with tables adorned in fine linens and fresh floral centerpieces. Handmade treasures filled the booths: antique lace-trimmed pillows, cross-stitched shirts, straw handbags embellished with velvet fruits, and whimsical pirate-themed décor. Estate silver, paintings and carefully restored furnishings were perennial favorites.

Creativity and ingenuity have always defined the Market. In 1965, the theme Famous Hats from Famous Heads brought national attention, as prominent women donated hats to be modeled and sold. Contributions arrived from Mrs. Nelson Rockefeller, Mrs. Clark Gable, Mrs. Sam Gibbons and Mrs. Ray Milland, among others. A few years later, in 1968, a similar campaign yielded celebrity costume jewelry and keepsakes. Lapel pins arrived from Happy Rockefeller and Dinah Shore, a rhinestone bracelet was donated from Pat Nixon and an amber necklace from Nancy Regan. Bob Hope sent cufflinks with his profile, Jack Nicklaus donated a golf glove, Carol Burnett sent an initialed handkerchief and Ann Landers provided a chewed up copy pencil.

Today, the Chiselers’ Market continues to evolve while honoring its rich history. Throughout the year, members collect generous donations from the community, which are stored and carefully organized in a warehouse provided by the University of Tampa. These treasures are sorted into departments including bargain, books, boutique, china and crystal, collectibles, furniture, garden and silver. Highly sought-after items are featured in a Silent Auction, where bidders compete for unique finds. Each piece is thoughtfully prepared and stored until the annual move into Plant Hall -- a week-long, carefully coordinated effort requiring the dedication of countless Chiselers.

The Chiselers are deeply grateful to the University of Tampa for allowing them to take over and transform Plant Hall each year for the Market. This extraordinary undertaking brings the Market to life across the Verandahs, Music Room, Grand Salon and Fletcher Lounge, creating a one-of-a-kind shopping experience in a truly historic setting.

While much has changed over the past 61 years, the Chiselers’ mission remains the same: to preserve and restore H.B. Plant Hall, formerly the Tampa Bay Hotel, a treasured National Historic Landmark. Thank you for your support of this enduring tradition and supporting a remarkable cause.

EVENT DETAILS

Where
Henry B. Plant Hall 
University of Tampa
401 W. Kennedy Blvd.
Tampa, Florida 33606

When
March 2027
Doors Open at 9am

Cost

Free admission