Meet Our Family

Edwin and Laura Howard

On May 2, 1973, Edwin and Laura Howard opened Howard’s Flying Dragon Antiques on Main Street in Essex. They had purchased the business Flying Dragon Studios from former movie actress Andrea Johnson, who had recently moved to Hawaii. Howard’s is the longest established antique shop in Essex, open for 52 years. Ed traveled throughout New England and the Eastern U.S. buying and selling antiques at shows while Laura merchandised and ran the shop daily. The Howards raised their children, Channing and Catherine, while running the store throughout decades of booming antique business, passing their knowledge and expertise to the next generation. Laura, a beloved local personality, passed away in 2021 and Edwin has recently retired due to declining health.

Edwin Howard

Laura Howard

Photo by Catherine Grassello

Beatrice Howard

Beatrice is the shop’s resident Maine Coon Cat. At 13 years old Beatrice is very friendly, likes a good ear scratch and has had many portraits taken and posted by her adoring fans. She is a polydactyl with seven toes on each front paw but “please do not touch my feet.” Beatrice has an extensive social media following on her weekly “Where’s Beatrice Wednesday” posts along with many loyal shop visitors who come to Essex each year, just to see her.

Catherine Howard Galli

While growing up in the family-owned antique business, Cathy learned early on that people want good deals and interesting items. She loves to talk about antiques that have history and a unique story. Combining her experience in retail and vintage collectibles, like her mom Laura, she has kept Howard’s Flying Dragon Antiques an authentic destination for treasure seekers visiting the North Shore. Cathy is also the creator of a popular “words in the window” shop feature that changes once or twice a week to highlight local events, history, sports, weather, and special moments. She is also known for her vintage hand-crafted painted wooden signs featuring nostalgic sayings and local destinations. Cathy and Beatrice were pleased to be featured on a 2024 episode of WCVB’s “Chronicle” show last year.

Channing Howard

Growing up working in the family business, Channing is a man who now wears many hats. He runs the Howard’s Flying Dragon Antiques shop a few days a week, and spends ample time traveling while he networks to buy and sell antiques and vintage décor. Skilled in repairs and finish work, Channing often puts the final touches on the items he sources before they come into the shop. An avid history buff, he has developed a vast general knowledge of American antiques and due to an appreciation for American craftsmanship, he lives in a First Period 1700’s house. Channing is also a licensed auctioneer and successfully ran the Central Maine Auction Co. through the 1990’s and early 2000s. He is also the principal of the related business Howard’s Visual Merchandise.

Howard’s Visual Merchandise (HVM)

Howard’s Visual Merchandise (HVM) is a wholesale supplier of props, vintage memorabilia, and décor to set decorators, photographers, and commercial decorating. HVM grew out of the demand for interesting and authentic industry props. We have supplied over 60 movies and TV series including award-winning productions, including the 2021 Oscar winning film, “CODA” and 0000 Emmy winning, “Olive Kitteridge”. HVM has have also supplied décor to restaurants, retail stores, amusement parks and car dealerships. On a more local scale Howard’s Flying Dragon Antiques is pleased to rent and sell props for photography, weddings, and special events.