Thursday, April 3, 2014

A Pennsylvania Auction


In June 2013, my mother-in-law passed away at the age of 100, leaving two houses uninhabited. She and my father-in-law, when he was living, spent the summers in the country and winters in town. Something needed to be done with the contents of both houses and the outbuildings. My husband contacted an auctioneer about having a sale. He recommended waiting until March of 2014. He said spring is the peak of the auction season when everyone is ready to get out of their houses and before the outdoor work begins.

Her favorite doll, almost 100 years old

To get ready, we had to pack everything since the auction would be at another location. I wrapped many, many dishes. My mother-in-law lived in the same house as her mother and grandmother before her with each keeping the dishes of the one before. I also readied her doll collection, her paperweight collection, her books, her bedding, and sorted through most of the papers in the house. My husband did the garages, the attic, the upstairs, and stacked every box that was packed.


The two of us totaled at least 150 hours on the project.  At first, it was fun discovering family photos, memorabilia, more dolls, and additional paperweights I had never seen. The last week got very tiring. 

Her paper weight collection
The living room after packing




We loaded up from six different buildings. 
Fortunately, we had our immediate and extended family helping us. 
The auctioneers’ workers getting things ready

          Unloading at the auction site

The sale went well. The auctioneers said that it was as good as it gets in this present age of Internet buying. 

                Whew! 
                                                   
      We are glad that is over!
The most popular item
                                               
       


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