Garth's Auction House

"$1,000, lets play auction. Do I have $1,000?" An unseen man raises his numbered wood. "I have $1,000, do I have $1,100? Bid $1,100."

The bids escalated quickly, a volley between this man and that, then that woman and this. It soon reached $15,275.

"Going once, twice, sold to...."

The item? A fine ohio stichwork sampler, silk on linen, prominent grape vine borders flank alphabets set over a two-story house and palm trees. Framed. By Hannah Scudder, 1836. $15,275.

Garth's Auctioneers & Appraisers auction house is not in Rexburg. It's in Delaware, Ohio, a few minutes north from Columbus. Dealing in antiques since 1954, it employs more certified appraisers than any other firm in the Midwest, and Garth's prides itself on being America's most trusted auction house and full-service firm. Dependable. Honest. Results. Is its truly american motto. And it's just up the road from my grandparents house.

Located in the Stratford historical area of Delaware, the tip of its property is to be sold and will home a new gasoline station, designed to blend in with local era architecture.  

I enter in through a small door cut into the flank of the massive barn. The lighting is dim, and the smell damp as we make our way under low hanging rafters. The hulking boards are all hand hewn. The people are of all sorts, I note; some wear fine cardigans, trousers and oxfords, matching the part of antique collectors. Others straggle in the back in hoodies and snow boots suitable for the construction yard. The hall is lined with very expensive "old things." All bid alike. The auctioneer is nicely dressed and beautiful. She speaks in that classic auctioneer tone, and taps her mallet on the podium. You know how it is. You have seen it in the movies. A man on the platform brings up the next item.

These items on auction have been gathering interest for the last forty years. They are now open to the world as people gather from roughly ten different states, call in on telephones, and follow along on-line. This is Garth's Annual Thanksgiving Auction. It is also Black Friday. 

While others are out buying big screens for 90% off at Walmart (funding the destruction of the world), these people gather and place bids on these valued antique items. Many buy at a premium price without hope for resale, capturing them for their own prized collections. Big screen? Who needs a big screen when you can have a Massachusetts Fire Bucket? Don't expect any bargains, however, this bucket went for $2,350.


So celebrate Christmas with a little class this year, and go old fashioned. Get your kids something that means something.