Aunt Delores' Auctions

Going to auctions is a favorite activity for many people. It’s not only a chance to find a bargain; it’s often a social event as well. 

Recently there were two auctions that drew large crowds.  After years of collecting, Aunt Delores decided it was time to auction off many of the items in her collection.

Nieces Lauren, Shelly, and Donna helped her get ready.  When they took on the job they had a good idea about what they were in for.  They started over a year ago and spent many hours sorting, filing, washing, labeling, hauling, and cleaning in preparation for the auctions.

Because of the quantity involved, it was decided to have two separate auctions and to divide them between antiques and household things.    

The first was mainly for the many antiques Delores had gathered over the years.  It was held at the old church just outside of Fessenden; included in the auction was the church building itself, also an ‘antique’.  The day was beautiful, the items for sale were numerous and varied, and the site was crowded with auction-goers. 

Shelly and her husband Norm were busy keeping things organized, “It’s been a busy year,” Norm said. “It’s been a lot of hard work. Lauren and Michael (her husband) and Donna have done an amazing amount of work on this.”  Shelly adds, “Delores just has so much stuff.  We had to get rid of quite a bit, too.”

Duwayne, purchaser of the church building and grounds, isn’t saying exactly what he intends to do with it. 

“I have two houses in Fessenden that are used for hunting lodges and they’re always full,” he says.  The size of the church building would provide more space if he decides to use it for similar purposes. 

The second auction, on Main Street of Fessenden, was largely household items, many new and still in their original boxes.  It was also well-attended.  A common sight was people standing in pairs or small groups chatting as they waited for the things they were interested in bidding on to come up for auction.  Many roamed the premises looking at everything; as flatbeds were emptied after their contents were sold, more items were brought out to replace them and the sale went on. The house, another of Delores Kost’s properties, was also sold.  Early that morning rumbles of thunder caused the auction team of nieces and their husbands to race to the site to cover as much of the inventory as possible with tarps.  Throughout the day there were a few sprinkles of rain, but not enough to do any damage to the sale items or to make anyone want to leave.  A few umbrellas sprouted up but were quickly furled as the sprinkles passed without developing into actual rain. 

Purchasers carried their newly acquired belongings through the crowd and down the block of Main Street closed off for the auction on Saturday and Sunday.  Because of the quantity, the auction continued over from Saturday to Sunday.  Once the auction was finished the look of Main Street returned to its regular look.  Nobody complained about the one block detour during auction hours. 

Niece Donna said, “We’re glad it’s done.  It’s been great coming back and seeing so many people again, and visiting, but we’re glad it’s done.  It’s been a big job.”

Auction attendee Carol says, “I love auctions. They’re just a lot of fun.”