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Article 44 of 49
This article first appeared in the August 23, 2006 issue of the The Low Down to Hull and Back News.
Reprinted with permission. Search complete list of Low Down Articles.
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GVHS auction nets $4,500
Auctioneer Revel Stewart's call cut the air. "Can we not get five dollars for this good chair? It has arms and all the good things."
The chair, which had seen better days, was the toughest sell at the 43rd Annual Gatineau Valley Historical Society Auction, held Aug. 19 on the grounds of St. Stephens Church in Chelsea. Approximately 130 registered bidders snapped up a 1920's wicker chair, soup tureens, hand painted child's desk, antique baby furniture, patchwork quilt, and many more treasures.
The "stars" were old washstands, wooden chairs and settees. Some items sold in the $200 to $300 range; a boon as everything in the auction came from 22 donors. "Nothing was brought in that we didn't know what it was," said GVHS's Carol Martin, who said she was always struck by the generosity of the community.
The Silent Auction gave the event a real boost with items donated from local businesses, while the flea market proved to be a surprise hit, netting $700. The bake sale was also a popular money maker. After expenses, the event raised an estimated $4,500 for heritage activities like the Fairbairn House restoration and its archives, which are open several days a week.