Sometimes history needs a hand.
With that in mind, the Sharon Historical Society is planning a one-of-a-kind fundraising auction featuring items donated by local artists and illustrators, Beekman 1802 cookbooks, and even a chainsaw and a mountain bike all going on the block.
The event will be held Saturday, July 20, at the Roseboro with Michael’s Auctions’ Doug Cater serving as auctioneer.
There will be a silent auction from 11am-noon with a live auction starting at 1pm.
Donations are still coming in—and still welcome; contact any member of the Historical Society or call (518) 284-2135 or (518) 284-9091.
Saturday, a few members of the Historical Society gathered at their museum to deliver and sort through some of the donations.
Karen Cookson, who’s working to publicize the event, said some of the proceeds will go toward the museum, where electricity needed to be updated and the cost of ongoing maintenance quickly adds up.
Some will also go towards the cost of reprinting the updated and expanded “A Touch of Nostalgia, Sharon Springs Spa,” now in its third printing.
“Nostalgia” includes a new chapter and color photographs highlighting the work done by Beekman 1802 and other Main Street businesses and Sharon Springs Inc.s’ plans for the future.
Both Beekman 1802 and SSI contributed towards the cost of the book, which was published by The Printers at the Times-Journal.
“Nostalgia” author, Town of Sharon Supervisor Sandy Manko, will sign copies of the book at the Sharon Springs Free Library from 5-7pm today, Wednesday.
The books will also be available for purchase there and at other spots throughout town, including Cobbler & Co.
“Our books are the most popular thing we’ve ever done,” Ms. Cookson said.
“Not only did we feel it was time to update this one, but we were sold out of it. Once we catch our breath, we’ll be reprinting “Reflections,” and some of our other publications too so people can have a complete set. Our history here is amazing…”
Much of the items already donated for the auction focus of pieces of Sharon Springs’ past and include framed prints and images, a collage, and other memorabilia from the town’s past—including dishes from some of the historic hotels.
Local artists including Leila Durkin, Walt Manko, Michael Whaling, and Holly Spiess have donated water colors, paintings, and prints of familiar scenes; Sharon Springs Garage has donated a Stihl chainsaw, Rosemarie Trapani has donated an Italian dinner, and there are bookends, local cook books, and even three bikes.
“The auction should be a lot of fun,” Ms. Cookson said. “It will be a great way to focus on our past and our present and raise some money for our future.”