Estate, Collectible, and Animal Auctions in Ohio, Antique Goose



Typical Farm Auction in Holmes County, Ohio

Estate, collectible, and animal auctions in Holmes and Wayne County, Ohio, represent the majority means of land and asset transfers.  Not only is this how many assets are transferred but auctions also provide the perfect setting for Amish socialization and entertainment. Forms of entertainment such as the county fair, a Cleveland Indians ball game, or the movies are forbidden for the Amish once they have joined the church. Auctions, on the other hand, offer the opportunity to set aside one's work for a few hours, do business; and, of course, during the course of doing business socialize with others.  Much local news is learned at auctions.  Sometimes husbands and wives both go, but often only the men and one or two sons go along, especially if it is to one of the local weekly animal auctions.  Generations of young Amish have learned to auctioneer simply by observation.  I have witnessed young boys who are very adept in auctioneering. 



Father and Son at Mt. Hope, Ohio

 An antiques, collectible, or estate auction is held almost every Monday evening of the year at the Kaufman Auction House, located at 3149 SR 39 in Walnut Creek, Ohio.  Beginning at 5 p.m., the goods being sold usually include collectibles and antiques, but may also include business store closeouts, new or surplus items, household, tools, and more. They also conduct specialized coin auctions. Because of Christmas, their regularly scheduled auction for this week will be held on Tuesday, December 27, 2011


Shown below is a favorite find, an antique hand-carved antique goose, now a part of my decor at the Millersburg, Ohio Barn Inn Bed and Breakfast. 





Antique Hand-Carved Goose Found at Auction


If anyone out there knows the history or information on the carver who made a number of these geese, please contact me at the inn. The carver used very heavy ironwood for the base.  Perhaps he was a carousel maker from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, which was an idea presented to me by an expert.  I am most interested in learning who the maker was. I was told that this was one of numerous geese that were discovered in a barn in northern Ohio.

A great source for information and postings of upcoming auctions may be found in the Holmes edition of The Bargain Hunter.

Weekly auction dates are:  Sugarcreek - Mondays and Fridays
                                        Farmerstown - Tuesday
                                        Mt. Hope Auction Barn - Wednesday
                                        Kidron - Thursday (Thanksgiving - Moved to Friday)
Any auction that falls on an Amish holiday will be postponed to the next day.  Ascension Day is one of those dates.  Good Friday and Old Christmas (January 6) are two other Amish holidays.  Throughout the year (during fair weather) the Amish host school auctions and other humanitarian fundraisers that the community and visitors enjoy; ie, Kidney Sale, Haiti Auction, Holmes County Home Auction, and more.  An interesting antiques and collectible auction will be held on January 14, 2011 at the Kidron Auction Barn.

Submitted by Loretta Coblentz
December 25, 2011