OSWEGO — The Oswego County Historical Society will host its 32nd Annual “Not So Silent Auction” fundraiser on April 5 from 6 – 8:30 p.m. at The American Foundry, 246 W. Seneca St., Oswego.
Admission is $20 and includes a light food buffet, refreshments and cash bar.
Tickets are available in advance and at the door the day of the event.
All proceeds from the event support the general operating support of the Richardson-Bates House Museum, the headquarters of the OCHS.
“Our dedicated volunteers are the key to our success each year. So many wonderful donations have been made by generous businesses, OCHS members and local residents,” said Jennifer Bertollini, co-chair of the event. “The support we have received has been incredible, and now we need public help by attending this important event. Anyone interested in preserving our local history, the museum and its amazing collections please join us for an enjoyable evening.”
A wide variety of gift certificates, antiques, home goods, collectibles, artwork and more will be available for bid.
A traditional Chinese auction will be featured with chances offered on a dozen themed-filled gift baskets.
This year features new items, including baskets for Easter, camping, boys and girls.
The live auction portion, conducted by local auctioneer Ted Sivers, will begin at 7:15 p.m.
One of the special live auction items is a beautiful majolica serving bowl donated by MacKenzie-Childs of Aurora, NY.
The large bowl is custom-designed with a fluted rim and is entirely hand-painted by artisans.
Each one is unique and is stamped underneath with the artists’ names.
For those who want to spice up their summer experiences, there will be several opportunities featured.
For a good relaxing time, a sunset or afternoon sailboat trip on Lake Ontario for two couples or a family will be arranged by “Point…Counterpoint” and hosted by Chris and Jeanne Rotunno.
Anyone looking forward to the summer season will be able to bid on a brand new stainless steel gas grill.
This will include a complimentary picnic-style basket that will take care of any barbecue needs.
The grill has been donated by Atom and Falecia Avery of Avery Rentals.
“If you have always wanted to host a fine dinner party for your friends in your home, but never had the time to plan and organize one, now there is the perfect opportunity for bid,” said co-chair Mary Kay Stone.
Oswego native and master chef Ken Garno will provide a planned multi-course dinner for ten organized in advance with a date to be arranged.
A sample of the dessert items will be given during the auction to encourage the high bidders.
Watercolors, prints and photographs will be special features in the auction.
Among the many unique donations for bid will include an original watercolor painting by the late Jeanne Kraft, who was a well-known artist that resided in Oswego throughout her life.
Kraft was a graphic designer with Sealright Corporation for more than forty years, and was a talented artist of watercolor paintings including recognizable scenes around the Oswego area.
The watercolor painting is of the popular historic landmark Selkirk Lighthouse which is located in Port Ontario of the town of Richland in Oswego County.
For those interested in Oswego landmarks, a watercolor print of the iconic Kingsford Bell Tower located in Breitbeck Park, which is a gift of Picture Connection, will be offered.
Another idyllic Oswego scene is an original work of art of the former McDonald’s Fashions store on West First Street in Downtown Oswego, gifted by Bob Bateman of Cakes Galore.
Another rare item of note is a Waterford crystal lamp, a timeless addition to any home.
A vintage chandelier with porcelain accents and fluted frosted glass globes with matching sconces with be another one-of-kind item.
Among the antiques in the auction are Oswego collectibles and small furniture items.
Possibly the most unique item, is a pair of 19th century etched glass windows saved from St. Louis Rectory in Oswego.
A committee of fourteen volunteers works for several months to formalize the fundraiser.
“We are very fortunate to have such a strong committee and each year we have new volunteers that have attended the event and know how important it is to sustain the museum,” said Stone. “We also have volunteers helping out weekly and we can always use more.”
Bertollini has enjoyed helping with the auction and also attending many of the functions of the museum with her family.
They have all become dedicated supporters.
“There truly is something for everyone at the auction. Many items for bid would be perfect choices for those interested in activities that are provided nearby. I know I plan to bid on some of those great deals,” Bertollini said.
One of the exciting gift certificates for racing fans has been donated by the Oswego Speedway – Home of the Supermodifieds.
This will provide an opportunity to bid on two tickets for the 2019 Classic Weekend.
Fun family opportunities include two weekday passes at Seabreeze Amusement Park near Rochester and a Cosmic bowling party for six at the Lighthouse Lanes in Oswego.
Popular entertainment opportunities include tickets to the notable Syracuse Stage.
For anyone who likes Broadway shows, tickets have been donated by the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse on Owasco Lake near Auburn, NY.
Tickets for the Food & History tours of the city of Oswego, hosted by Colette Astoria, provide an opportunity to taste samples of local cuisine and learn about historic points of interest in the downtown and residential areas.
A popular addition to the silent and live auction portions will be the antique appraisal opportunity.
Every ticket will include one free antique appraisal by Gerald Petro of Iroquois Auctions in Brewerton.
Additional appraisals after the first free one will be $5 each, with proceeds donated to the event.
“Anyone who enjoys antiques and has something unique that they have always been curious about and would like to know more about the origin and value will have that opportunity,” added Bertollini. “If you enjoy the popular TV shows that feature antique appraisals, you will definitely enjoy having that personal experience provided at the auction.”
“We have been very fortunate to always receive interesting, unique and relevant items for everyone,” said Stone. “We hope those who attend will walk away with something they will enjoy and remember.”
All proceeds will support the preservation of Richardson-Bates House Museum.
“Every dollar earned always helps to maintain this historic local landmark. Bringing your friends will be a big boost to the event,” added committee member Justin White.
The Oswego County Historical Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the county’s rich historic past.
The society owns and maintains the Richardson-Bates House Museum at 135 E. Third St. in Oswego, a landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The museum is open to the public from April to December on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 1 – 5 p.m. and other days by appointment.
For more information about the auction call the museum at 315-343-1342.
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