Architectural Auction a Rousing Success

By Jean Beard

Thanks to the generosity of many donors and the crowd of close to 300 MHI members and the public, the MHI Architectural Auction was a rousing success, raising over $26,000 for MHI.  Many thanks also to Jimmy Rout III for chairing the event and to David Early and the newly appointed “Preservation Posse” for their hours of dedicated volunteer service in getting the items and warehouse ready for the big event.

Phil Woodard of Woodard Properties’ United Warehouse on 138 St. Paul Street was the site for the event. Participants enjoyed hors d’oeuvres catered by Just Catering and the sounds of the Rene Koopman Jazz Trio as they placed bids on over 300 silent auction items.

John Roebuck & Associates kept the crowd’s rapt attention as they bid on many unique auction items including the Holiday Inn sign from an early Holiday Inn, a Goldsmith’s sign, and the bar and signs from No. 1 Beale. Thanks to the great planning of Larry and Judy Moss’s team, participants were able to quickly register and check out with their treasures that evening.

Stained glass windows and light fixtures are a standard highlight of MHI architectural auctions and were in abundance this year in addition to a large selection of unique doors. To balance the architectural items and historic artifacts, Memphis Grizzlies and many local merchants provided gift certificates along with a Grizzlies jersey signed by Pau Gassol and basketball autographed by Shane Battier.

So remember, as you’re cleaning years of dust off your old stuff during the year, give MHI a call to include in the next auction.

Photo by Mike Cromer

MHI would like to thank the following sponsors, donors and supporters for making our 2005 Architectural Auction a great success:

Amtrak
D. Canale Beverages
Center City Commission
Hick’s Convention Services
Home Depot Midtown
Just Catering
Kirby Wines and Liquors
Memphis Light Gas & Water
Larry and Judy Moss
John Roebuck and Assoc.
Phil Woodard / Woodard Properties

and: