MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Pieces of Tennessee history are going on the auction block this week in Murfreesboro.
After a long time antique collector passed away, her personal collection is now being auctioned off until every piece is gone.
The items are being displayed in a home located at 225 N. Academy Street. The home was built in 1827 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is the former home of the late John Childress, who was President James K. Polk’s brother-in-law.
Alice Ray, a Murfreesboro resident, moved into the home in 1927 and lived there until she passed away in June at age 99. She collected countless antiques from auctions and estate sales.
“There is a lot of Tennessee history here,” said Mimi Genet, an auctioneer with Bob Parks Auction Company, who is coordinating the auction. “That is where she bought the items, here in Tennessee. She loved them all. You can tell by the way they were preserved.”
Every room in the 5400 square foot home is filled with items ranging from a music box from the early 1900’s, to furniture, china, silver, and antique dolls.
Some items have historic significance. There is a game table that features the engraved initials of Andrew Jackson Donelson, who was President Andrew Jackson’s nephew and presidential secretary.
There is also an oil painting that Genet said has an indention in it after a Union soldier sliced it with his sword during the Civil War.
Genet said there has already been a lot of interest in the items and she expects things will go quickly.
“We started advertising in July and people have been patiently waiting for the chance to bid on the items,” said Genet.
Bidding on the first round of items continues until Aug. 31. The second round will be held from Aug. 24 through Sept. 8. There will be a preview of the items at the house on Aug. 23 from 1-4 p.m.
For more information visit: http://www.bobparksauction.com/auction/ray-online-auction-1
