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Community Corner

History For Sale in Ocean Grove

Antique fans went home with memorabilia at competitive prices at annual Antique and Auction

On Friday, the Ocean Grove Historical Society held it's annual Antique Show and Auction at Youth Temple Auditorium in Ocean Grove to benefit its society. Over 300 bidders attended to bid on one and sometimes several of the 250 plus competitively priced items that were being auctioned off.

For over 10 years, the event has been a hit in Ocean Grove featuring fine merchandise and memorabilia, according to Gail Shaffer, president of the Ocean Grove Historical Society. Widely supported by the town of Ocean Grove, donations and volunteers make the event possible.

"Many of the items have been donated or are on consignment by people who asked us to auction them off," said Shaffer.

Prior to the auction, a pre-auction where items were on display for viewing occurred for two hours. To participate in the auction, lists of show items were sold for $3 each and prospective buyers were given a paddle with a number on it.

"If they want to bid on an item, they hold up their paddle," said Shaffer.

Many buyers bought gifts for themselves and friends and family, while a few antique collectors picked up items they plan to resell.
Jan Moore of Ocean Grove, a retired antique dealer herself was out for pleasure tonight and found a vase and serving dish that she fancied, in addition to the event itself.

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“It’s a wonderful auction. That’s one of the reasons I come here, and to support Ocean Grove,” said Moore who has been attending the event for as she recalled, about 10 years. “I love things town related and it’s great to support a local establishment.”

Half way through the auction Moore proudly sat with her winnings— a sterling silver vase that she won for $35, and a silver serving dish, $5.

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“If this vase was in perfect condition, it would have gone for at least $65,” she said as she pointed to some dents and imperfections in her new vase. “It’s a good commodity because silver at this moment is at a very high price.”

Moore plans to keep the vase for herself and display it in her home with fake flowers. As for the serving dish, she is looks forward to adding some food to it and giving it as a gift to a friend around the holidays.

“It’s worth at least $15 or $20. You can’t even get a plastic dish like this for $5 anymore,” added Moore.

Michael Austin, 36 of Jersey City has been to his fair share of overpriced and highly competitive auctions in New York City. At this event with wife Janine, 34, and daughter Ella, 22 months, he enjoyed the low key vibe and competitive prices. He’s most proud of the conquistador he won for $35, while Janine was excited about her plates - a set of white Limoges Tureen with blue and yellow flowers, $35. 

“I’m going to bring it (the conquistador) to work and put it in my office. He’s got a nice sword,” said Michael Austin, an advertising professional. “This is something you can’t buy anywhere else.”

“We stumbled upon this (auction) today. It’s fun and different than buying something in a store. You feel like you win it,” said Janine Austin.

For $5, a box full of several pairs of baby clothes and records went home with Peter Press of Ocean Grove, a retired voice-over actor and graphic designer but always an antique buying and selling hobbyist, who plans to resell the items at antique shows. Additionally, at $10 for both, Press won a Budweiser beer advertising horse and an Annie Oakley doll.

“The nicest thing about this event is that it’s in my hometown and occasionally you find something terrific,” said Press.

The most expensive item sold for $950. It was an outdoor garden carousal.

“It could be used for an outdoor garden or as a table,” said the Historical Society’s past president, Ray Russomano.

All of the proceeds from the auction will help to fund the daily running expenses of the Ocean Grove Historical Society and its two museums.

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