Published: May 11, 2009 11:17 am      

Morton auction a 'sellout'

Volunteers with the Morton Museum’s 26th annual auction hoped a troubled economy wouldn’t hamper the organization’s primary fundraiser.

Apparently, it did not.

Auction chairman, Jayne Sweet, said she doesn’t have the final totals for the fundraising event, but from the size of the crowd, believes the proceeds were on par with previous years.

The event was a sell-out, she noted.

Organizers placed a large sign outside the Gainesville Civic Center to let the public know there were no more tickets available.

“There was no room at the inn. We were disappointed that we couldn’t sell tickets at the door, but it was a good kind of problem to have,” Sweet said.

In addition to the meal and auction, the Cooke County Heritage Society — which helps support the museum — provided a number of games for ticket holders.

Guests could buy keys for a treasure chest containing over $3,400 worth of items.

Key holders who opened the first treasure chest got to take a crack at opening a second chest which held an antique jeweled Victorian dagger pin valued at $1,000.

Sweet said she believes the event was a success. She also said she appreciates volunteers who poured several months’ worth of effort into planning and executing the fundraiser.

“I was so pleased with everyone who worked on it,” she said.

A crew of volunteers stayed for cleanup duty after the festivities, she added.

“We were there until 11:30 or midnight. We had several people who stayed and helped clean up. It went faster than I thought it would,” Sweet said.

The theme for the evening was A Time to Shine.

“That was our theme and I think everyone did shine last night. They just all came through like stars,” she said.

The auction items are always a collection of unusual, and in many cases, memorable items.

Guests had their choice of several excursions including a wine tasting session for 12 at Weinholf Winery in Montague County, two nights at the Stagecoach Inn in Salado, a sunset cruise complete with fried crappie and drinks or seven day vacation at Florida’s Pensacola Beach.

Also up for bids were piquant art items, antique housewares and a 1920s Whiting and Davis mesh evening bag donated by Gordon B. Smith in memory of Mary Katherine Smith.

The event was dedicated to architect Mary McCain whose work helped save Gainesville’s first city hall and fire station. The brick building later became the Morton Museum of Cooke County.

Museum staff, the Cooke County Heritage Society and the organization’s volunteers plan to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the historic building in November.

To learn more about the museum, its Book Nook boutique or the organization’s programs call (940) 668-8900.

The Morton Museum is located at 210 S. Dixon St. in Gainesville.