Old Time Fair Changes Auction Process

With over a month to go before the August 4 Old Time Fair, Andover Historical Society volunteer and former president Pat Cutter surveys the growing storehouse of items to be sold on that date. For many years an antique dealer, Cutter has been putting “suggested” price tags on each item.

As the Potter Place Railroad Station’s freight shed fills to overflowing with donated items to be offered for sale at the Andover Historical Society’s annual Old Time Fair, the Society will forgo its traditional two-hour live auction and offer the goods for a “suggested” price at any time during the fair’s 9 AM – 2 PM hours of operation on Sunday, August 4.

To make shopping easier for attendees, the fair organizers will also move the traditional “flea market” items from the far end of the railroad station to the area immediately in front of the freight shed entrance.

With an estimated 60+ sale items on display inside the shed, and over 300 more on tables in the freight yard, the sale should attract more of the 400 – 500 expected attendees, according to organizer and former Historical Society president Pat Cutter. “It will also, we hope, attract extra income to help support our many projects and activities,” she added.

Cutter continued: “The Historical Society is grateful for the responses we received to our call for sale items — in particular, for large donations of items from local residents Frank and Pat Baker, Dennis Fenton, the family of George Kidder, Charlie and Mary Lou McCrave, and Dave Powers.

“As a result, we’ve accumulated so much merchandise that we’re now unable to take any more donations. Thanks to everyone who’s helped.”

Among the items of note to be offered inside the freight shed are a Huffy bike, washer/dryer, Casio karaoke system, handcrafted hutch, three table-and- chair sets, sofa, wicker desk and chair, Pro-Tec shoulder pads, service for six by Pfaltzgraff, sleds, beds, dressers, tables, lamps, and much more.

Meanwhile , the usual “flea market” items — clothing, kitchenware, tools, books, etc. — will be on display in the area where the auction tent was formerly located.

Proceeds from the sale will go to replacement of the freight shed roof, among other upkeep projects.

Items in both areas will bear price tags. However, according to Cutter, higher-priced items that would previously have been saved for the auction will have “suggested” prices, meaning that prospective buyers will be able to bargain with volunteer staffers to arrive at a final price.