1965-2007 - 42 Years of Progress

The first public school auction was held April 10, 1965 at the Belleville Livestock Barn. In 1969 the total proceeds from the sale were more than $3,400 without the lunch stand. The annual auction was held at the Belleville Livestock Barn from 1965 through 1975. In 1976 the event was moved to the Mifflin County Youth Park where it stayed until 1983. The first in the current gymnasium was held April 16, 1983. Mark Glick and Dale Gibboney have been the auctioneers since the start. In recent years, Brian Glick has added his "calling" skills to the auction.

Thirty years ago, a local newspaper article noted that John D. Zook, President of the School Board reported fresh pork was sold for the first time and prices were "out of this world." Sausage sold at a $1.50 to $1.75 per pound. A country cured ham weighing 22 pounds brought $37.00. That year a bird quilt made by Mrs. Ida Kanagy was sold for $245. Mr. Zook reported it was the highest amount ever paid for an individual quilt at any of the sales.

In the earlier days of the sale, new items as well as good used items were accepted. Shop students, under the direction of Nelson Glick made assorted wooden projects to sell. Bushel crates, picnic tables, bookshelves and ladders were just a few of Their projects donated to the sale. Heirloom quilts, baked goods and the heifer and cattle sales have been part of the auction from the beginning.

Handmade, heirloom quilts have always been a major drawing factor. For the sale. In 1978 the total quilt proceeds brought in over $25oo with the average price being $225. Compare that to last year's proceeds of more than $20,000. Many different patterns, colors and sizes have been sold through the years. In 1990 the 7th and 8th grade history classes donated a quilt that sold for $875. In 1995 a Penn State University quilt, signed and dated by Joe Paterno brought $1650. In 1997 a quilt named "Jacob's Fans and Flowers" sold for $2,375. In 1999 the quilt committee began designed and quilting a quilt. Since they began this tradition, each of those quilt has sold for $1,000 or more.

Another important part of the sale has been the delicious food. Whoopie pies, moon pies, hoagies, sausage sandwiches, ice cream, etc. have always enticed buyers to enjoy good meals while at the sale. In the earlier days, freezers of ice cream were made. In 1967, it was reported that 20 freezers of ice cream were made and sold.

A heifer and cattle sale have been a major part of the sale each year. Cattle alone in the 1970's and 1980's brought an average of $8,100. Starting in the 1990's, the cattle sale averaged more than $20,000. With this being such a large investment, it was decided to have the cattle auction every other year beginning in 1985. In 1999, the cattle sale netted $26,814. We are grateful for the generous contributions and support of the farmers. In 1982, the following ad was in a local paper: "Plan to come to the sale and come prepared to buy! Don't come looking for bargains, however! Remember that every item you buy at a bargain price is a loss to the school! What you pay, on the other hand, is a gift to the school."

Throughout the past years, a common thread has been the diligence and selfless desires of all the committee members and volunteers to work together. The ladies who have quilted thousands of hours, the farmers who give so generously, the businesses who give so willingly each and every year, and the many, many patrons and individuals who come to buy the products. These all happen because of God's grace and goodness to our community. This is the 38th year of the sale. Thank you for your support, for your prayers, and most of all for the blessings each of you give to the school by your presence at the sale.

Contributed by Debbie Yoder