CATSKILL – Auctions almost always include antiques – from Toleware lamps to Art Deco cocktail shakers. The Temple Israel auction is no exception. In fact, those items will be on offer when the Temple opens their doors on Sunday, September 15th. The fundraising auction, held at Temple Israel of Catskill, 220 Spring Street @ Rte. 23, begins at noon. There will be a preview on Friday, Sept. 13th from 7:30AM – noon. And, Sunday, the day of the auction, the public will be admitted beginning at 10AM with refreshments available throughout.
Along with fun items like a “Baker’s Delight Basket” filled with baked goods and a “Spa Basket” including a gift certificate for pampering, there are several items that emphasize local history. A collection of Greene County vintage postcards include several from Catskill – the Library, an interior view of the Saulpaugh Hotel and upper Main Street, along with area sights like Leeds’ Old Stone Bridge and the day liner “deWitt Clinton”. A scrap book from the William Street residence of Seth Cole, a local attorney, memorializes his private library. And a dollhouse made by the Bruderhoff Community of Rifton in Ulster County will be sold with its contents – much of which is stamped with the community’s name. The Bruderhoff hailed from Germany, c. 1930, and were ousted by Hitler during WWII. Arriving in the area via England and Paraguay, more recently they purchased the Mt. St. Alphonse site in Esopus.
For those more interested in experiences, the auction includes A Walking Tour of Catskill’s Main Street, A Guided Canoe/Kayak Trip through the Ram’s Horn Conservation Area, Birding with the President of the Northern Catskills Audubon Society and A Guided Tour of the Catskill Cemetery.
“We were eager to include lots of local items,” co-chair Steven Mann said. “Everyone loves the Catskills and this is a great way to preserve part of our history. The more people who become aware of all this region has to offer, the better.”
The auction begins at 12 noon on Sunday, September 15th. Doors will open at 10AM for previewers and those who wish to leave advance bids. A silent auction will also be available along with a 50/50 raffle. Refreshments will be available. For those unable to attend on Sunday, the auction items will be on view Friday, September 13th from 7:30AM until noon. The Temple is located at 220 Spring St. in Catskill.
