On the last weekend in April 2014, all those who supported the 30th Star Benefit Antiques Auction helped another dream to come true!

Funds from the auction will be donated to Black Point Historic Site for needed restoration projects, thus helping Black Point continue to be one of the finest remaining examples of its kind!

We’d like to extend special thanks to auctioneer Carol Miller of Bailey’s Honor Auction Service, who once again volunteered her time and energy to make the auction a success; the Wisconsin Antique Dealers Association, our founding and continuing sponsors; and Delafield Brewhaus, providers of the beer on Preview Night.

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Friday, April 25th: Preview Night

The Black Point Story: As Delafield Brewhaus’ specialty amber beer flowed from the spigot into Seipp Brewing Company reproduction mugs, we were taken back to summers on Lake Geneva when Chicago beer baron Conrad Seipp built his family’s summer home. Site Director David Desimone drew a fascinating picture of the Seipp family, and took us on a virtual tour of the Estate and Lake Geneva area.

We learned that after Mr. Seipp immigrated to the United States from Hessen, Germany in the 1840s, he drove a beer wagon for Miller Brothers brewery. He later started his own brewery, and eventually the Seipp Brewery become one of the largest in the United States. Conrad unfortunately died in 1890, soon after Black Point was completed, but his family was able to still enjoy the estate for decades to come.

Even as examples of luxurious architecture disappeared from Lake Geneva over time, the Black Point Estate remained minimally altered, making it a rare gem of its period. Director Desimone illustrated our “virtual visit” to the estate with a vivid slide presentation, revealing one of the most intact collections of Victorian furnishings in the Midwest. We thank Mr. Desimone for this personal insight!

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Treated to a Sneak Peek: Our Preview Night guests were the first to check out the Auction offerings (and those who were not able to attend the auction proper were able to submit proxy bids). It’s enlightening to observe the kind of connections people feel to these “objects with a past,” and to hear the stories of their own about the things they are drawn to!

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What You Were Looking For: You never know when you’ll find just what you are looking for as you go through an auction collection! In between his sumptuous Wisconsin fish fry dinner and the Black Point presentation, Director Desimone was checking out the offerings for the next day’s auction…and BINGO, found just what he was looking for!

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Culmination of a Festive Evening: At the finale of this historic gala, dozens of door prize baskets were awarded. Prizes ranged form jewelry, china, and vintage gifts, to current period delights, like this selection of Green Bay Packer memorabilia.

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Saturday, April 26th: The 30th Star Benefit Antiques Auction

Shazam!: Auctioneer Carol Miller of Bailey’s Honor Auction Service worked her magic again! The Clausing Barn at Old World Wisconsin rang with excitement as offerings were sold to the highest bidders. The variety of vintage and antique items and collections presented bidders with opportunities galore!

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The Right Fit: Finding something to treasure that was just the “right fit” was easy for everyone. Or maybe not…maybe there were way too many choices!

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Perfect Sound: When it came time for the record player to be demonstrated, the audience couldn’t believe their ears when perfect sound wafted from this wood-and-brass old-timer!

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Clever Device: Tom Kleist is famous for challenging students with a “whatz-it” quiz to introduce them to the gadgets from long ago that made a difference in folks’ lives. When asked what he thought was the treasured find at the auction, he replied, “The cheese press! It is not only a clever device, but is a perfect piece of art in itself!”

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Thanks again to all you fellow history lovers for making this year’s auction a success! You’ve helped keep history alive!