The FRIENDS of the Wisconsin Historical Society is currently collecting tax-deductible donations of antiques and vintage items for its ongoing “30th Star Benefit Auction”. While the live/gallery style biennial auctions at Old World Wisconsin’s historic Clausing Barn have served us well, we have had new success with an on-line format. Staying with this, at least for the foreseeable future, will enable us to be your non-profit of choice and to become your year-round clearing house for resalable antiques and vintage items.

Whether a traditional antique, a single collectible coin, a vintage rock or travel poster, or even a 1970’s home video game console like Atari or Pong, just one donated item will make a difference! We are seeking these types of personal treasures and jewelry, advertising pieces, rustic farm house items, doorstops, and more. Interesting antique and vintage items made before 1980 are being gathered from across middle-America, with tax-deductible receipts provided.

The inaugural auction, held in April 2010, was followed by five successful encores in April 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2018, and May 2020. Thus far our proceeds from the six biennial auctions have provided important funding for historic sites in Wisconsin as well as for National History Day.  A grant from the Wisconsin Antiques Dealers Association continues their commitment as the benefit auction’s founding sponsors.

The auction’s now-legendary Preview Party included dinner, prizes, a speaker, silent auction, and good old fashioned fun on a night preceding the live auction. While we had to forgo this function in 2020, we have plans to reinvent the Party in 2022 and hopefully welcome you back to Old World Wisconsin for a meal and entertainment.

Carol Miller of Bailey’s Honor Auction Service in Oconomowoc (www.baileyshonor.com) will again be guiding our endeavors as will Rich Ranft of Beloit Auction Service (www.beloitauction.com). You can follow their many auctions throughout the year.

For questions about the new-format “30th Star Benefit Auction” or to make a donation of an antique or vintage item, please contact Phil Schauer at 608-295-7240, pipsqkme@gmail.com or Pat Raap 262-893-1479, paraap@att.net. Thank you in advance for your generosity.