COMPLIMENTARY COPY
Published Weekly By Joel Sater Publications www.antiquesandauctionnews.net
VOL. 44, NO. 11 FRIDAY MARCH 15, 2013
Reality Show Finds Treasures In Barn Auctions By Ann Mead Ash
had a ball doing this show, and I would love to do more,” said barn broker Gary Schoenly, the host of “Money Barn,” a new reality show that premiered on Animal Planet on Feb. 20. Schoenly is one of the owners of Cabin Fever Auctions, which organizes shows and auctions in Pennsylvania. “Money Barn,” the brainchild of Original Productions producer Steve Robillard, who is responsible for shows like “Storage Wars” and “Deadliest Catch,” pits four auctioneers against each other in a competition to see which one can offer a barn’s owners the rosiest auction picture and even guarantee results. The auctioneers are given a set time period to explore the barn and estimate the value of its contents. Each contestant then prepares a presentation designed to convince the consigners that he or she is the best person to conduct the auction. The show follows the action through auction day to see if the chosen auctioneer can make good on his or her claims. Schoenly believes that Robillard, whom he called
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“brilliant,” can lift the regular gatherings locals refer to as “having sale” to a whole new level. “When we started this, I said, ‘If (Robillard) could do for the general auction industry what he has done for storage (auctions), it would be wonderful for all of us,’” Schoenly stated, adding that 90 of 100 people have never attended an auction, which gives the show a chance to introduce viewers to a whole new world. He hopes the show will also change the opinions of many auctioneers about reality shows. “Once it airs and people see they aren’t trying to mock the auction business, but rather enhance it, (I think attitudes will change),” Schoenly stated. Of course, pulling up to a southeastern Pennsylvania sale and watching a few episodes of “Money Barn” are n o t exactly the
Barn broker Gary Schoenly referred to this 1946 or ’48 Cushman Scooter with side car as a “red trike.” He said that it was sold in Leola, but he does not believe the footage of the scooter being auctioned made the final cut.
same experience. The cast of characters that Original Productions lined up for the show fits into molds that viewers of reality television have come to recognize as a combination assembled to entertain. Competitor Lee Alan Hostetter of Chippewa Township wears his tengallon hat and plaid shirts with pride, while leaning heavily on his cane. He is the local with experience pitted against out-of-towners, with the exception of youngster Michael Adcock, of York Township, Pa. The 26-year-old Adcock comes from an auctioneering family, and he has proven his own talent with a 2010 win as World Automobile Auctioneer Champion. Emily Wears, who appears to be even younger than Adcock, is the lone woman in the group out to show that she can play the auction game as well as the boys. If there is a “character we love to hate” in the cast, it could be Connecticut auctioneer Mark Blechman, who specializes in highend art and jewelry deals for demanding clientele and peppers his comments with salty language that is appropriately “bleeped” on the show. Schoenly pointed out that
the banter between auctioneers is not staged. “(On the show), you saw Mark as Mark,” he noted. The host also acknowledged that a strong personality is essential to being able to control bidding at a sale. “There has to be a little bit of ego, and it can come out,” he stated. Schoenly should know, since it is his job to keep the contestants in line. “I’m the mediator,” he said with a chuckle. “I am the guy who tells them they’re not good as they think they are.” Schoenly heard about the show from a friend who took part in the pilot auction. Following the filming, staff members at Original Productions saw the need to include
a host. They spoke to Schoenly’s friend, who recommended him for the part. Cabin Fever specializes in reproduction model steam gas engines and miniature mechanical pieces. “We’ve sold hundreds over the past 15 years, and we have built a reputation,” said Schoenly. Cabin Fever sale items also include Harley-Davidson Motorcycles, toy trains, and Lancaster County three-dimensional art. Cabin Fever handled 65 consigners over the last year, and, although Schoenly is not a licensed auctioneer in Pennsylvania, he has plenty of experience in the business. “I do the legwork between consigner and auctioneer,” explained Schoenly, who fit into the part of host easily. “I do what you (see) on the show on a daily basis.” The five episodes that aired on (Continued on page 5)
The Geigertown auction featured a large collection of antique railroad cars and large pieces of equipment. According to Schoenly, only a fraction of the total collection was sold at auction. The Frick Traction Engine in the foreground sold for $6,000, while the Reading Railroad caboose brought $5,000.
New Exhibit Opens At Museum Of Early Trades & Crafts n Tuesday, February 26, during regular hours, the Museum of Early Trades & Crafts (METC) opened the new exhibit, The Work of Play. The exhibit The Work of Play seeks to examine the relationship between trades and leisure time. Historians of Early American economics already understand the interdependency of various trades. For example, the farmer needed the distiller to turn his apples into hard cider so he could transport them to market. The distiller needed the cooper to make the barrels for holding the cider. The cooper required the blacksmith to forge his tools, and so on. But rarely do economic historians
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examine the trades that flourished due to the leisure time of Early Americans. For example, musical instrument makers were able to support themselves producing instruments for use by the working class at social gatherings, and the middle and upper classes for use at social gatherings, and for the daughters to demonstrate proper social graces. Ultimately these uses would help to support not only the makers, but also poetcomposers, music teachers and musicians. Taking a topical approach, The Work of Play demonstrates these multilayered connections between the leisure activities of Early Americans
and the trades they helped to support. The topics of Toys and Games, Print Culture, Music, Fashion and Taverns are explored throughout the exhibit. This exhibit will remain open until September 2013. Throughout the exhibit’s duration, various public programs will take place. For more information, visit the website at www.metc.org or call 973-377-2982. Regular Admission. Regular museum admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors, students and children, and free for members. Family maximum admission $13. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Closed Monday and major holidays. (SUMMER HOURS July and August, Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday.) Housed in a 1900 Richardsonian-Romanesque
Revival building listed on the who lived and worked before the National Register of Historic rise of large-scale industrialization places, the museum explores 18th- in this country. The museum offers visitors of all ages a broad range of changing exhibits and related programs that address many facets of Early American history, craftsmanship, and the diversity of trades performed by men and women. and 19th-century The Mu-seum American hisof Early Trades & tory, with a Crafts is located focus on at 9 Main N e w Street in the heart of downtown J e r s e y. Drawing on Madison, its collection of N.J., just two over 8,000 hand tools blocks from the and their products, Madison train station. METC uses material For information, please culture to interpret the call 973-377-2982, ext. 10, or visit lives and technologies of people the website at www.metc.org.