Peabody Main Street members are on the hunt for Peabody memorabilia, one-of-a-kind original works by local or hometown artisans, and possibly an array of “to-die-for” desserts from some of Peabody’s best cooks.
The organization will host another benefit auction to support the program. The auction will be at the American Legion Hall on March 6.
Since the early years of the Main Street program, the benefit auction has been a funding mainstay for the organization. The most recent auction was held in 2007.
“I think when the program started, the Main Street board held an auction just about every year,” Peabody Main Street Association Director Shane Marler said. “At some point the auctions became lucrative enough that it was only necessary to host them every other year.
“Because of the economy, we did not try to have one in 2009,” he added. “While the organization was not necessarily flush, we were comfortable and the bills were paid, so we decided to hold off for an extra year.”
At the Jan. 6 meeting, the Peabody Main Street board approved a plan to host a benefit auction this spring.
“The DeForest family donated three stained glass windows from the former Presbyterian Church which was torn down in 2001,” Marler said. “We felt that was a terrific donation to set the tone for raising money.”
The city agreed at the council meeting Jan. 11 to allow PMSA to again auction the naming rights to the sports complex, circle drive, and the east-west access road at city park.
“And I recently learned that Carolee Foth donated some items several months ago,” Marler said. “Included are about six of the very last Peabody Centennial plates available — or so they tell me.”
The group hopes to offer early photographs, advertising items, and souvenirs from former businesses, and interesting older memorabilia. Also popular at the auction are one-of-a-kind handcrafted items made by many Peabody artists.
Donations may be delivered to the Main Street office in the city building or call Marshall Auction at (620) 983-2771 for pickup service.