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NewsOctober 29, 2004

In the market for a 1900s fainting couch or a headcheese sausage grinder? How about a brass blowtorch or a hand corn sheller? In his 60 years of auctioneering, Clarence Schlimpert has rarely seen such a collection of antiques, collectibles and furniture compiled into one sale...

In the market for a 1900s fainting couch or a headcheese sausage grinder? How about a brass blowtorch or a hand corn sheller?

In his 60 years of auctioneering, Clarence Schlimpert has rarely seen such a collection of antiques, collectibles and furniture compiled into one sale.

But it isn't really the number of items in Saturday's auction at the Bavarian Halle that has temporarily brought Schlimpert out of retirement, it's the reason behind the sale.

Everything has been donated and the proceeds are destined for Saxony Lutheran High School's ongoing building campaign.

"I've done thousands of auctions, but this one was tough because so many people contributed so many different things," Schlimpert said. "It's probably two to three times bigger than the average house auction."

Hundreds of items, including firearms, coins and even vacation packages, have been donated by members of Lutheran churches from throughout the area as well as other community members.

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Candy Hahs, a Saxony Lutheran teacher and member of the fund-raising campaign committee, said the idea for an auction began with a single donation six months ago.

"We received a donation of, basically, a house full of antiques and we started thinking about the best way to turn the antiques into money," Hahs said.

There are so many items that the auctioneers will likely use two rings for the sale. The event will begin at 8:30 a.m. and likely last all day. The money will go toward the $4.5 million Saxony Lutheran is raising for its new high school, which is located off Interstate 55 near Fruitland.

"It seemed like a huge project at first, but everyone was so cooperative that it all fell into place," Hahs said.

cclark@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 128

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