Culture

A rare find on Jericho pathway goes to Auction.

Valuation is a slippery term. The monetary worth of something. Which might prompt the question, what is the worth of money? Seven Days recently reported (‘Reading Pays’ by Abigail Greenberg) that as part of Bruce Lisman’s literature collection sold at auction - An original proof of The Scarlet Letter sold for $639,000. There is indeed a strong rare-books market.

To say that there is a utilitarian value is a bit of a stretch. No doubt the history and uniqueness along with the author’s and the book's fame come into play making the book proof a desirable item for some folks.

"It may start with just one special piece that catches your eye and captures your heart, stirring an affection that quickly grows into an assemblage so dear, its sentimental value is beyond calculation.” - Melissa Lester

Not to diminish the ‘value’ of any rare book; it seems there is almost always a buyer for just about anything. For less rare items sometimes the story behind them is the big draw.

This brings me to think about how we might raise some money for the Community Center in Jericho, Vermont. Now the community center, a building of great local antiquity has some history of its own worth crowing about; Perhaps the benefit auction could be held there.

What treasures in Jericho might we place at auction (Christie’s auction house in NY or at the Community Center in Jericho)?

Sure we have great books in our libraries and even in our LFLs (Little Free Library). Raise your hand if you have not found some of your best and most valuable reads in either of these two community harbors of gems.

However, I am particularly enthusiastic about contributions from an animal once common and still to this day seen grazing and occasionally walking along the trails, and sidewalks of Jericho. No, I am not talking about bears - though they likely have been here historically indeed - but alas we do not want to auction them - they are under enough stress from us humans as it is.

Horses are another matter. Some of the horses in Jericho are of the finest lineage around. A 14-hand bay mare named Hope that demonstrates - dear loyal friends sometimes have four legs. Splash (My Little Pony), 12.2 hands, 1998 DOB, Welsh/Quarter Pony Gelding at Juniper Knoll Farm, and Coco (Coco Chanel) on loan to Juniper Knoll from Jill Wade at Wishful Thinking Farm. Maggie, Finn, Havana, Hewey, Rocky, and others (including Morgan’s) at Canterbury Stables an equine boarding facility, located at the end of a 1/2 mile dead-end road in Jericho Center. Morgan’s were named the Vermont state horse because of the close connection between the history of the breed and the state. Also in the area, are Switchback Dunes Farm, Impulsion Riding School, LLC, Green Mountain Equestrian Center, Aspen East Stables, (all) in Jericho, and Hilltop Stables in Underhill.

So the next time you see some vintage or even fresh down-home horse poop on the trail, on the sidewalk, or on the multi-modal pathway on Stone Hill, you might want to “Collect” it, as there is a particular appetite for the top of the market, the best of the best.

And better yet, if you have a story to accompany it send it along to me and I will publish the story and photos!

Here is a title we might use to start promoting the auction. “The Art of Collecting: Steamy Treasures that Help Keep a Community Tied to Its Rustic Rural Roots.”