Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Way Back Wednesday: The Great TV Auction

By Annmarie Dean

Do the words “quickie board,” “bell ringer,” and “steal of the night” bring back memories of a certain auction that ran for 37 years?

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WNED’s Great TV Auction began in 1970 and ended in 2006; at its peak, it generated over $500,000 and became one of the oldest auctions of its kind in the country.

Items up for auction included trips, appliances, computers, cameras, toys, VCRs (you know, those big machines that played movies that were in videocassette form,) watches, restaurant certificates, hot-air balloon rides, college tuition waivers, jewelry, party opportunities, gift baskets, and so much more!

Western New York’s favorite radio and television personalities, community leaders and athletes acted as guest auctioneers; hundreds of volunteers would lend their talents, acting as bid takers, sorters and runners, board writers and merchandise handlers.

Do you have any memories of The Great TV Auction?  Did your bid win you a pretty cool good or service?  Feel free to comment below.

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