By BOB RIGGS Indiana Correspondent
NEW ALBANY, Ind. — In the 19th century, the town of New Albany, Ind., located on the Ohio River north of Louisville, Ky. was a center for shipbuilding. In fact, it was the birthplace of the riverboat Robert E. Lee, which defeated the boat Natchez in the historic Steamboat Race of 1870. Of further notoriety to New Albany, are the reports that wildlife artist John J. Audubon drew many sketches of birds in what is now the Silver Hills neighborhood of the city.
On Saturday, Dec. 10, Beckort Auctions of Corydon, Ind., presented a sale of the possessions of the first pediatric specialist to practice in the city of New Albany. The doctor and his wife had it all in their big house of 55 years in the Silver Hills neighborhood.
The items for auction consisted of antique furniture, oriental rugs, glassware, ceramics and French pottery, hometown memorabilia, vintage medical devices, antique collectibles and house wares of all sorts, plus artwork. There were even three or four lithographs by the naturalist John J. Audubon himself.
Patrick Hess grew up in New Albany and as a teenager he worked at his father’s café in the downtown area. In fact, items in the auction included an old Coca-Cola wall regulator clock and a round table with cast iron base that came from old Pete’s café.
In 1950, when Hess was a new med school graduate, he bought out the practice of New Albany’s Dr. George Day a general practitioner. Dr. Hess bought it all. A lot of vintage medical equipment was included, and some of it was in this sale.
A short biography of Hess was published in the auction catalog. It told how he loved to paint and draw even while practicing medicine. To that end, Hess studied painting at the University of Louisville. During an extended period he developed his style. Some of his paintings were exhibited at New York art galleries.
The Beckort cataloge originally described 331 unique auction lots. However, even more items such as old prints, old coins, wooden coca-cola crates and miscelania owned by the Hesses were carried into the auction tent during the sale.
Art Pre-sale advertising said there were 100 original works by Hess in the inventory. A large oil painting titled “Which Way To The Dragons” sold for $750 under the auctioneers direction. Most of Hess’ art however went in the $300 range.
Other art included a framed silk screen called “Eagle” by American artist John Nieto. It sold for $400. One John J. Audubon hand colored litho, “American Black Bear,” brought $6500.
Antiques In local memorabilia, a Coca-Cola wall clock marked “Drink Coca-Cola” and the oak pedestal café table from Pete’s Café brought $800 and $750 respectively. From the house a Kroeper walnut wall clock with thermometer, ca. 1870, brought $400.
From Hess’s doctor office, a 1920s white doctor’s cabinet with five shelves and original glass brought $135. Also, a 1920s white cast iron examination chair from the office of old Dr. Day went for $110, and a portable folding exam table on casters from Day’s practice sold for $60.
Of the general antiques, a black Corona typewriter in excellent condition brought $60. A French faience, flat-sided Quimper pitcher marked “HB” on the bottom sold for $250. A copper cauldron on a silver metal stand fell for $175. And, an 18th century flintlock pistol from the Balkins, in poor condition with a brass powder horn, was had for $175.
Still more of the antiques action that day included a fancy mahogany cellaret with copper interior lining going for $375. A three piece Wilcox silver plate service set with a tray sold at the $125 mark.
Furthermone, a Baccarat crystal glass collection consisting of 11 water goblets, 10 wines glasses, and 8 desserts sold for $200. The best of the sale’s many oriental rugs was a red/dark blue/light blue/ center medallions Kurdistan rug circa 1900-30. It was had for $475. The best American made quilt that day brought $250. Furniture
Quality furniture items auctioned included an antique dark oak English cupboard carved with crests and diamonds on the front panels, $400. A mahogany Sheridan sofa from 1800 brought $500. A semi-modern Campeachy chair in brown deep-tufted leather went for $400. An 18th century trestle-style oak table with shoe feet and two drawers brought $350.
Final mention today goes to a pair of English pub chairs with saddle seats, circular arms, and turned legs which brought $250. The items discussed above represent only part of the fine, primitive, and collectible items disposed of at auction that day. |
