DALLAS — Leslie Horoshko unlocked the Back Mountain Memorial Library Auction barn’s big red doors revealing furniture from the roaring 1920s and small collectibles slated to cross the auction block later this week.

This year’s auction stash includes a variety of wooden chairs, some with caning in perfect condition; old sewing machines inside wooden boxes, china cabinets and smaller items such as a metal bread box, a Spatterware bowl and Royal Dalton character jugs, just to name a few.

Horoshko, the antique chairwoman, began collecting donations from area families and hunting down antiques and unique items from local auctions since March. Her efforts have resulted in over 400 pieces for the 70th annual Back Mountain Memorial Library Auction, scheduled for July 7-10.

Some of her eclectic items include a book front cabinet that opens into a desk and computer workstation, a Tiffany-styled dragonfly lamp plus a “Sleepy eye pitcher.”

Local donations include a hand-painted floral design on a wooden plank from Hayfield House, a 50-year-old children’s red and white metal tricycle and a 1920s-style wooden cabinet.

“I will continue receiving donations until the first day of the auction,” Horoshko said.

The public can preview the collection starting at 5 p.m. Thursday, July 7. Then the four-day auction will kick off at 6 p.m., she said.

“There are no reserve prices,” she said. “Bidding starts at whatever people can offer.”

One particular donated item always brings much interest and a high price tag is Sue Hand’s annual live painting of the auction, Horoshko said.

Hand, a Dallas-based artist, teacher and business owner, paints the auction scene from a different vantage point every year, Horoshko said.

“I have seen her paintings sell for $7,000 to $8,000,” Horoshko said.

All auction sales are donated to the library. The fundraising event grosses about $90,000, which includes sales from the auction, book, jewelry, “Nearly Old,” plant and other tents, Horoshko said.

But the main attraction has always been the auction.

“I wish I had one of those time-lapse cameras,” Horoshko said. “People start setting up their (lawn) chairs almost two days before the auction. Sometimes they tie them together with string.”

The Back Mountain Memorial Library Auction offers a diverse assortment of antiques and unique items including a Tiffany-style dragonfly lamp held by Leslie Horoshko, chairwoman of antiques.
https://www.mydallaspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/web1_bmtauction01.jpg.optimal.jpgThe Back Mountain Memorial Library Auction offers a diverse assortment of antiques and unique items including a Tiffany-style dragonfly lamp held by Leslie Horoshko, chairwoman of antiques. Pete Wilcox | Dallas Post

Leslie Horoshko, chairwoman of antiques for the Back Mountain Memorial Library Auction accepts a donation of a child’s metal tricycle, estimated to be about 50 years old.
https://www.mydallaspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/web1_bmtauction02.jpg.optimal.jpgLeslie Horoshko, chairwoman of antiques for the Back Mountain Memorial Library Auction accepts a donation of a child’s metal tricycle, estimated to be about 50 years old. Pete Wilcox | Dallas Post

There are over 400 items slated to cross the auction block during the 70th annual Back Mountain Memorial Library Auction.
https://www.mydallaspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/web1_bmtauction03.jpg.optimal.jpgThere are over 400 items slated to cross the auction block during the 70th annual Back Mountain Memorial Library Auction. Pete Wilcox | Dallas Post

The Back Mountain Memorial Library Auction has something for everyone, including smaller collectibles.
https://www.mydallaspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/web1_bmtauction04.jpg.optimal.jpgThe Back Mountain Memorial Library Auction has something for everyone, including smaller collectibles. Pete Wilcox | Dallas Post

By Eileen Godin

egodin@timesleader.com

70th annual auction

The 70th annual Back Mountain Memorial Library Auction will be held from 5 to 11 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, July 7-10, at the library grounds at the intersection of Hunstville Road and Franklin Street in Dallas. Shuttle service to the grounds will be available from the Country Club Shopping Center on Route 309 throughout the event. The auction will feature tents with items for sale, children’s activities and local food vendors. For more information, call the library at 570-675-1182.

Reach Eileen Godin at 570-991-6387 or on Twitter @TLNews.