DALLAS — With the slam of the auction gavel, the 72nd annual Back Mountain Memorial Library Auction came to a close July 8.

The auction ran from Thursday, July 6 through Sunday, July 8 at the library located 96 Huntsville Road and offered a selection of Victorian and country antiques, as well as books, plants, jewelry and household items for sale.

The unique collection of goods attracts large crowds to the Dallas community, said Martha Butler, library director.

“We had a good turnout, good bidding and good weather,” Butler said.

Funds raised through the auction and sale of donated merchandise all benefits the library’s programs.

“It is too early; I have no numbers yet,” Butler said.

However, she did say that local artist Sue Hand, from Sue Hand’s Imagery on Main Street in Dallas brought in $2,725 when her annual auction scene painting crossed the auction block.

This year, Hand’s painting theme focused on area history and featured the image of a book by D.A. Waters.

“It was one of the first written about Dallas history,” said Hand in a previous interview with the Dallas Post.

Paintings by her two students, Caroline Stallard, a freshman, and Sarah Gurzynski, a sophomore, both from Dallas High School, sold for $500 and $550.

The auction also featured food vendors who served up good eats, such as Cibo’s Food Truck, Yogi’s Potato Pancakes, The Lands at Hillside Farms, Nice’s Almonds and Country Girl Kettle Corn.

Diamonds by Kate sold apple pies, apple pie a la mode, sticky buns and rice pudding.

Other vendors included Earth and Wears with handcrafted pottery, jewelry and other items; Pure Suds, who offered a selection of homemade bath soaps, salts and balms; and Wood Shed Outback, a wood crafter.

Members of the Blazare family — Hannah, Ryan and Lisa — of Dallas, were delighted to go home with discounted treasures from the Odds and Ends booth on the last night of the 72nd annual Back Mountain Memorial Library auction.
https://www.mydallaspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/web1_Auction1.jpg.optimal.jpgMembers of the Blazare family — Hannah, Ryan and Lisa — of Dallas, were delighted to go home with discounted treasures from the Odds and Ends booth on the last night of the 72nd annual Back Mountain Memorial Library auction. Charlotte Bartizek | For Dallas Post

Volunteeer auctioneer Andrew Santora, right, gets one more bid for a painting done by Michael Hiscox and Sue Hand, holding painting, on the last night of the 72nd annual Back Mountain Memorial Library Auction.
https://www.mydallaspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/web1_Auction2.jpg.optimal.jpgVolunteeer auctioneer Andrew Santora, right, gets one more bid for a painting done by Michael Hiscox and Sue Hand, holding painting, on the last night of the 72nd annual Back Mountain Memorial Library Auction. Charlotte Bartizek | For Dallas Post

Andy Hemert, of Trucksville, found the perfect lamp and shade on the last night of the library auction.
https://www.mydallaspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/web1_Auction3.jpg.optimal.jpgAndy Hemert, of Trucksville, found the perfect lamp and shade on the last night of the library auction. Charlotte Bartizek | For Dallas Post

Gerald Mounce, of Dallas, addresses the crowd after being the highest bidder for an historic painting of Dallas painted by Sue Hand and Michael Hiscox, holding the picture. Mounce, who has lived here since 1997, is moving to Texas and wanted a momento of his years living in the Back Mountain. On the last night of the 72nd annual Back Mountain Memorial Library Auction, the painting sold for $2750. On stage is volunteer auctioneer Andrew Santora, right.
https://www.mydallaspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/web1_Auction4.jpg.optimal.jpgGerald Mounce, of Dallas, addresses the crowd after being the highest bidder for an historic painting of Dallas painted by Sue Hand and Michael Hiscox, holding the picture. Mounce, who has lived here since 1997, is moving to Texas and wanted a momento of his years living in the Back Mountain. On the last night of the 72nd annual Back Mountain Memorial Library Auction, the painting sold for $2750. On stage is volunteer auctioneer Andrew Santora, right. Charlotte Bartizek | For Dallas Post

Crowd scene on the last night of the 72nd annual Back Mountain Memorial Library Auction.
https://www.mydallaspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/web1_Auction5.jpg.optimal.jpgCrowd scene on the last night of the 72nd annual Back Mountain Memorial Library Auction. Charlotte Bartizek | For Dallas Post

By Eileen Godin

egodin@timesleader.com