By NANCY KELLY
Auction Exchange Correspondent

DEWITT, Mich. — It was obvious looking around the property owned by Harold Witt that horses had been an important part of his life.
Along with farm equipment needed to maintain a farming operation, there was also a large supply of harness parts, harness making equipment, horseshoeing equipment, and a very nice pony cart. When it came time to sell his farm, Witt decided to do so with a life lease, meaning that while the property sold, he remains in the house where he was born until his death. The sale was managed by auctioneer Lavern Yutzy.

The house was built in the early 1900s and was originally a log cabin that later had siding installed. The small two-story building was compact, but efficient. There were several small buildings, a 28 by 32-foot pole barn, and a 36 by 52-foot wooden barn. There were two parcels offered, with Parcel A consisting of the house and 10 acres and Parcel B was 30 tillable acres. They were also offered as a third option, with the house and all 40 acres as one lot. Individually, the house and 10 acres reached $44,000 and the 30 tillable acres brought $120,000, however, option C won as a bidder paid $176,000 for the two parcels combined.

The highest-priced items among the personal property were farming equipment. Leading the list was the Ford 3000 tractor. While the tractor did not go into either fourth or eighth gear, it was otherwise in working order and sold for $2,500. The chains for that tractor then sold to the same bidder for $60. An older New Holland model 66 baler sold for $130, a wooden hay wagon with sides closed at $150, a Mayrath 40-foot elevator with motor and other accessories reached $100, a Ford three-point, two-row cultivator made $240, and a Ford three-point single shank subsoiler brought $125.

A three-point Blackhawk adjustable blade sold for $55; a John Deere two-section rotary hoe, $25, a three-point slip or dirt scoop, $40, sickle mower with extra knife, $50, and a three-point boom reached $20.

A wonderful red wooden pony wagon with bench seating for six in addition to the driver was admired by many, and was a source of entertainment for the kids who climbed into it and pretended to be on a ride. The delighted high bidder took it home for $190. A two-wheel breaking/training cart closed at $10. A wooden carrying box filled with horse shoeing and trimming tools, nails, and horseshoes generated a flurry of bids before closing at $65. There were numerous lots offered that consisted of parts of harnesses, as well as harness making equipment. Those were sold very economically, with piles of leather straps going for $1-3 per stack. A fascinating old harness stitching machine that was trundle operated drew a lot of attention as folks pushed the pedals and watched the large iron wheels turn. It sold to a leather hobbyist for $200. The much smaller, pedal-operated riveter closed at $10. Stacks of Draft Horse Journal magazines with beautiful color photos sold for $6 per stack or boxful. There were also some stacks of Rural Heritage Magazine that were taken for the same price.

When the auction moved to the Simplicity Express 17-horsepower riding mower, owner Harold Witt climbed into the driver’s seat and demonstrated that it would start easily. The mower received a high bid of $300. A smaller green Weed Eater 20-inch walk behind mower closed at $35. There was a mixture of yard tools and other equipment, some current and some vintage. A set of cattle dehorning clippers drew some discussion before it closed at $2. An old two-person cross-cut saw sold for $25, two large metal milk cans sold together for $16, a block and tackle for $12.50, and three clevises for $6. An antique 10-inch wooden pulley in excellent condition drew a high bid of $15.

A set of six wooden kitchen chairs reached $80, while an antique dresser with mirror sold for $40. A cream separator that was in the family for years will remain in the family now due to the high bid of $65 from a smiling buyer. A unique-looking black metal device was introduced as a sausage making machine, and closed for $55. An antique orange metal cement mixing toy, about 10 inches tall, piqued the interest of some before finding a new owner at $40. A mirror mounted inside of a leather horse collar sold for $20, an antique glass lampshade at $15, and a mixed box of jewelry finished at $25. There was a large vertical metal tank on legs with a power cord attached and a water faucet on the front which puzzled many until it was explained to be an old-style water heater. While fascinating to look at, it went home for just a $1 bid. Contact: 517-543-7113.