It’s an estate sale that should intrigue anyone with roots in Greater Morristown.
The longtime home of Richard Simon–historian, author and civic leader–is yielding its treasures from May 16-18, 2013.
“This is the mother lode of all estate sales,” said Bonnie Allen of Central Jersey Liquidators.
While some hyperbole might be expected in the liquidation business, Bonnie is not exaggerating.
Richard Simon, a World War II veteran now living close to his family in Vermont, collected everything from George Washington statues and miniature cannons to furniture, antique tools and “trench art” carved onto artillery shells by World War I soldiers.
In all, an estimated 15,000 items–including 10,000 books–are for sale at the impressive Victorian estate at 37 Ogden Place in Morristown.
“It’s interesting stuff that this man collected, and he had a great eye,” said Bonnie, who is based in Somerville and has handled estate sales for 20 years.
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Those who know Richard describe him as a Renaissance man, skilled in watercolor painting, cooking and furniture restoration, with an abiding curiosity and passion for Revolutionary history.
“He could talk to anyone about anything,” said Linda Carrington, who served with Richard on the board of the Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, where he became president and curated several shows.
Few residents have been woven into the fabric of the community as intricately as Richard Simon, past president of the Washington Association of New Jersey and the Shakespeare Club of Morristown.
A former trustee of the Morristown Green, he wrote a book about that historic space.
Additionally, Richard has been a trustee of the Canal Society of New Jersey, Advocates of New Jersey History, the Morris County Heritage Commission, and the Friends of Florham, where he advised the Fairleigh Dickinson University board about the upkeep of its architecturally significant Twombley Estate and grounds.
As an infantryman serving in Alsace-Lorraine and the Vosges Mountains in France during World War II, he was wounded and taken prisoner.
After the war, Richard earned degrees in history and economics at Amherst College, followed by a master’s degree from the Harvard Business School. He worked as a business executive with General Electric Co., AMF and Litton Industries.
Over the years, his many hobbies included sketching and biking. He once pedaled from Morristown to the Adirondack mountains.
Richard has continued collecting varied items throughout his life, which makes this estate so fascinating, according to Bonnie. It’s not just a bunch of old belongings, she said.
Visitors will find extensive collections of busts, tennis racquets, souvenir medallions and military uniforms and accessories. One room contains a “symphonium” music box from the Edison era; another has a box of classic rock LPs from the 1970s.
The estate sale runs from 10 am to 1 pm on May 16, and from 10 am to 3 pm on May 17 and May 18. For more details, call 908-625-1622.
I can agree with looking at the estate sales as wholly saddening, but I never fail to tell the family( if they happen to b be present) that whatever it is I’m buying (usually art) is going to a good home and will be appreciated and loved.
Buying at an estate sale is the purest form of recycling. Granted ,some things should NOT be put out for people to rifle through, but I think that says more about the non-caring buyers than anything.
I’ve been going to state sales since I was a little girl with my Dad, who in the 60’s opened an antique store and I since have taken my love of antiques and interior design and turned it into a wonderful, fulfilling business in my 60’s!
Don’t look at estate sales as a negative, view it as continuing the love someone once had for a particular item and hand it down.
To Estate Sale Visitor:
Save yourself future heartache and don’t go!
We went. It was sad. It seemed as though his entire life was being handed out to strangers for cash. The diploma for sale, the military uniforms… I seldom go to these things because it makes me physically ill to see someone’s life sold to strangers. It has made me carefully consider what I want done with my things. I wondered what happened with what was left.. the drawings, the prints… it was very sad and upsetting.
Hi Susanne–
Your father was well on his way to creating his own museum, it appears! What a fascinating assortment of items. Our best to him, and to your family. Good luck with the estate sale!
Kevin
Dear Kevin,
Thank you for the wonderful article about my father and the estate sale. My father is well in a nursing home in Hanover, NH at 88 years of age. He is further north so his children and grandchildren can visit him.
Your article portrays Dad as quite a collector. Indeed! We have been preparing the house for sale and have been surprised of the thousands of art collectibles, books, historical materials and tools. I have a better understanding of the diverse interests of my father!
I hope all will come and enjoy seeing his home….and possible find a bit of history to enjoy.
Best,
Susanne Simon