Saturday July 17, 2010 - Banquet and Auction at Salubria

Glowing in the late afternoon sun, Salubria presided serenely with the elegance and grace of a grand lady over the guests arriving for an evening of good food with dear friends. Hoping to be the winning bidder of that special item or trip in the live auction, many came looking forward to bidding action occurring after dinner.

Many guests participated in the informal, educational and special tours of the house and grounds provided by experts while others enjoyed a refreshing drink and perused the silent auction items available for bidding.

The arrival of President Thomas Jefferson and Lieutenant Governor Alexander Spotswood with his family proved that traveling through the centuries was just one of the possibilities for the 21st century guests present that evening. With his family, Governor Spotswood toured his wife's future home while conversing with those living three centuries later. President Thomas Jefferson spoke eloquently during the auction urging the bidders to bid often and high for their favorite live auction item.

After a delicious dinner and animated conversation with those present, the guests were privileged to view a re-enactment of the battle between Blackbeard and Governor Spotswood by the young actors and actresses who had attended camp at Salubria that day. In the event anyone missed the outcome of this battle as re-enacted at Salubria, Blackbeard was dealt a mortal blow by Governor Spotswood and his troops.

And now time for the auction! With catalogues in hand, having selected desirable items in advance, the bidders gripped their paddles ready to raise them high to win the item or items they most coveted. Auctioneer Michael Oddenino began his patter urging the bidders to bid higher and higher while spurring on competing bidders to vanquish their opposition. Tickets to various museums and historic homes, vacation trips to Hawaii and Kiawah Island, a whitewater rafting trip in Colorado, two days as the guest of Thomas Jefferson in Colonial Williamsburg, beautiful quilts and many other wonderful opportunities kept bidders in a constant state of anticipation.

When the bidding was done, the paddles were laid on the table, the winners celebrated their good fortune and all agreed it was the best Germanna auction ever!

Upon completion of the auction, Kathy Ellis made the much-anticipated announcement regarding the dendrochronology testing on Salubria to determine the exact date of its construction.  The mystery has triggered controversy and difference of opinion regarding the construction of this elegant 18th century manor home. Who wins? Well, it turns out that science dictates that the building was constructed in 1756 - 1757 making it truly one of the best structures still existing from that time period.  Lady Spotswood still lived when it was built thus science gives credence to the story that Reverend Thompson built Salubria as a display of his love for Lady Spotswood. 

With the activities drawn to a close, it was time to pay for the auction winnings and bid adieu to friends. Although modern financial methods were used to pay for the treasures won, the payment took place by lantern light with the fireflies adding their illumination. After payment, the lucky bidders collected their treasures and departed in their modern 21st century motorized conveyances leaving the grand lady of Salubria to her rest.

There are rumors about next year’s banquet and auction that are too exciting to publish at this time.  All we can say is mark your calendars now, and plan to attend the Germanna Conference and Reunion July 15 -17, 2011.