In the time before automobiles and trains, rural areas developed a network that extended out of a regional city center. Like a root system of a tree, little roads connected small rural towns to the network that allowed trade and commerce to flourish. However, unlike today, people in the rural network rarely went to the regional city to engage in trade. Instead, they would go to the closest town that had a weekly or bi-weekly market to sell their goods and pick up needed items to take home.
For farmers, market towns were a weekly ritual where they sold goods to locals, as well as traveling merchants from the regional city. The automobile and extensive highway systems built since World War II made market towns a thing of the past, and retail box stores replaced the local markets.
Yet for a group of locals led by Nathaniel Longenecker and Emanuel Shetler of Frontier Auctions, they are attempting to restart the ancient practice of a small market with a monthly auction that brings together local producers and community members.
Right now, the auction focuses on small animal sales, animal supplies, and hay and is located at the Custer County Fairgrounds just north of Westcliffe. During the first auction in August, there was a surprisingly large selection of poultry, goats, rabbits, and other small animals for sale. A huge selection of hay, straw, animal feed, supplies, and more was also being auctioned off. There was a friendly atmosphere of locals working together for simple commerce, and a bit of competition to score a good deal.
In addition to the auction items, there was a large selection of food hot off the grill, or baked goods to take home. Experienced auctioneer Nathaniel Longenecker wants to see this auction become a monthly opportunity for locally produced goods to be sold, and for community members to come together in a welcoming atmosphere.
The next auction is slated for Friday, September 26, starting with consignments being accepted at 4 p.m., with the auction starting at 6 p.m.
– Jordan Hedberg
