Cortland Standard .net

By COLLEEN SIUZDAK
Staff Reporter
csiuzdak@cortlandstandard.net
MARATHON — Jerry Wilcox, 71, an auctioneer for30 years, said the most thrilling item he ever sold in his career was a mid-1860s painting which was more valuable than the Ithaca family that owned the painting thought.
Painted by artist John Mix Stanley, the oil painting titled “The Sentinel,” portrayed a little American Indian boy with a red feather in his hair sitting on a rock. The painting took Wilcox two and a half months to sell because of its high value.
“You wanted to hug this thing it was so beautiful,” Wilcox said, excited even eight years after the sale by the thought of selling the painting. It sold for $750,000.
Wilcox, an auctioneer who owns Riverbend Antiques Center on Route 11, said he did not plan to be an auctioneer until a friend suggested that he go to the Mendenhall School of Auctioneering in North Carolina in the 1970s.
“It was a fluke really,” Wilcox said of his path to becoming an auctioneer.
Walking into Wilcox’s shop brings people back in time, as classical music plays in the background and historical clocks, furniture, and books are spread throughout the store.
Being an auctioneer is not just about the art of selling but learning and respecting the items that come through the store, Wilcox said.
Wilcox added that one of the best parts about his job is teaching people the history of the items they wish to purchase.
“I teach more every day in this building and in my auction barn than I ever did when I was teaching in the classroom,” Wilcox said, adding he taught art in various elementary and high schools for about 10 years.
Wilcox has operated his company, Marathon Auction Sales & Service, for 30 years, saying he takes pride in selling older items. He notes that the items he sells connect him to history, something he loves.
“I like dealing with ... our heritage,” Wilcox said. “I think a lot ... of the youth today are not concerned about our heritage as they should be.”
As far as the art of speed talking like an auctioneer, Wilcox said he, along with his employee Benny Hodkinson, can sell between 500 to 600 items an hour.
Wilcox, however, does not seem to be impressed with how fast he can sell items, adding the fast talking always came so naturally to him.
“It’s like singing,” Wilcox said, adding he has slowed down over the years due to his dust allergies.
Hodkinson, Wilcox’s employee since 1997, said Friday afternoon he has been to auctions since he was 15 years old and applauds the honesty of Wilcox’s business.
“When Jerry says something, he means it and he keeps his word,” Hodkinson said.
Hodkinson said he is “fortunate” to work for Wilcox and also proud of the respect Wilcox gives to a family’s items after a loved one has died.
One of Wilcox’s recent auctions was for a husband and wife from Virgil, who had died and Wilcox was selling items from their estate. Hodkinson noted how impressed he was when Wilcox took time in the beginning of the auction to give bidders background on the items and the family.
“I know it’s a really hard thing for a family member to come to an auction and see their loved ones’ stuff be sold,” Hodkinson said. “I think it makes it a little easier (on the family) because he is genuine.”
Barry and Karen Shaw, owners of Black Cat Antiques in Groton, said Friday afternoon they like working with Wilcox because of the integrity he upholds when running an auction.
“We know of auctioneers who will get something that’s new and dirty it up and put it up as old,” Barry Shaw said, adding they have been going to Wilcox’s auctions since 1997. “He’s just a person of integrity and we enjoy dealing with him.”
Karen Shaw said she also enjoys his auctions.
“He’s got a sense of humor because he puts up with me at his auctions,” Shaw joked. “You kind of feel at home there.”
Wilcox stressed that although he is running a business, he still feels it is necessary to show respect for the families’ items, whether they need the money or if a family member has died.
“You’ve got to be a sociable person ... and friendly to be able to meet perfect strangers ... and respect them for their family treasures,” Wilcox said. “It’s hard sometimes for people to relinquish the things they’ve always had and it takes a kind, considerate person to do this for people.”