Annual City Auction to Offer Antique Street Signs, Other Unusual Items

By Christina Georgiou

Every year, the City of Easton holds an auction to get a little cash for items it owns but no longer uses.

Everything from office equipment to heavy equipment to unclaimed stolen bicycles can be found, usually at rock-bottom prices.

But the number of unique items on this year's list, including a brass fireman's pole and a pile of vintage blue and white enamel street signs, means the coming auction, to be held on Saturday, April 27, is one that's sure to be well-attended.

Other pieces of iconic Easton memorabilia will go under the hammer too. Ever fancy either the toy soldier or snowflake decorations that grace the city's utility poles during the holidays? A number of them are up for grabs.

Ever dream of owning your very own fire truck? A 1986 Hahn pumper truck is on the list this year too.

Several other vehicles, including a number of Ford Crown Victorias and a dump truck will also be auctioned off.

Other useful items include office furniture, printers, scanners, a fax machine, a never-used electric deep fryer, hand power tools, and a lots of other stuff.

City officials say a number of items, such as the fire station pole and the pumper truck, will carry a reserve to ensure they are not sold off too cheaply or for scrap.

And, the old city street signs will be auctioned individually too, as a number of residents have already expressed interest in obtaining ones for specific streets they live on or have resided on in the past. Not selling them as a lot will make the city more money as well as prevent a dealer from scooping them up and turning a profit on them too, officials said.

The auction will take place at the Easton public works garage, near North Fifth and Bushkill streets. Items will be available for public inspection beginning at 8 a.m. on Saturday, April 27, and the actual auctioning will begin at 10 a.m., city administrator Glenn Steckman said at Wednesday evening's city council meeting.

The auction will be run by local auctioneer Mark Bonstein.