To assist in settling the Jane Latimer Stevenson Estate, Kurtz Auction and Realty will conduct an extensive antique collection estate auction on March 15. Notable artworks include two signed Harvey Joiner pieces, though the auction will include all manner of items small and large — from jewelry and coins to furniture and even antique vehicles, and all sorts of collectibles.
The auction will begin at 10 a.m. March 15 at the Knights of Columbus Hall on East 10th Street, and will likely run well into the evening. It will be back up at 10 a.m. March 16 at Stevenson’s home at 1610 Griffith Avenue, where Kurtz will auction off some of the larger items.
Paintings by Kentucky artist Harvey Joiner, old framed maps of Kentucky, and rare china and silver are just some items up for auction. A 1968 Ford Galaxie and a 2006 Cadillac will highlight Thursday’s items.
For a full list of the items or more information about the auction, click here.
Stevenson’s Griffith Avenue home dates back to 1881 when her family built the house on what was then a family farm. Though Griffith Avenue has evolved drastically over the years — and while business and pleasure often led her afar — Stevenson was always excited to return to Owensboro and her childhood home.
Stevenson followed her parents’ footsteps and attended Centre College, where she served on the board from 1974 to 2014, continuing as a trustee emeritus until her death. After college, she pursued a career in education, serving as a guidance counselor at Daviess County High School for 34 years.
Amy Whistle will serve as the auctioneer and agent and said that even though she didn’t know Stevenson personally, she’s thoroughly enjoyed the journey and the opportunity.
“Since working on this auction, I have talked with many people that have commented that Ms. Stevenson completely changed the trajectory of their future because of her passion for education,” Whistle said. “It’s clear she was very interested in her students and made sure they knew they were important and tried to help them in any way possible to obtain a higher education.”
The home and the auction will tell a story, but not the complete one. While the antiques and collectibles are priceless, the years Stevenson spent completing forms, submitting applications, and preparing others for social settings far beyond their comfort zone is how many will remember her.
“Since preparing for the auction, I’ve learned that Ms. Stevenson genuinely cared for people, loved her church and her alma mater, and was a very proud Kentuckian,” Whistle said. “She was a major part of the community, and I’ve worked as hard as I can to make her proud. She was extremely loved by her students and the community.”
