Commission auctions off salvaged historic stone from Missouri Capitol
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)
Missourians placed bids Friday morning on historic stone salvaged from the Missouri Capitol.
The auction started at 10 a.m. at 1635 Industrial Dr. in Jefferson City. Several pallets of the salvaged stone were being auctioned off to the highest bidder.
Around 10:30 a.m. Friday morning at least 100 people were in attendance, prepared to place bids on the various stone pieces they liked.
Workers removed the stone from the Missouri Capitol during a project to repair the exterior of the building. The Missouri State Capitol Commission said the stones, which are Burlington limestone, were mined from quarries in Carthage, Missouri.
A variety of different cut stones, including paver stones ranging in size and a few decorative carved pieces, were up for auction. One couple drove from Springfield, Missouri in hopes of buying a piece of history no one else in their neighborhood will have.
"We're building a house. When we saw the opportunity. We decided that we'd come up and see what they had and maybe incorporate that into our house," said Jonathan Cook.
Funds from the auction will go toward preservation efforts at the Capitol and its surrounding buildings and grounds. Anyone who was interested in bidding on the stones was invited to view them before the auction started.
Dana Miller, chief clerk and administrator for the Missouri House of Representatives and a member of the State Capitol Commission, said the commission saw an opportunity to give community members a piece of history after realizing the stone would be used as fill.
"We're hoping to move most of it but if we have any left, we will either repalletize and have a second auction or we'll just have to reassess and see where we are after the auction," Miller said.
The commission will provide a receipt to the highest bidders, which is needed to pick up the stones. The commission said bidders can pay with cash, Apple Pay, or a check made out to the "Friends of the Missouri State Capitol."
The auction raised nearly $85,000 by 11:45 a.m. Friday with 84 buyers.
Isaac Hampton, another person attending the auction, said he would give the stone to his father.
"My father recently back in Southeast Missouri, bought like a half a city block that was old, decrepit, and things like that. He's trying to make it into a wildflower garden," Hampton said. "I think it'd be cool to have like some central like stonework there something be able to say, hey, that was a piece of Missouri Capitol."
Those with winning bids can pick up their stones Friday or by appointment after the auction ends. The commission says crews will be at the auction site until 4:30 p.m. Friday to help people load their stones into their vehicles.
To set up an appointment, the commission asks buyers to contact Justin Bax at Justin.bax@oa.mo.gov or call 573-526-5607.
Pick-up times are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The last day to schedule an appointment is Friday, June 17.
Ownership of any stones not collected after the deadline will be forfeited to the state commission.
