Rachel and Josh Gurley show off some of their mother’s cherished items before the auction.

PARSONSFIELD, MAINE — More than 150 people filled the tent as Nan Gurley’s collection of country Americana was sold Saturday, September 17. Many were there to take home things that they had seen in Nan’s living room, but which she would never sell. Many of those special things had been gifts from dealer friends or family members.

Tom Jewett of Jewett and Berdan, said, “We were able to buy things we had wanted for years. Nan had told us the stories behind some of the things, so it just felt right for us to be able to keep the story and the item together. One of the things was a wonderful pen-wipe that Roger Bacon had given her.” Several other people commented on their recollections about Nan.

It was a special and emotional day for many. She had wanted her collections to be available to her friends and that is what happened and her family wanted this sale to be a celebration of her life. It was.

A full review will follow in a future edition.