NEDERLAND — Nederland’s future is being determined before our eyes, from seemingly small measures, like road signs and crosswalks, to major milestones that may establish our town with a new identity, such as the acquisition of the Eldora ski area. But as moves are being made to prepare this rudderless ship for sea, it becomes important to ensure that we don’t forget where we came from.  

That’s why, on Saturday, May 9, Nederland Area Historical Society (NAHS) hosted their annual Silent Auction Fundraiser. It was an opportunity for the community to mingle, imbibe, and bid on thousands of dollars worth of items contributed by local artists, craftspeople, businesses, and organizations. 

Auction items varied from gift cards and products for the home to handmade art, pottery, and clothing, such as this unique item by Rachael Lauren Scala Welch.

Photo by Christopher Kelley

This year’s specific goal is to utilize the funds for the reopening and necessary maintenance of the Gillaspie House Museum—the 120-year-old home of pioneer physician and Nederland Mayor Dr. Carbon Gillaspie, located at 363-449 North Bridge Street.

As cocktails were expertly poured and a plentiful charcuterie spread was served, the second-floor space at HubNed quickly became packed with people moving from table to table of enticing auction items. 

Clever bundles of items were presented for the community to bid on, including an assortment of hot and cold related items—called the “Fire and Ice Bundle”—and a Women’s Empowerment bundle, featuring books, socks, and other “swag” featuring history’s “gutsy” women. 

There were gift certificates for specialty wellness services, including a $150 facial package from Alpenglow Esthetics, a free haircut from Oceana Beauty, a message from Morningstar Healing Arts, and a five-class pack from Tadasana Mountain Yoga. 

The Nederland Area Historical Society held their annual Silent Auction Fundraiser at Hub Ned over the weekend, raising money to preserve area assets like the Gillaspie House Museum.

Photo by Christopher Kelley

There was original artwork by Britt Madden, including cartoons chronicling Nederland’s ’80s, ’90s, and early 2000s by George Blevins; custom hand-painted and -dyed clothing by Rachael Lauren Scala Welch; handcrafted ceramic mugs by Mountain Megan Art, and an ornate leaf platter by Kay Turnbaugh.

There was even covered entry for major upcoming events Ned Gravel and the Nederland Jazz and Wine Festival.    

Rebecca Wickre and Melissa Bartlett, organizers of the silent auction, gave their thanks to those who attended, as well as giving flowers to those who volunteered and helped to make the event such a success.

NAHS Board President Susan Kelly also thanked the crowd and reiterated the importance of building and preserving our community. 

Though the road ahead for Nederland may already be set with its leadership’s ambitions and on their agenda, the town’s past may be forgotten as our history’s keepers move on and the few remaining historical and cherished landmarks fall to rot due to municipal shortcomings—budget, capacity, or lack of concern. 

All proceeds from the Silent Auction Fundraiser go to NAHS for their work “to preserve and celebrate the unique history of Nederland and the Peak to Peak region.” 

For more information, go to nederlandareahistoricalsociety.org.