Historical Ducks To Be Auctioned at Gala: Nov 18

Still Time to Purchase Tickets or Submit Online Bid

by Barbara Newman, President of Larchmont Historical Society

(November 9, 2006) Those 23 whimsical and historically painted ducks that decorated Larchmont's downtown this summer and fall may have waddled off the streets, but the story of Ducktales has one final chapter to play out.

The flock is enjoying a bit of R&R and feather fluffing before the ducks are auctioned off at the Larchmont Historical Society’s 25th Anniversary Gala and Ducktales Auction on Saturday, November 18th. The gala will be held at the Larchmont Shore Club beginning with a cocktail party at 7 pm and followed at 8:30 by a live Ducktales Auction conducted by local auctioneer Ron Clarke of C&C Auction Gallery. Tickets are $125 and can be requested by calling Nancy Dyer at 834-0035 or by emailing “Ticket Request” to: lhs@larchmonthistory.org. Space is limited, but tickets are still available.

The 25th Anniversary Gala’s honorary chairs are Carl & Mary Olsson, Gayle Lee and Hayes and Tena Kavanagh, of Larchmont. The gala chair is Dee S. van Eyck and the Ducktales auction chair is Ellen W. Martin, both LHS Trustees.

Ducktales was a public art exhibit featuring 23 ducks painted by Westchester artists in themes that drew on the history and culture of Larchmont. The ducks, sponsored by area business and individuals, were on display from July to October, and their “historical tales” can now be found in the newly released book The Historical Ducktales of Larchmont, NY. Books are $20 and are on sale at Foley’s Hardware and Anderson’s Book Store, with more locations to be added this week. Ducktales merchandise is also being sold around town.

Co-chairs for the Ducktales event were Colette Rodbell and Lauren Gottfried, also LHS Trustees. Net proceeds from all the Ducktale events will go to launch the LHS Museum Campaign.

Can’t make the gala, but still want to bid on your favorite duck?

Absentee bids will be accepted through Friday, November 17 at 5:00 pm. Auction rules, absentee bid information and forms are posted on the Ducktales website: http://ducks.larchmonthistory.org. Prospective bidders can also preview the ducks’ individual “web” pages and photos on the site. Opening bid for each duck is $500.

“We hope that some of the ducks will find permanent homes around Larchmont or the surrounding area so that people can continue to enjoy them,” said Ms. Rodbell. “Some of the ducks may even be purchased and donated to local establishments. We’ve heard all kinds of interest brewing out there!”

Artist Jasun Martz’s “Symphony Duck” has a built-in speaker system that can be connected to any stereo to play the owner’s music for entertaining or personal enjoyment. Positioned by “The Catery” over the last few months, Mr. Martz’s duck entertained commuters with the “Ducktales Symphony” – a medley of songs written by famous Larchmont composers (including Martz) and performed by various artists. Martz has donated an autographed print of his work and copy of “The Symphony” to the winner of his duck.

Quacker Striker, the Larchmont Junior Soccer League duck, will go on the auction block paired with 2 official L.A. Galaxy team jerseys, autographed by MLS all stars, Cobi Jones and Landon Donovan. More duck bonus surprises are expected to pop up before the auction.

“We’re expecting a sell-out crowd and a fun-filled evening complete with lively bidding to make the Ducktales Campaign launch a huge success,” said Ms. Van Eyck. "It’s going to be a really great night for the Historical Society and our guests."

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