Online auction offers glimpse into the past

PLAINWELL, Mich (NEWSCHANNEL 3) In this economy many folks are turning to selling antiques to make some quick money.

But one west Michigan auction house has uncovered an entire home, untouched for decades.  The home is filled with Michigan history- and its all up for bids for people all over the world.

"Its pretty hard to find something of this magnitude that's in the condition that it is in," said Jeff Gouker, antique auction house owner.

Gouker owns jkbid.com. It's an online auction site that opened last fall and in just a few short months he helped uncover a treasure-trove of antiques- all in the home of an elderly Fennville woman who passed away with no heirs to claim all the goods.

"This person has collected numerous items that are unbelievable - she never threw anything away- put it that way," said Gouker.

From antique toys, appliances and furniture in near-mint condition to silver spoons celebrating Hastings High School 8th grade graduation in1906.

To post cards and pictures detailing her family's travels- she saved mementos that are now literally a postcard to the past.

"I've got post cards back from the early 1900's showing the city of Allegan, the old iron bridge, I've got the city of Fennville from 1908, I've got Saugatuck," said Gouker.

And the auction is not just drawing those from Michigan either, its gaining attention from around the globe. All while helping this tiny west Michigan company.

"Michigan being depressed in the economy that we're in we're expanding out to the world to buyers," said Gouker.

Buyers hoping to snag a piece of the past before its gone.

"You don't find history like this in that great of shape," said Gouker.

The auction is completely online at www.jkbid.com and ends Wednesday night.