Auction draws large crowd

Silence slipped through the halls of Clearwater Public School Tuesday morning. Classes are dismissed for summer vacation and the annual noise associated with preparing the building for the next year isn't present. Sounds of laughter, learning and love still echo inside, a lasting impression of educational opportunities offered here.

This fall, students will move to a new facility - Summerland School - at the intersection of 513 Avenue and Summerland Road and begin writing the next pages of history.

Sunday, miscellaneous equipment and chunks of historic memorabilia were offered at auction. Boxes of office materials and stacks of chairs sold to the highest bidder. Some of the highest bids were placed on pieces of the school's history: Clearwater Cardinal banners, a school mascot costume, bass drums, championship regalia. Carey Loewe Hahne, of Tilden, hoped to snag at least one championship banner.

Hahne's dad, Dennis Loewe, won titles in three events during the 1966 state track championships, earning gold in high jump, shot put and discus. He was also part of the relay team that catapulted the Cardinals to the team title that year.

"I wanted to get the banner with his name on it, but I knew I was bidding against Lindsey's (Sanne) parents," Hahne said.

Hahne scored the track team's championship banner. After auctioneer Jonathan Temme uttered, "Sold," the crowd erupted in cheers for Hahne's accomplishment.

Many hugs and multiple high fives were given and tears shed for the girl whose dad set the bar high for Cardinal athletics.

"I'm good with this one," Hahne said, as a smile beamed across her face.

While she cannot wait to show Loewe the red and black banner, she isn't ready to part with the piece. "I'm sure I'll probably keep it. I'll offer it to him, but I want it."

According to Hahne, her dad still talks about growing up here.

"He loves his days in Clearwater," she said.

Principal Mike Sanne called the day bittersweet.

"What an amazing crowd," he said.

More than 350 bidding numbers were distributed by John Temme Auction and Realty, Inc., of Petersburg.

Three tracts of land were included in the auction. Steve Patras purchased tract one, for $10,000. The second tract was bought for $2,500 by Dwaine Trease. Tract three, which includes the track and practice field, went to Joe Thiele. He purchased the land for $22,500. John Tennne said the crowd exceeded expectations.

"Hats off to the crew who organized items and kept the auction running. They were amazing," Temme said.

The sale lasted approximately six hours.