Audio by Nadia Samie, Photos by Adriane Matkovitch, Julia Rendleman and Steve Berczynski

Murphysboro residents came out for a Saturday auction at 21st and Dewey Streets on a bright October morning. The house and all its contents—pots, pans, cutlery, books, tools and games—were up for sale following the death of one the homeowners.

The auction attracted all types of people: farmers looking for power tools, women eyeing teapots and football fans disappointed with the days sports offerings so they headed to the auction instead. David Canning Auction Service facilitated the lively bidding process. Auctioneer Adam Cripps described auctions as, “the last competitive sport in buying.” Bob Eaton, who’s mother used to live in the house, remembered the many Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners that the family had enjoyed in the there. The property was sold for $82,500.