Olde South Ball ~ Silent Auction

"There was a land of
Cavaliers and Cotton fields...
called the Old South"

Olde South Ball
Silent Auction

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A silent auction was held at the 2012 Olde South Ball. The beneficient of the auction was the Boys Home of the South in Belton, South Carolina. We thank our donors for donating these special items. Please check out their businesses!

"Before the Ball"
Limited Edition Signed Mort Kuntsler Print
Donated by Mort Kuntsler

An American historical artist for over 50 years, Mr. Kuntsler has recently announced his approaching retirement. This brings extra value to this limited print signed especially for our ball! Mr. Kuntsler remains the most collected artist in the Civil War genre, and was even commissioned by the US Postal Service to depict the Buffalo Soldiers on a 1994 stamp.

"Before the Ball" depicts a moment in June 1863. General Robert E. Lee's cavalry division, commanded by General J.E.B. Stuart, was encamped briefly near Culpeper, Virginia. The young, flamboyant General Stuart ordered his staff to arrange a ball for officers and guests as a brief distraction from the hardships of war. The town hall at Culpeper was commandeered as a makeshift ballroom for the occasion, and was appropriately decorated.

On the evening of June 4, 1863, Stuart's officers and guests began arriving. Officers wore their dress uniforms and ladies came attired in the finest fashions available in the beleaguered South. Accompanying General Stuart was his wife, Flora, who was visiting her husband's headquarters. Inside, the pageantry and gaiety of the Old South awaited Stuart and his officers. Days later, they would face a bloody confrontation at the battle of Brandy Station, the largest cavalry engagement of the war, and a month later they would be recoiling from the devastating defeat Lee's army would suffer at Gettysburg. At the moment, however, the South's fortunes seemed bright and a brief respite from war awaited them inside. The ball was about to begin.

Handcarved Civil War Jet Brooch
Donated by Kathey Kelley Hunt

This stunning Whitby Jet brooch dates to 1850-1870 and is hand-carved, as shown by the irregular shape of the ornament. Whitby Jet was mined in Whitby, England and was highly prized in the Victorian era for both mourning jewelry and ornamental jewelry.

Civil War Confederate Sword
Donated by the Kathey Kelley Hunt

A dashing complement to your uniform, or a stunning accent to hang on your wall!

Handcrafted Swarovski Pearl Set
Donated by Heather Sheen of Southron Creations

Victorian ladies loved the elegance and timelessness of pearl jewelry. Matching sets were highly fashionable in the 1860s. This magnificent set of necklace and earrings will add the perfect touch to any ball gown, not to mention a stunning accent for modern attire.

Civil War Chess Set
Donated by the Sheen Family

This beautiful, detailed game of chess will be a striking accent for any library or living room. Enjoy a taste of history while you play with this lovely alabastrite set!

Vintage Crocheted Gloves
Donated by Kathey Kelley Hunt

Elegant and timeless, these lovely old gloves are in mint condition. They can be worn by a size small hand, or they make a lovely accent to your home.

Secession Wood Ladies' Pen
Donated by Robert Hayes

This pen is made from wood from one of the trees on Secession Hill that witnessed the first secession meeting held on November 22, 1860 in Abbeville, South Carolina. Of the grove of oaks in which the meeting platform was built, only three trees remain (the rest have fallen due to age). There is a limited supply of this wood, so this momento of history will only grow in value!

Limited Edition John Paul Strain Ornament
Signed and Donated by John Paul Strain

In the summer of 1864, when Federal cavalry came to the sleepy little town of Edinburg, VA to burn the large mill located there, local legend recounts how two teenage granddaughters of the mill's owner saved the structure. Nellie and Melvina, granddaughters of Major George Grandstaff who had valiantly served in the army during the Mexican War, raced to General Sheridan's headquarters to plead for the sparing of the mill. Perhaps out of respect for the services of a US Army war veteran and the charms of two beautiful southern belles, General Sheridan gave the girls a letter ordering his troopers to save the mill.

Signed Heide Presse Print
"The Garden Gate"
Donated by Heide Presse

Heide Presse is always in search of the quiet beauty in life. "I love the character of vintage clothing and old-fashioned gardens and the way they allow us to pause for a moment and appreciate the simple pleasures of the past." With beautifully southern "Garden Gate," Heide skillfully weaves rich color with texture to create a timeless, inviting vision with a gentle reminder that there's always time to stop and smell the flowers.

Gift Certificate ~ Admission for 2 to Middleton Place
Donated by the Middleton Place Foundation

Includes entrance to the House Museum dating to 1755, Plantation Stableyards, and America's Oldest Landscaped Gardens. Birthplace of a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and under the same family's stewardship for 320 years, this gorgeous estate is a lovely piece of living southern history! A $74 value.

Gift Certificate ~ Admission for 2 to the Edmondston-Alston House
Donated by the Middleton Place Foundation

Commanding a magnificent view of Charleston Harbor, this 1825 mansion was built by Charles Edmonston and sold to Charles Alston in 1837, remaining in the Alston family ever since. Providing a lookout for General Beauregard during the bombardment of Fort Sumter, and providing refuge for General Robert E. Lee during the Charleston fire of 1861, this house has seen much fascinating history. This gorgeous home and furnishings provide a lovely example of Greek Revival beauty in downtown Charleston. A $24 value.

Secession Wood Gentlemen's Pen
Donated by Robert Hayes

This pen is made from wood from one of the trees on Secession Hill that witnessed the first secession meeting held on November 22, 1860 in Abbeville, South Carolina. Of the grove of oaks in which the meeting platform was built, only three trees remain (the rest have fallen due to age). There is a limited supply of this wood, so this momento of history will only grow in value!