Lake George Auction, 1927

A collection of three photos were recently shared with the Cleaver from the Welty Family, long time seasonal residents of Lake George.  At times old photos have no back story and we are left to wonder what the scene is all about.  In the case of these three images taken by Carl Wetly in Lake George the photography is so clear signs in the windows can be read and the rest of the story can be known. 

The photo shows a small crowd gathered for the auction of E.R.M. Austin’s store.  Ad is from the Clare Sentinel.  Presumably, the auctioneer is Thomas Groves.  Groves was a night officer for the City of Clare for many years and later ran a gas station and conducted auctions.  Many of his auctions are documented in Clare county newspapers during the 1920s and 30s. 

The photos of the auction give an informative view of Lake George as it was in 1927.