Anatomy of a Sale... The Sale on the Grounds

Since it’s the 24^th annual Sale on the Grounds,
many people look forward to the first weekend in May to buy things they need,
or shop to see what there is they didn’t yet know they need! 

Items for sale fill not only the rooms inside the historic Nicholson House, at 13335 Detroit, but a giant tent and several small tents in the yard.

Where does all the merchandise come from? 

The biggest source is donations from individuals who are moving, de-cluttering, redecorating, clearing out a relative’s house. 

Granny’s Attic Estate Sales is another benefactor. The company’s owner, Al Hopf, contributes unsold items at the end of some of his sales.

Giving to the Historical Society is a win-win, as the givers can deduct their donations as a charitable contribution; the Historical Society makes money; sale shoppers are delighted to find excellent quality items at fantastic prices, and items are recycled into new homes.

Who gets the money? 

All the proceeds from the sale benefit the programs and properties of the Historical Society, including maintenance of the Nicholson House. The funds generated from Historical Society’s sales constitute a hefty percentage of the organization’s financial support.

How does the sale come together? 

A dedicated group of volunteers works year-round receiving donations, evaluating their quality (things that don’t meet standards are donated on to other charities), sorting them into categories, pricing, boxing and storing them until two weeks before the sale when all the boxes move to the Nicholson House to be unpacked and arranged.  

The group takes great pride in making the displays attractive and easy to browse. The sale could be called Lakewood’s largest pop-up shop!

What happens to all the leftovers when the sale is over? 

With the exception of the antiques room, nearly everything is donated on at the end of the sale. Storage capacity is limited, and since plenty of new merchandise appears every year, each year’s sale is fresh. So if you see something you like, don’t delay — you’ll only have one chance!

The festivities begin on Friday night, May 4^th, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm with the Preview Party.  For a $15 donation, partygoers can shop early for the best selection, and without  the huge crowds of people who’ll arrive Saturday morning
for the public sale.  will be serving the liquid refreshments; hors d’oeuvres & desserts are underwritten by Granny’s Attic. 

Adding a touch of class to the party is Cheryl Fitiak, playing classical guitar. 

Reservations for the party are required, and can be made online or by dropping a check in the door at the Oldest Stone House Museum, 14710 Lake Avenue.

The public sale is Saturday, May 5, 9-3 and Sunday, May 6, noon-3. Sunday is half-price day, except in the antiques room.  At the end of the day, those ever-energetic volunteers will box up the leftovers, which will move on to Church of the Ascension for their rummage sale.

If you’ve never been to Sale on the Grounds, come experience it this year.  You'll never miss it again!