This week marks a bittersweet farewell for a couple from Strathmore, Alta., as they part ways with cherished family heirlooms.
Dan and Donna Specht of Strathmore, Alta., are bidding farewell to over 500 unique collectibles that hold sentimental value.
For the past 50 years, the Spechts have been avid collectors of John Deere memorabilia. Their collection includes a wide range of items, from tractors to dishes, decorations, and small metal trucks that double as piggy banks.
“Each doll has a tractor to go with it,” Donna Specht shared. “We even have John Deere teddy bears.”
The couple has decided to sell their collection through an online auction hosted by Frank McInenly Auctions.
“The collection is truly impressive,” said Holly Kugler from Frank McInenly Auctions.
“It’s not like you can just walk into a store and buy a collection like this.”
The Spechts hope to earn over $50,000 from the sale of their collection.
“I bought many of these items because they looked interesting for our collection,” Donna said. “But our basement eventually became full.”
Dan had an advantage over other collectors, having worked for John Deere for 61 years.
“I started in 1953,” Dan shared.
“I was 13 years old and worked weekends.”
Building the collection became a significant part of their family life.
“For her birthday, Donna didn’t want flowers; she wanted a John Deere watering can,” Dan revealed. “And she bought me a remote-control tractor for Christmas. I had trouble operating it, but the grandkids seemed to handle it very well.”
The Spechts hope that the buyers in the auction will find as much joy in the collectibles as they have.
“Although it’s difficult to part with them, it’s like rediscovering our basement again,” Donna said. “It’s hard to let go because you go downstairs and think, ‘Wow!'”
Dan and Donna Specht with some of the John Deere collectibles they’re selling in an online auction.
Gil Tucker/Global News
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