> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.dailydetroit.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Pieces Of Motown History Are Up For Sale And They're Amazing (And Some Are Affordable, Too) - URL: https://www.dailydetroit.com/pieces-motown-history-sale-theyre-amazing-affordable/ - Published: 2017-10-11T15:42:27.000Z - Updated: 2024-02-27T19:50:03.000Z - Author: Jer Staes - Tags: boston edison, Motown Mansion, Motown Mansion auction, #wordpress, #Import 2024-02-25 18:12, #daily-detroit-staff The Motown Mansion is one of Detroit’s iconic buildings. Home to Barry Gordy, the founder of Motown Records, the mansion was built in 1917 for lumber baron Nels Michelson. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/47/f5/47f528d4-7214-4519-b2b2-26249e48460d/content/images/wordpress/2017/10/IMG_1739-1024x682.jpg)](https://storage.ghost.io/c/47/f5/47f528d4-7214-4519-b2b2-26249e48460d/content/images/wordpress/2017/10/IMG%5F1739.jpg?ref=dailydetroit.com) Every part of the mansion is, in a word, sumptuous. It was purchased by Gordy in 1967 and he owned it until 2002; the most recent owner, Cynthia F. Reeves, sold it for $1.65 million in August. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/47/f5/47f528d4-7214-4519-b2b2-26249e48460d/content/images/wordpress/2017/10/IMG_1731-682x1024.jpg)](https://storage.ghost.io/c/47/f5/47f528d4-7214-4519-b2b2-26249e48460d/content/images/wordpress/2017/10/IMG%5F1731.jpg?ref=dailydetroit.com) But why were we here? Well, it turns out since the mansion was bought, there’s a lot of music and Detroit history that’s been inside the place that now could be in your hands. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/47/f5/47f528d4-7214-4519-b2b2-26249e48460d/content/images/wordpress/2017/10/IMG_1850-1024x682.jpg)](https://storage.ghost.io/c/47/f5/47f528d4-7214-4519-b2b2-26249e48460d/content/images/wordpress/2017/10/IMG%5F1850.jpg?ref=dailydetroit.com) Do you love 45’s? There are more than 600 records, basically untouched. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/47/f5/47f528d4-7214-4519-b2b2-26249e48460d/content/images/wordpress/2017/10/IMG_1831-1024x682.jpg)](https://storage.ghost.io/c/47/f5/47f528d4-7214-4519-b2b2-26249e48460d/content/images/wordpress/2017/10/IMG%5F1831.jpg?ref=dailydetroit.com) Retro radios? [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/47/f5/47f528d4-7214-4519-b2b2-26249e48460d/content/images/wordpress/2017/10/IMG_1728-1024x682.jpg)](https://storage.ghost.io/c/47/f5/47f528d4-7214-4519-b2b2-26249e48460d/content/images/wordpress/2017/10/IMG%5F1728.jpg?ref=dailydetroit.com) There’s an amazing Steinway piano that Smokey Robinson played. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/47/f5/47f528d4-7214-4519-b2b2-26249e48460d/content/images/wordpress/2017/10/IMG_1726-1024x682.jpg)](https://storage.ghost.io/c/47/f5/47f528d4-7214-4519-b2b2-26249e48460d/content/images/wordpress/2017/10/IMG%5F1726.jpg?ref=dailydetroit.com) There’s everything from beer steins… [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/47/f5/47f528d4-7214-4519-b2b2-26249e48460d/content/images/wordpress/2017/10/IMG_1855-1024x682.jpg)](https://storage.ghost.io/c/47/f5/47f528d4-7214-4519-b2b2-26249e48460d/content/images/wordpress/2017/10/IMG%5F1855.jpg?ref=dailydetroit.com) …to bowling pins from the bowling alley in the athletic house… [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/47/f5/47f528d4-7214-4519-b2b2-26249e48460d/content/images/wordpress/2017/10/IMG_1808-1024x683.jpg)](https://storage.ghost.io/c/47/f5/47f528d4-7214-4519-b2b2-26249e48460d/content/images/wordpress/2017/10/IMG%5F1808.jpg?ref=dailydetroit.com) …to the desk of Barry Gordy himself. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/47/f5/47f528d4-7214-4519-b2b2-26249e48460d/content/images/wordpress/2017/10/IMG_1756-1024x682.jpg)](https://storage.ghost.io/c/47/f5/47f528d4-7214-4519-b2b2-26249e48460d/content/images/wordpress/2017/10/IMG%5F1756.jpg?ref=dailydetroit.com) Or how about a travel trunk from a Model T? [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/47/f5/47f528d4-7214-4519-b2b2-26249e48460d/content/images/wordpress/2017/10/IMG_1822-1024x682.jpg)](https://storage.ghost.io/c/47/f5/47f528d4-7214-4519-b2b2-26249e48460d/content/images/wordpress/2017/10/IMG%5F1822.jpg?ref=dailydetroit.com) Bowling seats signed by Martha Reeves? [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/47/f5/47f528d4-7214-4519-b2b2-26249e48460d/content/images/wordpress/2017/10/IMG_1807-1024x682.jpg)](https://storage.ghost.io/c/47/f5/47f528d4-7214-4519-b2b2-26249e48460d/content/images/wordpress/2017/10/IMG%5F1807.jpg?ref=dailydetroit.com) The new owner, a metro Detroit native returning home after living in San Francisco, has purchased the home with wall to wall details, including amazing stained glass. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/47/f5/47f528d4-7214-4519-b2b2-26249e48460d/content/images/wordpress/2017/10/IMG_1746-1024x682.jpg)](https://storage.ghost.io/c/47/f5/47f528d4-7214-4519-b2b2-26249e48460d/content/images/wordpress/2017/10/IMG%5F1746.jpg?ref=dailydetroit.com) There estate sale has two components. The live auction, which will happen both **[on a website](https://www.liveauctioneers.com/catalog/109958%5Fmotown-mansion-detroit-history-auction/?ref=dailydetroit.com)** and on-site, and then there are some items that are priced “as is” to go out the door. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/47/f5/47f528d4-7214-4519-b2b2-26249e48460d/content/images/wordpress/2017/10/IMG_1872-1024x682.jpg)](https://storage.ghost.io/c/47/f5/47f528d4-7214-4519-b2b2-26249e48460d/content/images/wordpress/2017/10/IMG%5F1872.jpg?ref=dailydetroit.com)Although the sale kicks off at 10 a.m., we’re told that they’re going to be handing out bid numbers at 7 a.m. tomorrow (Thursday). Technically, the sale lasts three days, Thursday October 12 through Saturday, October 14\. There’s a $5 entry fee and **[you need to register if you want to bid.](http://www.aaronsestatesales.com/auctions?ref=dailydetroit.com)** [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/47/f5/47f528d4-7214-4519-b2b2-26249e48460d/content/images/wordpress/2017/10/IMG_1744-1024x682.jpg)](https://storage.ghost.io/c/47/f5/47f528d4-7214-4519-b2b2-26249e48460d/content/images/wordpress/2017/10/IMG%5F1744.jpg?ref=dailydetroit.com) If you’re looking to score a deal on a smaller piece of memorabilia (I’m already jealous of whoever picks up the typewriter below) you’re going to want to get in on day one for the best selection. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/47/f5/47f528d4-7214-4519-b2b2-26249e48460d/content/images/wordpress/2017/10/IMG_1748-1024x682.jpg)](https://storage.ghost.io/c/47/f5/47f528d4-7214-4519-b2b2-26249e48460d/content/images/wordpress/2017/10/IMG%5F1748.jpg?ref=dailydetroit.com) Looking at the prices, there are a lot of things that are completely reasonable. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/47/f5/47f528d4-7214-4519-b2b2-26249e48460d/content/images/wordpress/2017/10/IMG_1714-1024x682.jpg)](https://storage.ghost.io/c/47/f5/47f528d4-7214-4519-b2b2-26249e48460d/content/images/wordpress/2017/10/IMG%5F1714.jpg?ref=dailydetroit.com) The high-end international auction will begin with doors opening at5 p.m. and auction starting at 7 p.m. on Friday, October 13, in the Athletic House of the Mansion. That will focus on exclusive high-end antiques, historical Detroit objects and Motown memorabilia.