About the Sale
"This is the largest treasure trove of Denver history to come to the market in years. Five generations have kept this collection intact making it a one-of-a kind opportunity to take a part of Denver’s early ...view moredays and offer it to those who have an appreciation for Colorado’s colorful past. Don’t miss this one.” -
John Sollo, Internationally known Antiques Dealer, Appraiser, & Author
FAIRLIGHT ESTATE SALES IS PROUD TO PRESENT THE HISTORIC CONTENTS OF THE MILO A. SMITH HOUSE, AN HISTORIC DENVER LANDMARK BUILT IN 1890, AND RECOGNIZED HOME ON THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES. OCCUPIED FOR OVER 130 YEARS BY THE SAME FAMILY, AND BELIEVED TO BE THE OLDEST CONTINUOUSLY FAMILY-OCCUPIED HOME IN DENVER, THERE ARE MANY GENERATIONS OF TREASURES WONDERFULLY PRESERVED WITHIN THE WALLS OF THIS ESTATE. SOME OF THE MANY ITEMS THAT WILL BE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC FOR THE FIRST TIME VIA ONLINE AUCTION INCLUDE: FURNITURE FROM THE 1700S THROUGH THE 1900S, RARE ANTIQUES INCLUDING ART, PAINTINGS, AND JEWELRY, ARCHITECTURAL SALVAGE, FINELY PRESERVED CLOTHING SPECIMENS, PERSIAN RUGS, STEINWAY GRAND PIANO, AND A WONDERFUL LIBRARY OF ANTIQUARIAN BOOKS.
Many of the items presented here have been handed down for generations, and we are proud to help steward these cherished items from the estate of Nancy Joyce Woodward, great granddaughter of Milo A. Smith. This auction is taking place in many parts.
The home was built by Milo A. Smith, a Civil War veteran who moved to Denver from Detroit in 1880, and became a highly regarded and important figure in the construction of modern Denver as we know it. As a prolific real estate developer and entrepreneur, Smith played an integral role in community planning for many historic neighborhoods including the Arlington Heights addition (at Broadway and Cherry Creek), modern day Hilltop, and the Bellevue Addition (where this historic home is located). As president of the East Colfax Avenue Railway Company, Smith was lauded by Hubert Howe Bancroft in 1892 for his contributions as, “Few in Denver have done more to make it what it is than Milo A. Smith, who came here in 1880 bringing with him integrity, ability, energy, and some money.” Some of his other notable business ventures included: the East Denver Water Works, The Sand Creek Water project, the Colorado Ice and Storage Co., the High Line Reservoir Co., Kebler Stove Works, the Colorado Shredded Wheat Company, Cleveland Place Leasing Company, as well as extensive livestock, mining, and land holdings in multiple states.
With much of its original interior intact, being in this historic home is like truly stepping back in time to an immaculately preserved Victorian parlor, with the home itself serving as an exemplary architectural example of Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, and Craftsman construction. The Butler’s Pantry is stacked floor to ceiling with antique china, silver, serving pieces, handmade linens and so much more. With over 5000 square feet in the main home and multiple outbuildings, there are an incalculable number of treasures we will be unearthing for this historic auction which will be listed in multiple parts throughout the next few months.
It has taken over twelve months to catalogue the contents of this home, and it was personally overseen by John Sollo--an internationally known antiques dealer, appraiser, and author.
Special Instructions
• Winning Bidders must bring help if required for large/ heavy items & proper packaging materials if needed for pickup.
• Packing, Moving & Transporting of your items will NOT BE PROVIDED upon pickup.
Please contact auction representative ...view moreif you would like to make an appointment to see an item in this historic collection.
All sales are final. All items are SOLD AS IS. Bidders are strongly encouraged all to ask any questions prior to bidding. Please refer to photos as part of description. All items are sold as-is, where-is. While Fairlight Estate Sales will do its best to list any damage, repairs or restorations, the absence of these descriptions or conditions must not be taken to imply that the lot is in perfect condition. Most of the items Fairlight Estate Sales sells are antique, vintage or used. You should expect signs of wear consistent with age. All sales are final. No returns, credits or exchanges.