By Amy Joles (Contact / Staff Bio)
September 12, 2009 - 11:26 a.m. EST

CASS CITY — Marian Keating loved a good deal at auction.

On Sept. 19, many of those prized purchases will again see the auction block.

“She’ll have the ultimate auction because so many of these things were picked up at auction and collected,” said Ed Keating, Marian’s son. “It will be tough, but I hope that people will enjoy or display these items so it creates that lasting historical bond.”

The Bob and Marian Keating estate, featuring many items of local historical significance, will be auctioned by Albrecht Auction Service at the Keating residence, 6401 Huron St. in Cass City.

“My mother collected for 60 plus years and went to auction sales - she has a little of this and a little of that,” said Ed Keating.

Beautiful glassware - all types - was one of Marian’s interests.

She collected a wide assortment of “souvenir glass,” featuring the Cass City logo on many. Other pieces are from surrounding towns and even destinations across the state.

Dave Albrecht said he believes this will be the largest collection of Cass City memorabilia ever sold at auction.

Marian also collected Christmas ornaments, creating “a beautiful display,” said Ed Keating. Antique furniture in mint condition, as well as a variety of household items will also be up for sale. China, collectibles, toys and more are waiting for the high bidder.

Auction patrons can view some of the items online at www.albrechtauction.com. Those who attend the auction can view items beginning at 8:30 a.m. on the day of the auction with the event officially beginning at 10 a.m.

The Keating family has a rich history in Cass City. The couple was well-known in the area and raised their two sons, Ed and Phil, in the community that they loved and supported.

Prior to her death in 2006, Marian Keating owned a craft store in Cass City. She also volunteered in the community and was instrumental in advancements at the Rawson Memorial Library.

Marian and Bob met in high school and were wed in 1944. After attending college and residing in Ypsilanti for some time, the two returned to Cass City, where Bob went to work for Pinney State Bank (now Chemical Bank).

Bob Keating worked his way up to President of the bank and retired in 1988. He passed away Sept. 18, 2008 - a year and one day to the date of the auction of his estate.

Bob Keating’s family was orginally from Canada and came to the Thumb area in the 1870s. Some of the items up for auction date back to that time frame, including a family-owned gun.

Marian Keating moved to the area as a teenager. Her father worked for a railroad company at the time. Some of the auction items also reflect that heritage.

“My mother made a nice home for us,” said Ed. “She and my father made a comfortable place for my brother and me to grow up.”

Amy Joles is the editor of the Tuscola County Advertiser. She can be reached at joles@tcadvertiser.com.