Mission Statement
EASTON — The Aroostook Auction Barn, a full-service, family-oriented auction company in Easton, is open for its third year.
Operated by the Hussey family, the Auction Barn is located at 102 Houlton Road in Easton, just 2 miles south of the flashing light at Easton Center on Route 1A.
Auctioneer Travis Hussey said the business started 6-7 years ago after his grandfather passed away and the family “could not find anyone to help us resolve his estate.”
“Yard sales didn’t work well, we didn’t want to donate everything, and you can’t keep a lifetime of belongings yourself,” he said. “Afterwards we began talking with my parents and the topic of the ‘old-fashioned auction barn’ came up. When I was a kid, my folks brought us along to auctions all the time. Whether they were looking for household items, furniture, antiques, tools, vehicles, farm equipment or livestock, we would go and always find something of interest. I’d play, see other kids, socialize, eat and have a good time. It was fun.”
After a period of reflecting, the family said, “Let’s do it. Let’s bring back the old-fashioned auction barn.”
“We set out getting the licenses and details to make it happen. We converted our cattle barn and outfitted it with comfortable spacious bleachers, an audio system, airy easily viewed floor space, food, beverages, bathroom accommodations, and plenty of parking,” said Hussey, noting that there are three generations of Husseys working side by side, and the family is supported by local friends, as well. “This gives this rustic barn an old-fashioned feel where children are always welcome, and old and new friends can gather for a day of fun.
“One fun activity we are known for is giveaways. I remembered being at an auction as a young teen with the family and my mother won a small tool set that we still have today,” he said. “We give away something at every auction whether it food, gift cards and baskets to local businesses, kid’s toys, and more. It just makes it fun to see people having a good time.”
Manager Mary Ann Hussey said people often ask, “What do you sell?”
“I reply everything! From the toilet paper holder to the car you are driving and the house, too! Anything of value,” she said. “We have also sold dozens of estates, business liquidations, tools, equipment, household items, and more.
“We offer respectful, caring, confidential consultations to discuss estate sales whether people are moving, downsizing or dealing with a deceased loved one’s assets. We can help choose the best plan for their needs,” said Mary Ann. “We work very hard to help people make informed choices and support them throughout the process while treating them like we’d want to be treated. We know how difficult it is to deal with liquidating an estate while you are still grieving. We have done it.”
Mary Ann said it’s “really great to see the impact [the Auction Barn has] on our kids.” After assisting a very thankful elderly gentleman who was moving to elderly assisted living, her daughter Danielle said, “I really like helping people.”
“It is nice to meet new people and offer support that has been missing in The County for more than a generation,” said Mary Ann.
On the selling side, people can come to an auction for a day of fun and good deals, and find treasures that may only come up once in a lifetime.
“We frequently auction items that are like new, items people have had for 50-60 years, or have been in the family for generations and may not come up for sale again,” said Mary Ann. “From local antiques, tools, equipment, to household items to outfit your home. It is a great way for young people starting out to outfit a home or upgrade items at a great price. We always say there is ‘something here for everyone’ and everyone has their eye on something. Our mission at the Auction Barn is to provide county residents with a friendly, reliable, honest, and trustworthy place to exchange items and goods at the best price.”
Previous customers have been very pleased with the professionalism and efficiency shown by the Husseys.
“I had quite a bit of stuff around my house that I wanted to get rid of, but didn’t have time to put together a yard sale. So I contacted the Husseys. They took everything I had and sold it for me at their auction barn,” wrote one customer on the website. “They were very professional and I was amazed at the profit they were able to get from my things. I would highly recommend them to anyone. They will turn your things into cash for you.”
So, whether you need cash, have goods and items you haven’t used in some time, are downsizing, moving, upgrading your items, replacing stuff, got equipment, ATVs, RTVs, sleds, boats, etc., or are you just spring cleaning the attic, basement, garage, camp or barn, call the Aroostook Auction Barn staff at 762-1246 to have your items sold at an auction.
“Turn your good used items into cash, and if you are looking for the best and unique deals, join us at an auction starting in May — always on Saturdays — with an 8 a.m. preview and a 10 a.m. start time at the barn,” said Mary Ann. “You can always visit us online at Aroostook Auction Barn.com and view items, auction preview videos, absentee bidding and more!”
The Auction Barn is also a very community-oriented company.
“We have done several charity auctions to help local businesses and organizations stay open,” said Mary Ann. “Last year we did auctions for the Mars Hill library, Francis Malcolm Science Center and Riverside Bible Camp, and all the proceeds went to those organizations.”