In May 2023 the James L. Watson Glass Fishing Float Foundation donated the remaining pieces from Jim’s personal collection to North Lincoln County Historical Museum (NLCHM). Jim had a long-standing relationship with NLCHM, and always hoped his collection would one day be in a museum. We are proud to be able to display his most amazing and valuable pieces available for people of all ages to appreciate and learn from for years to come.
At the time of donation, it was agreed with the Foundation that a portion of the glass floats would be made available for sale, as a fundraiser for the museum, assuring that Jim’s collection would have a permanent home. After careful review, selection, and appraisal, we are making a portion of these floats available for purchase. All proceeds will go toward continuing Jim’s legacy within our walls by supporting our operational expenses, and continuing NLCHM’s mission of providing the public with an educational resource dedicated to the preservation of North Lincoln County History.
We will have a wide variety of floats for sale, ranging in price from $20 to over $5,000. This is the first of many opportunities, only a small portion of the floats will be made available at this event. We have taken feedback from members and have carefully considered how to make the event as equitable as possible.
Before the sale begins, the viewing room will be open to the public. From 11AM – 1PM May 31st folks will be allowed into the room for Meet & Greet with other collectors, and to view the floats. After the viewing those interested in purchasing will draw a lottery ticket – visitors will be let into the room to purchase in small groups. Each person will be allowed to purchase 1 item.
June 1st will also have a lottery, from 11AM – 2PM, with the same 1 item limit. After 2PM all remaining floats will be available for purchase, without limit.
Schedule:
May 31st
11AM – 1PM: Meet & Greet and Viewing of Floats
1PM – 1:30PM: Lunch Break & Lottery Draw
1:30PM – 4PM: Ticket Entry & Purchase Limit: 1 Float per Person
June 1st
11AM – 2 PM: Ticket Entry & Purchase Limit: 1 Float per Person
2PM – 4PM: Limit is lifted, and any remaining floats will be available to all!
