by Brianna Nielsen
After forty years of showing Waverly unique pieces from around the world, the Schield Museum closed this past year.
The items displayed in the museum were from Vern and Marjorie Schield’s many trips around the world and now most of the items have been auctioned off to new homes.
The Schield’s left there museum and the contents to Wartburg college which is now auctioning off the items to local citizens and people around the world. Some of the big items were things people simply can’t buy anymore due to endangered species law including a polar bear rug, a pair of elephant tusks, and a skinned cheetah.
Some other items included native American dolls and hunting gear. The three big items were a fiberglass canoe used on an arctic expedition, a model T ford, and a German Tractor.
The Schields’ niece and nephew, Connie and Marlo Schield were thrilled to put in the winning bid on the canoe and can’t wait to pass on the family’s exploring traditions with their four grandchildren. The couple resides on a lake in Wisconsin where the canoe will be put to good use.
With the profits from the auctions, Wartburg plans to improve Neumann Auditorium, which brings many cultural events to Waverly. The college also plans to support Scholarships for international students.