Emma Bailey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Emma Bailey
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Emma Bailey in 1966
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| Born | March 6, 1910 New York City, US
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| Died | September 3, 1999 (aged 89) |
| Occupation | Auctioneer, author |
| Years active | 1950 – late 1960s |
| Known for | First American woman auctioneer |
| Children | 2 |
Emma Bailey (born Emma Parascandola; March 6, 1910 – September 3, 1999) was an American auctioneer and author. She is famous for being the first American woman to work as an auctioneer. An auctioneer is someone who sells items at an auction, where people bid to buy things.
Emma held her first auction in Brattleboro, Vermont, on May 12, 1950. She started this business to help her family earn more money. In 1952, she made history again by becoming the first woman allowed to join the National Auctioneers Association. She worked as an auctioneer for almost 20 years. Later, she wrote a book about her experiences called Sold to the Lady in the Green Hat (1962). She stopped working in the late 1960s.
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Early Life of Emma Bailey
Emma Parascandola was born in New York City on March 6, 1910. She grew up with two brothers and two sisters. Emma finished her schooling in Newark, New Jersey. In 1932, she married Eli J. Bailey.
Emma Bailey's Career
In 1945, Emma Bailey moved to Brattleboro, Vermont. She moved there with her husband and their two children. Her husband, Eli, worked as a substitute teacher at the local high school. Their new home was an old house that needed many repairs. The family was also finding it hard to pay their bills.
Emma decided to start an auction business. This would help her family earn extra money. In April 1950, she put an advertisement in the local newspaper. It said that her business, "The Bailey Auction Barn," was ready to sell items. She promised to handle all items, big or small, with care. She also said she would sell "anything—from a plate to an estate."
First Auction Sale
On May 12, 1950, Emma Bailey held her first auction. The very first item she sold was a rocking chair. This chair was 50 years old and sold for $2.50. Her Saturday auctions quickly became a popular event in the town. Her family helped her with the business. Emma's husband organized the items for sale. Her daughters helped with keeping records and selling snacks.
Emma sold many different kinds of items. These included old antiques, farm tools, books, and furniture for homes. She was known for her special way of describing items. People said her descriptions were "poetic." She also had a reputation for being very fair and honest.
Joining the National Association
In 1952, Emma Bailey applied to join the National Auctioneers Association. She was accepted and became the first woman member of this group. She later wrote a book about her life as an auctioneer. The book was titled Sold to the Lady in the Green Hat (1962). She continued to hold auctions for nearly 20 years. Emma decided to retire in the late 1960s. She stopped working when her career was at its best.
Challenges as a Woman Auctioneer
During her time as an auctioneer, Emma faced some challenges because she was a woman. Her first auction was delayed for several weeks. This happened because a male competitor said she was breaking a local rule. Sometimes, men would gather in front of her and try to bother her during her early sales.
Another time, Emma and a male auctioneer both wanted to handle the same sale. The man argued that he should get the sale. He said he needed to support his family, while Emma already had a working husband. Emma did not get that sale. Even after joining the National Auctioneer's Association, she didn't always feel supported. In 1960, a reporter asked about women auctioneers. The Association said that a woman had tried it in Vermont but found it too hard and quit. This was not true about Emma.
Emma Bailey's Legacy
Emma Bailey passed away on September 3, 1999. Her work inspired others. For example, an auction house in Wisconsin is named after her. It is called Bailey's Honor Auction, LLC. This business is owned by another auctioneer named Carol Miller.
