History of The Chattanooga Auction House
The Chattanooga Auction House has been in existence for many years now and between all of the personnel involved there is over 36 yrs. worth of experience in the antiques and home décor industry.
Formally beginning their start in the auction business under the tutelage of the late Mr. Charles Clements Sr., Stan Carnahan, Perry Voclain and Mike Smelcher (locally referred to as "the boys") eventually opened their own retail shop in 1998 dealing in antiques, home décor, reproduction furniture, fine art and oriental rugs. From a humble beginning in the back room of a local antique mall, selling old canning jars and railroad spikes, with only 14 buyers present, The Chattanooga Auction House began to take form.
Although located in the old freight depot in downtown Chattanooga for the past several years, The Chattanooga Auction House now opens its doors to a beautiful 8500+ square feet located on Broad Street with a great atmosphere, a lobby, retail section, warehouse and loading docks! Nowadays, even though a greater and improved variety of merchandise is offered at auction, don't be surprised to still find an occasional box lot of canning jars and railroad spikes in the auction!!!
Stan Carnahan, Owner, Auctioneer, TAL #4960
An old country boy from way out in Ooltewah, Stan is principle auctioneer. One of Stan's most important responsibilities is serving as our public relations person. Stan specializes in fine art and rugs. Stan bought his first antique when he was 12 years old according to his mother, who is an auction regular, and he hasn't stopped buying them yet. Stan has been an auctioneer since the late 90s and is a graduate of the Nashville Auction School. TAL # 4960 Firm # 4393
Perry Voclain, Owner
Originally from southern Louisiana (yep, cajun!), Perry comes from a very strong business background. He was drafted into the antique and auction world by Stan in the mid 1990s. With history in accounting, general business, self-employment and management, Perry is not only our owner but also serves as our chief financial officer and operations manager as well as a buyer for the company.
Mike Smelcher, Owner, Auctioneer, TAL #5522/Firm #4953
A graduate of The Nashville Auction School, you'll recognize Mike by his infamous trademark of a top hat (retired at January's auction and replaced by a bowler) and bow-tie. Mike also brings to the company his creative talents. A free-lance artist, Mike has done many murals throughout the Chattanooga region and has paintings in many homes as well served as an interior design consultant. If you come to the auction to look for rugs, etc, be sure to bring along swatches of paint and fabric and they'll be glad to help you find just the rug you need. TAL # 5522 Firm # 4953
Donnie McFarland
Donnie started working with us at the auction when he was only 15, moving furniture and such. He’s been with us 7 years now and stepped right into position at The Chattanooga Auction House last year. Taking in consignments, taking pictures, moving furniture, keeping the grounds, doing repair work, learning the ins and outs of the business, and serving as the floor Supervisor during the auction. Donnie also handles independent deliveries.
Sophia Clare Underwood
Sophie first graced the doors of The Auction House in July of 2007, when she weighed less than a pound at only 5 ½ weeks old. A Dapple Mini Dachschund, Sophia Clare Underwood (aka Sophie) will be 2 yrs old on June 5th. Anyone that’s met her already knows this, but for those of you that don’t…well, Sophie is the real boss. It’s all about her, just ask her.
Community Service:
Being locals, The Chattanooga Auction House feels an obligation to give back to its community and they do so by donating their auction services to several benefit auctions when possible. To date, we’re proud to have auctioned for the following:
• The Chattanooga Symphony-Opera Guild
• The Downtown YMCA
•The March of Dimes
• WTCI
• The Lung Association
• The Home Place
• The Heart Association
• Several others
Clients/friends also help contribute to the community. Our holiday season 2007 Chattanooga Foodbank Contribution Barrel weighed in at more than 700lbs, all contributed by auction clients!