Rummage Sales at First United Church 75th Anniversary
The following information was written by Alice Bieman as remembered by the late Alice Bullard, Jean Croddock and Ruth Ann Watty.
In the late 1940’s the Sunday School Auxiliary was started by the following women:
Alice Bullard, Mabel Totten, Eleanore Walker, Helen Boehmer, Pearl Greig, Ruby Klinck, Adeline Anderson, Lillian Crawford, May Hallman, Adele Smith, Amy Snyder, Verna Neill, Leone Close, Doreen Sprung, Daisy Littler, Mrs. W. B. Brant
These women formed the Sunday School Auxiliary to raise money to make the basement of the church a livable area for Sunday School classes. The auxiliary members went out and got clothing from their friends. On certain Fridays they took the items to sell at the old Waterloo Farmer’s Market in downtown Waterloo. They each took care of a table, pricing and selling the items. Soon after the sales took place in the church itself, Jean Croddock organized the sales for many years. Church members brought their items to the church to be sorted and displayed.
The different UCW units took turns running the sales. Joyce Rankin was in charge for the next few years.Ruth Ann Watty took over the organization from Joyce for more than 20 years. Since Ruth Ann worked full time, Laura Colquhaun took care of setting up and pricing on Fridays. The present outside signs were made for Ruth Ann Watty By Robert Jordon.
Alice Bieman started organizing the sales in 2001. During this time, the perennial sale was added in May and house plants were sold in October.
The sales became so popular that we now require the help of approximately 50 to 60 volunteers to sort, display, organize and sell items. The sales were held three times a year, in February, May and October. Since 2018 only 2 sales are held each year. One in May and one in October.
If you do not receive a call to help and you are able to volunteer for 2-3 hours, please contact Kathy Saunders or Alice Bieman. Our next sale is May 3rd and 4th.