Last year the antiques world lost a major folk art collector, Ronald Hammer, of New Oxford, Pa. He left behind an incredible collection of American folk art items, such as pottery, 18th and 19th century furniture, quilts, fine art, fraktur, and much more. Conestoga Auction Gallery, a division of Hess Auction Group, is honored to be selling the best of the collection at a two-day unreserved auction on Friday and Saturday, March 28 and 29. Ron Hammer was born on June 13, 1950, and lived his entire life in New Oxford. Growing up, at least two Sundays a month, his parents would take him to visit his Aunt Gladys and Uncle Charles in Waynesboro, Pa., and they would discuss their antique collections with him. Gladys was knowledgeable on glass, china, and especially John Bell pottery. His uncle, specializing in Kentucky long rifles, had an antique gun collection. Charles was a close friend of Joe Kindig Jr. from York, Pa. Charles took Ron to see Kindigs collections, and it was experiences such as this and the influence of his aunt and uncle that laid the groundwork for Ron collecting career. The age of 12 was a pivotal year for Ron when he lost his father. It was around this time he started riding his bicycle to public sales and began working at a local shoe factory. His Uncle Charles stepped into the role of father, and Aunt Gladys continued to be an influence by having him read books on antique guns and antiques in general, including pottery books. While attending public sales in towns such as Bonneville, Littlestown, Gettysburg and East Berlin, he met Clair Slaybaugh, the auctioneer for most of the public sales in this region. Slaybaugh became a friend and would let him know about auctions and if there were any good antiques. Another friend, the librarian at the Hanover Public Library, would have books for him on antiques that were donated by local people, which contained helpful information about local makers. On bad weather days, he and a friend would take the bus, which traveled from New Oxford to Hanover every Saturday from the Lincoln Bus Company to the library. At the shoe factory in New Oxford, he met the owner, Livingston, who was another father figure, and the former owner of the home in which Ron lived. Rons job was so important to him as it enabled him to support his early collecting. Rons family also lived next door to James Stock and his wife, Doris Jean, who were avid antique collectors and whose parents were both collectors and dealers in New Oxford. He had many discussions with the Stocks about antiques. They were instrumental in encouraging Ron. In 1966, when he could drive a car, he would meet up at public sales with Dorothy and Eugene Elgin of East Berlin. Dorothy was his economics school teacher. Both she and Gene helped Ron gain knowledge of local antiques. Ron also enjoyed a love seldom seen by two with his longtime partner, Karen Johnston. She will never forget his love for her and how well he treated her. Ron was an active member of St. Pauls United Church of Christ, the Hanover Kiwanis Club and the Hebron Masonic Lodge in New Oxford for 50 years. He was also a board member of the New Oxford Cemetery Board. Over the years, Ron had the privilege of attending many landmark auctions, several being held by Conestoga Auction Company. Some of the items he was able to purchase at those auctions are now included in his auction, as noted by the provenance. Many of the pieces include John Bell pottery, including a one-of-a-kind small jug that was signed by Charles Frederick Bell, dated 1857, son of John Bell. Bell and his sons had a pottery shop in Waynesboro, Pa. The two-day unreserved auction will begin at 9 a.m., both days. A preview, with refreshments, will be held on Thursday, March 27, from 1 to 5 p.m. The Conestoga Auction Co. Gallery is located at 768 Graystone Road, Manheim, Pa. To learn more, visit www,hessauctiongroup.com.