June Auctions at Clements Showcase the Estate of Marion "Bit" Hutchenson and the Contents of Happy Valley Farms
Tuesday, May 12, 2020
Clements is honored to announce the estate of the Marion "Bit" Hutcheson in their upcoming June auctions.
Apart from being a legend in the equestrian community, Bit Hutcheson was also the keeper of the Hutcheson
family’s multi-generation collection of fine art and antiques.
The Hutcheson family legacy began with John L. Hutcheson, Sr., who was a prominent cattle breeder in the
foothills of northwest Georgia in the late 1800s. In 1905, Hutcheson opened Peerless Woolen Mills, one of the
largest textile mills in the country, in nearby Rossville, GA. The mill was a cornerstone of the Rossville
community, employing hundreds and driving economic growth for the small city. Fortunes made by the mill
would allow the Hutcheson family to build Happy Valley Farms, the family homestead for nearly a century. The
farm would serve as a local dairy for the Chattanooga area, while also being known for its award winning
cattle. Later, under Bit's leadership, Happy Valley would become a world class breeder and trainer of American Saddlebred horses, producing several world champions.
On a hilltop overlooking the pastures, the family home was the quintessential southern estate. A Colonial
Revival mansion, the home is where the Hutcheson family would amass a collection of art and antiques from
around the globe. In the foyer, the Hutchesons had paintings commissioned from noteworthy equestrian artist
Francis W. Eustis that depicted prize cows grazing the fields of Happy Valley. In the living room, a grand English mahogany bookcase, made for the Earl of Rosebery, displayed decorative porcelains collected from
Tiffany&Co, Spode, and other fine makers. Entering into the dining room, the Waterford crystal chandelier
illuminated the grand Sheraton banquet table, rumored to have come from the Monticello estate of Benjamin
Franklin. The Hutchesons’ massive collection of silver trophies and trays, won from competitions around the
country, would set the table for their decadent parties and gatherings. Though beautiful art, fine furniture,
and design were found throughout the Hutcheson house, Mr. Hutcheson's personal favorites could be seen in
the upstairs living room, a breathtaking collection of porcelain bird models, including Dorothy Doughty,
Edward Marshall Boehm, and Gunter Granget.
Now is the opportunity to own a piece of the legacy of Happy Valley Farms. The live auction will take place
June 13th 2020 beginning at 11am. Auction is being held at Clements Auction Gallery located at 7022 Hwy 153 Hixson, TN 37343. Another part of the collection can be bought through an online-only auction, where bidding ends June 30th at 12pm. Visit www.ClementsAuctions.com to view the catalogs, register to bid, and bid live online. Contact Clements toll free at 1-866-425-3636 with inquiries.
|