MONROE - For more than half a century, Ray Miskimon has been the man known for his voice.
The Winslow, Ill., man celebrated his 85th birthday Feb. 5 and was honored Friday at Turner Hall with the "Golden Gavel" award for his years as an auctioneer.
The award, issued by the state of Wisconsin, is given to auctioneers who have been in the business for at least 50 years. Miskimon was an auctioneer for 54 years.
Miskimon came to Pecatonica, Ill., after service in World War II. For several years he helped at the sale barn, assisting with more than 100 auctions every winter.
He also worked at the Monticello sale barn for more than 40 years, according to his associate and friend Jim McNeill.
"He was the one who helped me when I was first getting started," McNeill said as he presented the award to Miskimon. "He was the old, experienced fellow."
For more than half a century Miskimon was the man farmers heard as they brought their cows and calves to Monticello for sale. He was the man who tried to get them a little more money, the man who kept the sales moving along and the man they would talk to before and after the sale.
Miskimon couldn't help but get a little emotional after McNeill presented him with the award.
"I can't help it if I have a few tears," he said.
The Winslow, Ill., man celebrated his 85th birthday Feb. 5 and was honored Friday at Turner Hall with the "Golden Gavel" award for his years as an auctioneer.
The award, issued by the state of Wisconsin, is given to auctioneers who have been in the business for at least 50 years. Miskimon was an auctioneer for 54 years.
Miskimon came to Pecatonica, Ill., after service in World War II. For several years he helped at the sale barn, assisting with more than 100 auctions every winter.
He also worked at the Monticello sale barn for more than 40 years, according to his associate and friend Jim McNeill.
"He was the one who helped me when I was first getting started," McNeill said as he presented the award to Miskimon. "He was the old, experienced fellow."
For more than half a century Miskimon was the man farmers heard as they brought their cows and calves to Monticello for sale. He was the man who tried to get them a little more money, the man who kept the sales moving along and the man they would talk to before and after the sale.
Miskimon couldn't help but get a little emotional after McNeill presented him with the award.
"I can't help it if I have a few tears," he said.