Portage Manor Auctions raise $60k

South Bend, Ind. -- The numbers are in from the Portage Manor Auctions.

The historic home shut its doors in July 2023 and Wednesday St. Joe County Commissioners Derek Dieter and Carla Baxmeyer held a press conference to share those fundraising figures and the next steps.

The commissioners hope to use $40,000 of the money raised from the auction to go towards the City of Mishawaka’s. ‘Miracle Field’ for athletes with disabilities.

“The amount that was raised that goes to Saint Joe County is $60,764.93,” said Dieter on Tuesday.

More than a century’s worth of stuff accumulated in the home.

Of that nearly 1200 items were able to be sold from a tag sale and three online auctions though Kaser Auctions who will keep 15-20 percent of the profits.

But what remains is up for grabs for free.

There are holiday decorations, clothes, furniture, and even the all the jail cells still available.

Dieter said Non for Profits, Day Cares, and other people in need can contact him via, email [email protected] or cell phone 574-532-2200, to set up a time to view remaining items at the Manor.

Commissioners Dieter and Baxmeyer said the 118-year-old building is not going anywhere, as they are looking to begin the bidding process before the end of 2024.

“In the process of subdividing the property and establishing those criteria that would lead to a sale of the building in the surrounding area,” said Baxmeyer.

They are optimistic that the building and the surrounding acreage will find new life, while the cemetery will be taken over by Portage Township.