About 200 people attended an auction in Sayler Park on Friday evening to help the neighborhood's fight against a cement company's plans to build two silos near residences.

        Sayler Park Athletic Fields looked like a flea market as thousands of items from basements and garages, some dating to the 1800s, were spread on tables and the ground.

        Money from the auction will be used for legal fees in the residents' fight to prevent Lone Star Industries of Indianapolis from building the silos, said Mary Newman, president of Sayler Park Village Council, the neighborhood's community council.

        “This is great,” she said. “What will happen is that much of the stuff will be moved from one neighbor's basement to another.”

        As auctioneer Maggie Beckmeyer started the bidding, a blistering sun poured over the crowd and many sought comfort under a few shade trees.

        Mrs. Newman made the first big purchase during the auction's first hour when she paid $100 for four $2 bills issued in 1976.

        Linda Walton of Westwood was successful in finding the item she came looking for — a 1940s picnic basket, for $7.50.

        “I am really glad to help out,” she said. “I know what they are going through.”

        Dianne Meinberg of Harrison found a bargain on two Coke bottles for $2 and a chestnut roaster for $2.

        Regina Hensley of North Bend bought a clock case, made in 1900, for $30.

        Many who attended were regulars at flea markets.

        Leonard Baumann of Alexandria paid $10 for an electric lamp he expects to sell for $35.

        “But buying it here is for a good cause,” he said.

        The auction drew the attention of Cincinnati City Councilmen John Cranley and Pat Dewine, who said they had pushed through an ordinance to change the zoning of the proposed site from industrial to residential.

        But the law can be effective only if the land is bought from Lone Star Industries. The city is considering that option.

        The total raised was not immediately available.

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