But the sign — valued at more than $300 — actually was sold twice.
“I am very sorry to have to tell you that the ‘Even Numbers Sections’ sign you purchased from the Hara sale was stolen from the sales site. We at EBTH work very hard to prevent this type of thing from happening. But, unfortunately at times it is out of our control,” the original email stated.
Everything But The House, an online global marketplace for estate sales, hosted the online auction showcasing the eclectic assortment of Hara items and memorabilia. A spokeswoman told the Dayton Daily News that the company was able to secure the missing sign for the customer.
“We’re thrilled this family will be able to enjoy this piece of historic memorabilia,” said Kathleen Ong, spokeswoman for Everything But The House. “Our clients and fans are at the heart of all that we do.”
RELATED: Residents react with sadness over Hara closing
Steve Poe, who grew up in Dayton, said he received a phone call from the auction company late Friday. The company stated another man had also bought the sign — an error during the auction — and was willing to sell it back to the company.
“It means everything,” Poe said. “Hara Arena was a huge part of my childhood and youth. I’m thrilled at the prospect of potentially getting (the sign) back.”
Poe is waiting to hear back about when they will possibly get the sign. Corey Eagle, a resident of Brookville, said the one sign was listed twice during the auction. He won it during the auction, and was given it to take home.
When he heard the couple was looking for the sign, he offered to sell it back to the auction company. But he said the details on the exchange haven’t been worked out just yet. He still hasn’t been refunded, and the auction company has not picked up the sign.
“I was fortunate enough to win a couple of the other signs,” Eagle said. “I kind of felt bad because it was the only thing this couple had purchased.”
RELATED: Hara Arena auction items go on sale online
Hara closed its doors in August, after a 60-year run of sports, concerts, entertainment and special shows in the Miami Valley. It hosted its last event in late August, taking with it a $36 million annual economic impact.
All items started at a $1 bid. The auction included a limited number of Hara Arena and Cincinnati’s Crosley Field seats, Hara signage, photos, posters, sports and event memorabilia, sports equipment, chandeliers, catering items, tables and chairs.
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