Dinner, Antique Auction Will Benefit North Side Businessman

What do barbershop quartets, the Davenport Hotel and antique purveyors have in common?

They’re all friends of North Side businessman Frank Scarano.

The inventory of Scarano’s business, Frank’s Bargain Barn, was destroyed in the Dec. 21 fire that burned a Hillyard warehouse, where ice once was produced for the Great Northern Railroad.

A host of small business owners and barbershop quartet singers, all Scarano friends, are sponsoring a dinner and antique auction beginning at 6 p.m. Jan. 25. It will be held in the lobby of the Davenport.

The cost is $24.50 per person, which covers a dinner catered by the Longhorn Barbecue, wine, beer, coffee and soft drinks. Two barbershop quartets, Last Call and Heirloom, will wander through the lobby singing.

The auction begins at 7 p.m. with 25 percent of the proceeds benefitting Scarano.

“He’s always been in business,” organizer David Kirkpatrick said. “He said he was never going to retire because it kept him young. Now everything he had in the auction was up in smoke.

“We’ve just known him too long not to do anything.”

Scarano, 64, had no insurance on his collection of second-hand furniture and appliances.

Before moving to Hillyard last year, Scarano had operated Scarano Auction since 1960. Until 1986 he also owned Dishman Trailer, a recreational vehicle dealership.

In the 1950s, Scarano sold Studebakers at a car dealership in Hillyard.

Scarano has volunteered his services as auctioneer for many Spokane area churches and non-profit organizations.

“For me I’ve always helped someone else out,” Scarano said. “I’ve never thought of a benefit for myself.”

For more information call Kirkpatrick at 838-8669.