SHELBYVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Pieces of Kentucky history — and an entire bluegrass landmark — are headed to auction as the Claudia Sanders Dinner House in Shelbyville hits the block later this month.
The restaurant, along with the on-site home where Harland "Col." Sanders lived and operated what became KFC’s headquarters, will be offered through a sealed-bid process that runs through July 31 at 11:59 p.m. A separate live auction for nearly 100 personal items tied to Sanders is set for July 28.
"I think that this has the potential to be the biggest auction that has ever occurred in the state of Kentucky," said Jonathan Klunk, a realtor and auctioneer with The Menish Group. "It's certainly near and dear to everybody here. The auction is monumental not only because the artifacts that we have available and we really hope we are bringing together a group of people who are going to value and appreciate these things."
Harland and Claudia Sanders moved to the property from Corbin, Kentucky. There, they opened the Claudia Sanders Dinner House in 1959, which also served as the first KFC headquarters. Additionally, the property became the couple's home for more than 25 years. It has attracted customers from across the country for more than 60 years.
Officials said the restaurant will remain open and operating throughout the sale process.
The personal collection was preserved by the Settle family after they purchased both Blackwood Hall and the Claudia Sanders Dinner House in Shelbyville, Kentucky, in 1974.
Some of the artifacts up for auction are Sanders' personal working planner, handwritten recipes, letters and correspondence from U.S. presidents and his signature bow tie.
Pocket-sized Gideons International New Testament containing the New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs. Black flexible cover with gilt lettering to the front. Presentation page inscribed "Presented to Col Harland Sanders" and further signed "Bill Powers, Columbus, Ga." with the date April 20, 1970 (Source: The Menish Group Auction & Real Estate)
Black hard-sided combination briefcase containing a diverse group of documents, correspondence, financial records, receipts, checks, promotional materials, and personal travel-related items associated with Colonel Harland Sanders. (Source: The Menish Group Auction & Real Estate)
IMAGES | Colonel Harland Sanders, Claudia Sanders memorabilia up for auction
Colonel Harland Sanders' personal clip-on bow tie and suspenders from the Claudia Sanders Dinner House Collection. (Source: The Menish Group Auction & Real Estate)
Colonel Harland Sanders personal handwritten datebook and working planner. (Source: The Menish Group Auction & Real Estate)
A Swiss-made Mondia Stellaris automatic wristwatch believed to have been owned and worn by Colonel Harland Sanders. (Source: The Menish Group Auction & Real Estate)
Original multi-page legal agreement dated February 1, 1964, documenting the sale of Colonel Harland Sanders' ownership interest in Kentucky Fried Chicken, Inc. (Source: The Menish Group Auction & Real Estate)
Colonel Harland Sanders' Personal Masonic Bolo Tie. (Source: The Menish Group Auction & Real Estate)
Collection of original Kentucky Fried Chicken printing blocks used in the production of promotional and advertising materials. (Source: The Menish Group Auction & Real Estate)
A historic Mirro-Matic pressure cooker associated with Colonel Harland Sanders and the early development of Kentucky Fried Chicken. (Source: The Menish Group Auction & Real Estate)
The historic South Bend commercial stove installed in Blackwood Hall, the personal residence of Colonel Harland Sanders on the grounds of the Claudia Sanders Dinner House estate. (Source: The Menish Group Auction & Real Estate)
Oval metal admission badge issued for trading floor access at the New York Stock Exchange. (Source: The Menish Group Auction & Real Estate)
Collection of two framed White House letters addressed to Colonel Harland Sanders, each bearing the printed signature of President Richard Nixon on official White House stationery. (Source: The Menish Group Auction & Real Estate)
Silver-tone money clip incorporating a Queen Elizabeth II coin and housed in a fitted presentation case. (Source: The Menish Group Auction & Real Estate)
The official Kentucky Colonel Commission Certificate awarded to Harland Sanders on December 6, 1955, and signed by Kentucky Governor Lawrence W. Wetherby (Source: The Menish Group Auction & Real Estate)
Pocket-sized Gideons International New Testament containing the New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs. Black flexible cover with gilt lettering to the front. Presentation page inscribed "Presented to Col Harland Sanders" and further signed "Bill Powers, Columbus, Ga." with the date April 20, 1970 (Source: The Menish Group Auction & Real Estate)
A personal Rado DiaStar wristwatch belonging to Colonel Harland Sanders (Source: The Menish Group Auction & Real Estate)
Black hard-sided combination briefcase containing a diverse group of documents, correspondence, financial records, receipts, checks, promotional materials, and personal travel-related items associated with Colonel Harland Sanders. (Source: The Menish Group Auction & Real Estate)
Colonel Harland Sanders' personal carving knife set, preserved in its original fitted presentation case bearing his name. (Source: The Menish Group Auction & Real Estate)
A collection of ceremonial mayoral and municipal presentation keys gifted to Colonel Harland Sanders by civic leaders and municipalities throughout the United States and Canada. (Source: The Menish Group Auction & Real Estate)
In the summer of 2022, the historic restaurant was put on the market for $9 million, then the price was reduced to $4.9 million the following year.
The property includes 3.01 acres of commercially zoned real estate with two structures. They include a 5,000-square-foot residence belonging to Harland and Claudia Sanders from 1959-84 — named Blackwood Hall — and a nearly 25,000-square-foot restaurant and banquet hall.
The sale also includes the operating restaurant business, furniture, fixtures and equipment, intellectual property and trademark rights.
A public preview of the collection up for auction will be held on July 27. The live and online auction begins July 28 at 6 p.m. Bidders may attend in person, but online bidding will be available worldwide.
Sealed bids for the real estate are due by 11:59 p.m. July 31.
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