Historic tavern's artwork, mirrors will be auctioned

Several pieces of Carroll County history will be on the auction block tomorrow as the O'Farrell Auction Barn sells pictures, mirrors and other furnishings from Cockey's Tavern in Westminster.

Cockey's, open as an inn or tavern since the early 1800s, closed in September. At the time, owner Robert E. Lowry said some longtime employees had resigned and the Main Street reconstruction project had hurt business at the restaurant, at 216 E. Main St.

Among the items for sale is a portrait of Confederate Gen. J.E.B. Stuart, but auctioneer Thomas O'Farrell said he's unsure if it's the one of county legend. The tale is that one of the paintings at the tavern "bleeds" occasionally.

County legends also claim the building is haunted by ghosts, including one who enjoyed rearranging the artwork on the walls.

Mr. O'Farrell said the auction will begin at 2 p.m. at his business on Sullivan Road. Bidders may examine the property starting at 9 a.m. tomorrow, he said. "The pictures and mirrors will probably go on sale at approximately 5 p.m.," Mr. O'Farrell said. "The furniture will be later, probably after 9 o'clock."

An auction of the property and the kitchen equipment, originally scheduled for Jan. 20, may be later this month, he said.