In 1976, Florida State University hired a new football head coach after multiple years of losing seasons. Bobby Bowden, wife Ann, and children travelled from West Virginia where he coached the Mountaineers to begin a new journey.
The wish for a winning season turned into a 34 stint as the head coach, a dynasty, two national championships, and a legacy that will never be seen again.
Bobby and his wife Ann spent 50 years in Tallahassee before Bowden died in 2021 at the age of 91 as a result of pancreatic cancer. Ann recently celebrated her 93rd birthday.
But, as they say, all good things must come to an end…
In March, (tentatively March 17) the Bowden estate is holding a massive auction that will include hundreds of pieces of memorabilia, cherished items, personal items, and even the very home Bobby and Ann shared for 50 years in Killearn Estates.
The Bowdens could easily be found in the Tallahassee phone book and fans were invited to leave items at the back door to be autographed and returned for pickup.
The Bowden home was located near the Killearn Golf Course, a statue of Bowden now stands near the tee of the 15th hole.
The Wiregrass Auction Group out of Thomasville, Georgia is handling the auction that auctioneer Mark Manley says may include as many as 1,000 items.
Manley noted, “it’s truly a treasure hunt…a 50-year time capsule.”
The auction will take place over several days online with bidding on any item beginning at $10.
The Bowden Legacy Auction…
two dedicated online landing pages will anchor the auction – one for personal property and memorabilia and one for real estate – as a hub for all information.
Sorting, cataloging, photographing, and itemizing are currently in progress but there are hundreds of items to work through.
Wiregrass Auctions is working diligently to prepare the auction items in plenty of time for bidders to browse the catalog.
Some open house events are being planned for bidders to have an opportunity to view items in person.
Registration will be required prior to bidding to ensure simplicity and security.
Manley said, “there’s nothing hidden. The process is structured, transparent, and designed to honor the family and the legacy involved.”
Select items are being shared on The Wiregrass Auction Group Facebook pagewww.facebook.com/WiregrassAuctionGroup