Guns owned by a legend went to a good cause Thursday, as thousands of dollars were raised for the children’s building at First United Methodist Church.
The late T.C. Bloxom’s gun collection went up for auction with the highest bid at $950 for a Smith and Wesson model 669 9mm. The lowest bid was $150 for an Essex long gun. Bloxom owned a 1915 Stevens Arms Co. 22 long rifle “crack shot” that went for $250.
The total raised by gun sales, a duck hunt and a quail hunt was $16,750. Tickets to the event raised roughly $2,500.
Pam Bloxom, the late chief’s wife, says she is overwhelmed by the turnout and the generosity of those who attended.
“I’m overwhelmed with the support and the terrific memories they have of T.C.,” she said. “I am just so grateful for the amount of money that was raised for the church. They can all take great satisfaction in knowing that they contributed to something that’s going to be a part of Minden’s children’s daily lives for many years to come.”
Jerry Holley, a member of FUMC, says he didn’t know T.C. Bloxom well, but they had a saying about him because he served as Minden’s fire chief and police chief for so long.
“For years and years, he was the fire chief,” he said. “They used to make fun of him; they would say he’s the fire chief, the police and the Indian chief.”
Holley’s wife, Pam, says T.C. Bloxom would be happy with the turnout.
“It raised money for the church, and I think he’d be happy with that,” she said.
James Madden, host of the event, says about 50 to 60 percent of the bidders were church members; others were friends and family of T.C. Bloxom and area public figures. Madden and his wife, Lyda, are also members of FUMC.
“It makes me feel good that we had a local gathering, time and fellowship and raised money for a good cause,” he said. “To me that was the great part of the evening. We’re kind of a small community and we support each other.”
More than 30 firearms went up for auction as well as a hunting knife.
T.C. Bloxom served Minden as a firefighter and in law enforcement for more than 70 years. He was a firefighter for 63 years, serving as chief for the last 37. He held the title of Minden police chief for 20 years. He passed away July 12, 2014 at the age of 84.