The personal effects of Colonel Harland Sanders, the legendary KFC founder, fetched tens of thousands at auction this week in Shelbyville, Kentucky. Over 70 items, from handwritten notes to his signature bow tie, drew a fervent crowd eager for a tangible piece of fast-food history.
A vintage 1964 planner, a seemingly innocuous item, ignited fierce bidding, eventually selling for $30,000. His 1955 Kentucky Colonel certificate fetched an impressive $23,000, while the iconic black clip-on bow tie went for $8,000.
The planner generated particular excitement, according to Bill Menish, owner and lead auctioneer for The Menish Group. He revealed a handwritten note on its reverse: “But then on the back, for some unknown reason, there’s 11 herbs and spices.” This detail offers a rare glimpse into the closely guarded recipe.
Beyond mere memorabilia, the collection also charted how Sanders built his Kentucky Fried Chicken empire. Mr Menish explained that the Colonel’s use of the pressure cooker, “never intended for fried chicken,” slashed cooking times from 30 minutes to just 10. This, he said, “really revolutionized his ability to service the fast food growing industry.”
Colonel Sanders’ family also witnessed the sale. His granddaughter, Elizabeth Pitchford, shared her feelings with Fox News. “I really wanted to see the people who were going to be purchasing my grandpa’s stuff,” she said. It was “overwhelming” to see items, “around for so many years,” find new homes.
While the personal effects have found new custodians, another slice of Sanders’ world remains available. His former residence, Blackwood Hall, and the Claudia Sanders Dinner House, owned by the Settle family since 1974, are currently on the market. Offers are due by Friday at midnight through a sealed bid process.
