The late state Rep. Fred C. Noye (R-86) had a passion for politics. Not only did he serve in multiple roles throughout his political career, his hobby was collecting political memorabilia.

On Saturday, Jan. 25, Noye’s collection of more than 200 years of political history will be sold at Gateway Gallery Auction

A native of Duncannon, Perry County, Noye taught social studies at Cumberland Valley High School before seeking public office.

He was elected to represent Cumberland, Juniata and Perry counties for more than nine consecutive terms—the youngest elected legislator in the history of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives when first elected in 1972.

He served 20 years (the longest tenure for a Perry County Representative) retiring in 1992. He passed away in February 2024.

Preserving Political Paraphernalia

Noye’s interest in politics began as a child, influenced by his grandmother and mother both were both tuned in.

He began collecting political memorabilia from the Eisenhower Inauguration and it grew from there.

“He attended a lot of auctions all over Central Pennsylvania,” said his wife, Debra. “As we traveled south to see our children, we stopped at auctions, flea markets, political button and memorabilia shows, everything. We would go off-roading 10 to 15 miles back in to find a new spot.”

As word of Noye’s passion grew, friends would bring him items to add to his collection.

“Being involved in so many campaigns on a local, state and national level, having those political contacts from all over the country, they knew of his interest as well and would send things his way,” Debra said.

At one point in time, Noye reportedly had the largest Richard Nixon collection in the nation.

“He had a real love for Nixon,” Debra recalled. “That was his primary focus for a long time.”

He also collected Perry County political mementos which he later donated to The Perry Historians and he donated some of his state collection to the Pennsylvania Archives.

Downsizing some of his collection helped preserve it for history’s sake as well as thin it down for … more collecting.

“When your collection is that huge, it’s hard to find something new,” Debra admitted.

Finding a Home for It All

When you have a collection the size of Noye’s, it requires a lot of storage.

Debra said her husband’s den was the place he kept a lot of the older pieces.

“He was constantly buying cabinetry to store the items in,” she said. “I found old trunks full of old newspapers, map cases of posters, it ran the gamut.”

Despite watching her home fill with political memorabilia, Debra said she endorsed the hobby.

“I didn’t hinder it,” she said. “I bought a lot of political items for him.”

But after her husband’s passing, it was time to clean out the house and share the collection with others who will appreciate it.

A public auction of Noye’s political memorabilia will be held Saturday, Jan. 25, at 10 a.m. at Gateway Gallery Auction, 643 Kriner Road, Chambersburg.

An open house preview will be held Friday, Jan. 24, from 3-5 p.m. at the auction.

For more information, photos and to bid, visit the auction page.