U.P. Breaking News probes what happened to the estate of U.P. Coke King Gordon Elson
The plots thickens.
Buyers ordered to stay away from the press.
This past weekend’s Estate Sale for Gordon Elson was not advertised – except for a few posters.
However, Upper Peninsula Breaking News discovered the estate sale – and Gordon Elson was the Coca-Cola King of the Upper Peninsula – as he ran a successful bottling works that produced a variety of soft drinks.
Chances are if you were in the Upper Peninsula in the 50s to the 90s – you likely drank pop that originated at his bottling plant.
Elson owned the Marquette Coca Cola Franchise until 1989 when he sold the family business that was started by his family in the 1800s.
Elson served on the board of Directors of the Peninsula Bank for just shy of 3 decades – including 8 years a board chairman.
What appeared to be missing at the estate sale was Gordon Elson’s most valuable Coca-Cola memorabilia.
In fact, we’re told a feature story was in the Mining Journal once described Elson’s memorabilia alone to be worth one million dollars ($1,000,000).
We’d love to see a copy of that article.
So what happened to Elson’s most valuable collectable and who got the proceeds?
In fact, what happened to Elson’s multimillion dollar fortune – before and after his death?
The estate sale was held at 601 Cooper Lake Road in Ishpeming Township.
The very first people in line on Saturday morning presumably got the first picking – and the most expensive item we could see was this old mini-truck that had as price tag of $10,000.
That truck sparked a lot views but its unknown if it sold.
It was one of the few things in plain view – another was this golf cart – and furniture.
At 9 a.m. Saturday July 12, 2014 , the doors opened on a garage that appeared to hold memorabilia – and other items listed on the poster.
The buyers of items from the Elson said they were warned not to talk to Upper Peninsula Breaking News:
We saw much of the operation seemed to be run by Ed St. Aubin – who accosted this reporter the day before the sale – and said he was court-appointed to assist.
Upper Peninsula Breaking News has not heard back from Marquette County Probate Court to verify St. Aubin was court appointed.
We spotted the executor of the Elson estate – George Paavo of Negaunee.
Another player in this saga was also present – executor Paavo’s attorney – Richard Graybill of Ishpeming.
Paavo and Graybill have declined to comment was we try to shed light on what’s left of the Elson estate and question whether any of those listed in the Elson will every see a nickle.
A records check shows Elson owned an expensive Florida home valued at over 600 thousand dollars – reportedly purchased after his wife’s death.
By many accounts, Elson was devastated by the dearth of his wife Catherine in 1989 – the year he sold the business and franchise.
Apparently all of his close relatives have died.
That plush home was then sold for half a million dollars in 2009.
Upper Peninsula Breaking News is checking into Elson property, vehicles, stocks and bonds, collectibles and any other valuables he obtain.
We are also seeking information from the Michigan Attorney Grievance Commission, Michigan Attorney Discipline Board, Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission.
Upper Peninsula Breaking News intends to file complaints against those involved.
Greg Peterson, Upper Peninsula Breaking News
Audio excerpts from the funeral service of Gordon Elson held at the Mission Covenant Church in Ishpeming, Michigan on April 5, 2014
Download Audio File of the funeral of Gordon Elson
Pastor Karen Hinz
https://www.facebook.com/missioncov
Mission Covenant Church
1001 N. 2nd Street
Ishpeming, MI 49849
906-485-5401
Upper Peninsula Breaking News by Greg Peterson 