Dozens of people now own a piece of Michigan Capitol history.
The state hosted a public drawing Tuesday, selling 50 pieces of carpeting from the Governor's office. The carpet was removed as part of renovations.
People were able to submit their names in the drawing earlier this month. The winners were drawn out of a bowl Tuesday. They now have the right to purchase a 3 foot by 3 foot carpet square for $25.
The Capitol historian says selling things from the building is a tradition that dates back to the 19th century. Valerie Mervin said, "When the Capitol was constructed in the 1870's, at the end of the project we sold, at auction, out front, the excess building materials."
The money raised from the sale will go toward future Capitol restoration projects.
Winners of the carpet squares did not have to be present for the drawing.
But they do have to pick up the pieces at the Capitol Facilities Office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on November 27th, or 28th.
