"At first we set a limit of $350,000," said Corey Ann Curwick, marketing director for Bray-Conn. "We wanted it bad enough that we were going to keep bidding until we outbid them."

Now why would an investment firm want a copy of the Declaration of Independence, and pay almost half a million dollars for it?

"It's symbolism for how we operate our company," said Curwick. "The principles that have brought our country success have also given us unparalleled success."

The company plans to educate children in the area on the founding fathers. A staff member and former teacher will coordinate field trips with different schools so children can see what founded the land of the free.

Sparks is pleased with the purchaser and its purpose. He said John Quincy Adams ordered the copies be made for people to come and see.

"It's going to be used for the purpose it was meant for," said Sparks. "It's going to be drawing a crowd in Salt Lake City, I'm sure."

The unveiling of the historic document will take place at the Grand America Hotel next Friday. Attendants will include Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert, top-ranking Hill Air Force Base officers, including the new commander, Brig. Gen. Kathleen Close, and Raynor.

The declaration is one of two copies found west of the Mississippi, and Bray-Conn is the only U.S. company that owns one. Most belong to private collectors and the government.

Also unveiled at the Declaration gala will be an original lightning rod belonging to Benjamin Franklin, a silk broadside poem written shortly after George Washington's death, a diploma signed by Washington and two documents with the signatures of John Quincy Adams and James Madison.

Sparks has enjoyed his money by purchasing a "brand new used car," a sun porch addition to his home, assistance to his parents and tithes to his church.

He continues to frequent the Music City Thrift Store several times a week.

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E-mail: amarshall@desnews.com