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| One of many titles |
Scanning through old
books at antique stores is something that gives me joy. Holding a well-used book and appreciating the
hands that once turned pages fills me with happiness.
Sometimes I find a
real winner, like The Ideas of a Plain Country Woman. The writer (The Country Contributor) preferred to remain anonymous,
although she had written articles for Ladies Home Journal. Her observations and honesty are rare now,
let alone in her times, circa 1909.
And other times my
finds are true disappointments. The
Farm Animals on Strike by A. H. E. Hoosier, published in 1923 by A.Flanagan Company, Chicago, Illinois, is one of these. I tried to read it, but the book was an
ill-disguised lesson on proper treatment of farm animals. When the animals were speaking, it was
entertaining. But the moment a human
started dialogue, the sentences were blogged down in verbosity.
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| One of many titles. |
The thing is I truly
wanted a real gem here, and in a way, I got more than I had hoped.
There is a library
card pocket glued on the inside cover. Taken from Port Allen Library, librarian’s peculiar cursive states the author,
title, and book number. The book was
checked out on Feb. 5, 192-, by Jackie Forbes, followed by Patrice and
Randy. Tucked into the book are two 3X5
index cards. One side of each has been mimeographed (remember that??) “Superintendent’s
Check-Out Card”.
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| One of many titles |
The teacher, Hazel E.
Pine, was clearly closing down the school year, doing the mundane paper work
which required that every book be accounted for and returned. Necessary, but mundane work.
So, here I am,
holding this old book. I went to an
archived site (included beneath the pictures) and found a collection of
educational books published by A. Flanagan and other publishers.
Each book is accessible for on-line reading. Definitely worth checking out, especially Mistakes in Teaching.
Not exactly a gem,
but maybe a gold mine from the past?
