SOME THINGS NEVER CHANGE

A few weeks ago we had some fun one afternoon looking at this sale bill we found among some documents that recently arrived in the Bullis Room. Especially interesting to us was the list of merchandise for auction and the little details such as terms of sale.

We were also interested to see that auctions (excluding those online) continue to be about the same today as they were way back in 1867. 

Can we conclude, from this, that some things never change? (We'd like to think so.)

Hope you enjoy the photo of the sale bill. The real article is in the Bullis Room, if you'd like a closer look.

ANOTHER LITTLE BLUE BOOK

We found another little blue book this week here in the Bullis Room. This one caught our eye, not only because of the blue marble cover, but also because of its title: A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases: with a copious index of principal words. Between the covers are 127 pages of thought-provoking quotes and references.

The intro says that "the late Earl Russell very aptly describes a proverb as the wisdom of many and the wit of one." If you're a fan of wit and wisdom, you may want to add this book to your reading list.

There is no editor or year of publication listed, but a handwritten note on the flyleaf reads: "July 23, 1938 Powers Auction," which reminds us that Charlie Bullis's frugality included buying books at auctions and garage sales. This notation also brings to mind the Bullis family's adage: "Use it up; wear it out; make do; or do without." A good proverb for back then and certainly a good one for now.