1929 Autograph Book, Beatrice O'Rourke of Miller's Mills, New York. 1929. [11195]
Oblong green autograph book, tied by a green ribbon, 4 5/8 x 6 1/4 inches, thin chip at front top right corner. 42 leaves, most of which are written upon. Several ink stamps of Doris Huxtable, Historian, living on Miller's Mills Road, West Winfield, NY. and in one place identified as Doris Emily (O'Rourke) Huxtable, who signs the book as a child and is likely Beatrice's sister. Good.
In 1929 Beatrice O'Rourke of Miller's Mills, New York, earned a 1st in Spelling and Miss Loomis gave her this autograph book. Her schoolmates added funny poems and sayings to it. Most of the entries are from 1929 and 1930, with some later. Also signed by her mother, grandparents, family members. Some samples:
"Dear Beatrice, When you get married to Billy and he gets cross just pick up the rollin pin and show him who's boss. Lena."
"Dear Beatrice, I love you little, I love you big, I love you like a fat little pig. Rena Miller."
"When you see a squirrel run up a tree pinch it's tail and think of me. Martha."
"My pen is poor my ink is pale. My love to you will never fail. Harry House."
"I got a gal in tennessee she got bit by a bumble bee I laugh so I couldn't see and she crown'd me with a wiffle tree. William Gretka."
"Dear Beatrice When you get married and have twins come to my house for safety-pins. Opal Ackler."
"Dear Beatirice - Beatrice is your name, Single is your station, Happy is the little man that makes the alteration. Jean Knapp."
"The rose is red the violet blue I pity the man that marrys you. Doris O'Rourke."
Signed also by the teacher, Miss (Roxann) Loomis; a latter hand says that she married Russell Gay and was still alive in 2002.
