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Several years ago in an antique store near Greenville, Texas, I picked up a really cool (I was something like 24) big velvet book that was filled with signatures and dated from 1917 to 1921. Many years later, I finally sat down and LOOKED at the darned thing... Apparently (after a little research) is used to belong to the Hotel Pantlind in Grand Rapids, Michigan. And hidden within the many, many pages of signatures, I found:
Herbert Hoover (president) L. Henry Hoover (Hoover's wife) R.E. Olds (Auto manufacturer) Wm. H. Taft (another president) A japanese dignitary named Ishikawa who was in the area to present President Wilson with a ceremonial sword (a newsclipping is attached). And many Van Burens, Hamiltons, Chiltons and other names that could and probably were connected with the politicos of the area. The Butterworth Hospital also held many meetings and parties at the Pantlind.
The book is 9 1/2' X 12 1/2', a brown velvet (probably was purple at one time) with a gold cord glued around the edge of the cover (partially come unglued), with a raised crest in the center...with a crown on the top, and three horns in the center. The inside of the cover is lined with purple silk cloth.
I am looking for a potential buyer. Send e-mail, and make a bid.
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