Author: adminKB

FOUND: Knights Everywhere, Just Never Knew

Found this book at a garage sale. It is just nice and heavy, leather bound published in 1904. The lady at the sale stated that it was her father’s. She has a lot of newspaper clippings from a Kamloops newspaper, dated 1936 relating to the Pythias locally in that area of BC. The lady was really nice and talked a bit about her father. Thought it was really nice item. It is sure well made with good edges. Gold embossing. Don’t really know a lot about the organisation. I think it must be a bit like Freemasons or something similar. An item only owned by those in the “know”.

Pythian History –  Knights of Pythias
By Wm. D. Kennedy
Dated 1904

Contains the life, death and burial of the founder of the order, Justus H. Rathbone;
The Birth and Progress of the order;
The creation of the Supreme Lodge and a review of its conventions since 1868.
The supreme constitutions.

“The Knights of Pythias is a fraternal organization and secret society founded in Washington, D.C., on 19 February 1864. The Knights of Pythias is the first fraternal organization to receive a charter under an act of the United States Congress. It was founded by Justus H. Rathbone, who had been inspired by a play by the Irish poet John Banim about the legend of Damon and Pythias. This legend illustrates the ideals of loyalty, honor, and friendship that are the center of the order.

The order has over 2,000 lodges in the United States and around the world, with a total membership of over 50,000 in 2003. The order is headquartered in Stoughton, Massachusetts. Some lodges meet in structures referred to as Pythian Castles” : Source wikipedia

Found: In Memory Of The Days

As a lover, collector and reseller of old things I was drawn to this picture due to the image and the frame. But when I turned it over is when I was sold. The amazing handwritten poetry on the back. Intended only for this purpose and single use, the secrets hinted about and the adventures remembered make this an amazing item.

The following is written by hand with pen and ink.
In Memory Of The Days :from Pauline and “Samuel K”

When some of us swam. And one of us wouldn’t – 
When one of us cooked. And the rest of us couldn’t – 

When we were always washing dishes. Instead of catching great big fishes –
When not one tiny ray of light.Came through our sail so big and white –

When we were always on the jump. Dragging water from the pump –
When toes were smashed and purses lost. And cream was bought at any cost –

When we didn’t see a single spy -As we grab the apples for a pie 
when not the slightest little whine,issued from our inner shrine 

When cries of Agony rent the air, As we crept into the sea so fair –
When “Snitter” and “Bim” were filled with wrath As the Keyworth’s sauntered up the path –

When Pauline sought the owl at night But Flat Rocks held their secret tight –
when we all thought it was very queer, because the Spooks did not appear.

 from Pauline and “Samuel K”

Found: Cutlery that tells the Tale

Usually if I find treasure in the form of spoons and knives at a garage sale it is because it is sterling silver, or vintage hunting knives. But this time I found something amazing in different way.

I found these 38 butter knives and tea spoons. Each has been hand painted with eye for detail at a tiny scale. They feature pioneer scenes with cabins and nature. One of the most amazing things about the collection is that the cabin in 90% of them is the same cabin from different angles, different seasons and different times. The tiny paintings show how the homestead progressed with addition of out buildings and even a road.

The signed artist is “Ann Simmons” and many have “Fort St John” meticulously painted on them. A Google search for Ann produced nothing. At the garage sale itself the sellers didn’t really know anything about them other than they belonged to a distant relation. The spoons and knives themselves are for the most part older silver plate.

This it treasure. A true look at homesteading in the Peace Region. The conditions people met and conquered. What it took to survive and thrive for those early pioneers to this area.

Cool stuff.

FOUND: Recipe For A Happy Family – 1972

I found this “Recipe For A Happy Family” today while looking through an old community cookbook published in Mica Creek BC in 1972 by The Royal Purple Lodge #325. I think that although times have changed so much in the last 49 years since this was published, for many, this is a good recipe.

Recipe for a Happy Family

INGREDIENTS: –

1 husband
children
1 Bible for each
1 home
generous portions of prayer
3 cups of love — firmly packed
1 package of work
1 package of play (together)
1 portion of patience
1 portion of understanding
1 portion of forgiveness
1 small paddle
1 cup kisses

Mix thoroughly and sprinkle with awareness. Bake in moderate oven of everyday life, using as fuel all the grudges and past unpleasantness. Cool. Turn out onto a platter of cheerfulness, Garnish with
tears and laughter, in large helpings. Serve God, Country and Community.

Found: 1918 Hawaii Ukelali

Found this beautiful instrument at the Kamloops fleamarket. We had our booth setup, as did most everyone else. A late arrival pulls up and starts to setup. I went over and when I saw this I knew it was a winner. I paid $7 dollars and after researching it found that it was made in 1918. Posting it on EBAY saw it sell for $600 in US funds. It took less then 1 month to sell. One of the greatest treasures I have ever found, at least in the top 20. These types of “things” can touch a person and invoke emotions. It is like treasure hunting, and this item was genuine treasure.

Boomerangs, shield and mask

Bought these at a garage sale and suspected they were pretty good. Each one had a hole drilled it it to allow for hanging on the wall, but other than that they were really nice, great patina.

I didn’t know how to price them, and thought that the holes would make a huge price issue. I posted them for $399.99 and they sold within a couple hours, They were going right back to their origins – to Australia. Turned out that  customs in Australia discovered bugs in one of the pieces (the shield) and held it for fumigation. The buyer was still really happen. Was really nice item and experience to own and sell it.