The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 41, July 1937 - April, 1938 Page: 256
383 p. : maps ; 23 cm.View a full description of this periodical.
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Southwestern Historical Quarterly
was going on in Austin and the auctioneer was an imported product
who-as the story proves--knew little about Texas books. All the
buyers, including J. Frank Dobie, Frank Caldwell, E. L. Shettles
and several others were sitting around waiting for bargains. In-
terest was at a low ebb.
The auctioneer picked up a book, examined it critically, and
said something like this: "Here is a mint copy of a book which I
am going to offer cheap. It's the Exit Ranch. Who'll make the
first bid ? What am I offered for The Exit Ranch ?" Nobody spoke.
The auctioneer turned in exasperation, flourished the book and
shouted: "Who'll give me a dollar for the Exit Ranch!"
"Oh, I'll give you a dollar," said one of the men, having by
that time figured out that the auctioneer was pronouncing X-I-T
as if it were a theater outlet instead of a ranch.
"Sold to the gentleman right over there !" said the auctioneer
in triumph. Then the crowd awoke to the fact that the only
real bargain of the afternoon had slipped by.
I suggest that all members bring to the spring meeting
any duplicate Texas books, that they be auctioned off and the
proceeds or a percentage of the proceeds be given to the Texas
State Historical Association. The auction should be held after
the dinner and every author who is a member of the association
should be willing to contribute one copy of each book he has in
print. I'll start with one copy each of The Great Plains and The
Texas Rangers. Drs. Barker and Hackett have agreed to con-
tribute. Those who can not come, but wish to help should send
their books to Dr. R. L. Biesele. These books should all pertain
to Texas and should have some intrinsic value. Books worth
less than a dollar should be wrapped and sold blind, but there
should be some prizes among this collection. Herbert Gambrell
will make a good auctioneer.
WALTER PRESCOTT WEBB.
The University of Texas.256
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Texas State Historical Association. The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 41, July 1937 - April, 1938, periodical, 1938; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth101103/m1/278/?rotate=270: accessed April 19, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas State Historical Association.