Sunday, June 15, 2008

Indian Beadwork

1895

"Did you know," writes the distinguished folklorist, Miss Mary Alicia Owens, to a friend, "that the beadwork of the prairie Indians is the finest in the world? The costumes that they display during their corn dances and like festivities are really remarkable for both beauty and elegance, for many of the Indians are exceedingly rich and possess great stores of barbaric finery. I just wish you could see my collection of sashes, socks, garters, necklaces, bracelets and headbands. It's said to be one of the finest in the world. I have one very old calumet with the three sacred feathers dangling from the stem by a slender band of porcupine quills and grass. I haven't a tomahawk, I'm sorry to say. The ornamental drums and tomahawks belong to the tribe and cannot be bought.'" — Philadelphia Press.


Why He Kept Silent


American Host — It seems to me rather a singular fact that in all your conversations you have never mentioned Goethe.
German Guest — Vell, you see how id is. If I bronounce his name as you Americans bronounce id, my Sherman friendts will laugh at me, and if I bronouce id gorrectly my American friendts vill nod know who I am dalking aboud. — New York Weekly.


One Case

Watts — Did you ever know of any one dying for love?
Potts — Once. I knew a fellow who starved to death after being refused by an heiress. — Indianapolis Journal.

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