Book was Waiting for Right Person

Posted by Susanna McLeod Apr 16, 2008

Though a history buff, I don’t browse through antiques stores very often. It’s not that I don’t like the beautiful old pieces of furniture; it’s just that I don’t want to fill my home up with stuff. I’m not a shopper until, ahem… it comes to books.

Unable to find my own copy of a particular history book that I used for background material to write several local articles, I would trudge to the library to find information and note down page numbers. I couldn’t even take it out of the library; the book was in the reference section only. “Buckskin to Broadloom: Kingston Grows Up” is a collection of newspaper articles by historian author Alvin Armstrong, spanning from 1673 to 1973. It is a fascinating glimpse of how the area evolved, and I could not take it home. Sigh.

But then a downtown antiques store caught my eye. It had the most lovely old bureau in the window, of dark polished wood with big fancy drawer handles. It was a beauty. After full examination and admiration, I took a glimpse at the small selection of used books. The “Buckskin to Broadloom” book almost leapt into my hands from its place on the shelf. Dust cover fully intact, pages barely thumbed, I picked it up and hugged it tight. I took my treasure home for the grand price of $10. It’s like the book was just waiting for me. Providence or chance, I’m tickled to have it.

The library is still one of my favourite places, of course. Since there are a few other reference books that captivate my attention, perhaps I need another trip to the antiques store. Just in case.