When Sarah Guimond saw the Friends of the Library annual membership mailing in February, she decided to kick friendship up a notch.
In 2016, Sarah happened across a cup and saucer set up for auction on eBay. It is gold-trimmed bone china, sporting an engraving of the Simon Fairfield Public Library with the words, “JW Wixtead, East Douglas Mass.” Wixtead was one of the first appointed Library trustees when the building was given to the town in 1903, and passed away in 1923. Assuming he commissioned this cup, that puts it between 94 and 114 years old. Sarah, who is always on the lookout for historical stuff to collect, wanted to bring this teacup home as it was being auctioned from another state. So she bid on it and won.
Fast forward to February, 2018: Sarah decided to post the teacup on We Are Dynamic Douglas for auction–with the results going to the Friends of the Library. Keith Menard offered the winning bid of $125.00, and received the teacup on the first of March. When asked what he intends to do with this priceless artifact, he said, “It will proudly be displayed in my 1870’s colonial.”
Both Keith and Sarah are now honorary Friends of the Library. We thank Sarah for bringing this local historical treasure home, and Keith for his generous donation to the Friends and commitment to preserving the artifact.
Sarah said, “I hope other people will be encouraged to try to help the community in some way, even a small way.”