The Autograph Book

Back in the "olden days" autograph books were

very popular.

I have one that belonged to a relative

whose name was John Rime.

He was a "cousin" of my Grandpa Dahlager.

No one is really sure just how John Rime

was related - it is believed he was adopted

by Marit (Dahlager) and her husband,

Ole Rime. 

(prounounced Ree-ma)

Marit was my grandfather's aunt.

There was some speculation that John was

born illegitimately to another relative,

and another theory that since John was

a little "different" Marit and her husband

took him in as their own.

John Rime once claimed his real father

was Ole Bull (the Norwegian composer)

because John also played the violin,

just like Ole Bull

(well, not "just" like, but you get the picture)

John died at the State Hospital

in Fergus Falls.

My grandfather took care of the arrangements

since there was  no one else.

His personal items were given to my grandpa,

and my Aunt Esther gave me the

autograph book when I was working

on my genealogy.

I believe my brother Si has a trunk

that belonged to him.

Here are a couple of entries:

(Click to enlarge)

This autograph is dated February 27, 1889.

Notice the beautiful handwriting!

This one is from 1892.

The one below is a drawing my grandpa

contributed to the book in 1923.

The cover was a rust-colored velvet that has

lost its luster (in background)

The inside front page is still very nice.

Wonder why these days, no one

wants any autographs

unless it is from someone

rich and famous?