The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1881-08-18
Pawn Shop "reminiscences.


I'VE pawnbrokers, said the veteran
| who stood behind the desk in a little
Office, over the door of which three
| gllded balls had been hanging until
they were thoroughly tarnished-'s I'VE
paWnbrokers get many glimpses of the
dark side of life, and we are not so
merciless, either, as some folks think
we are. You see that violin? | have
kept it over year, hoping the owner
will turn up and claim it. He is an old
German whose language and appear
ance when he was here indicated that
he was gentleman, albeit poor one.
lie brought this violin here about ten
years ago. Since that time he has
pawncd and redeemed it at an average of
our times a year. Poor old fellow! l
was always glad to see him return; not
because wanted the money, but be-
cause of his pleasure and satisfaction
at recovering his treasure Ihave seen
him kiss the violin and hug it with a
beam of joy such as you might expect
to see on the face of mother who has
found a long-lost child. The last time
he came he brought a handsomely bound
volume OF Gothe's poems. | didn't
want the book, but hadn't the heart to
refuse the small amount he asked on it.
While waiting, he gazed longingly at
the violin, which hung ON the wall
where you see it. When he went away
there was a mournful expression on his
Wrlnkled countenance, as if he knew il
was his last farewell to his old favorite.
Ihave kept the violin, which is valuable
one. and hope he will come back some
day to claim it. -
81 have watch in the safe," the old
paWnbroker went on, s. that has been
constant visitor for perhaps twelve
years. 1t belongs to widow. When
she first brought it here she was very
pretty and well dressed; but time and,
suppose, sorrow have left their traces.
Her bright eyes have grown dim and
her hair silvery. The last time she
came she was poorly, though neatly at
tired. Probably her lines have not fall
en- IN pleasant places. No; we do not
often learn the history of those who
patronize. us. Customers generally keep
their troubles to themselves.
. That sealskin sacque was beauty
when it was first brought here. 1t be-
longs to the wife of a politician. The man
has his ups and downs, but lately, |
fancy, it has been all down with him,
for nearly all of his wife's wardrobe Is
here. She is a garrulous woman, and
would relate all of her family troubles
If | desired to hear them. One dav she
said: : have nothing left but the dress
4 have on. told my husband it was
time he pawned some of his clothes. but
he informed me that it was necessary
for him to presents respectable appear
ance, and that could remain in the
house when | had disposed OF all my
fnery.'
a few years ago young bank clerk
married the daughter of highly re-
spectacle family. The young couple
received many wedding presents, in
Guiding some valuable silver, most of
which was given by the girls family.
Shortly after their marriage he got pos
session of the articles for the ostensible
purpose of placing them in the bank for
safe keeping. but brought them here in
stead. The young man was living be-
yond his means. He soon became in
yolved in debt, and his wife suggested
disposing of the silver in order to help
him out of his troubles. Then he was
forced to confess that it was disposed of
long before. The articles were never
redeemed, and heard that there was a
divorce not long ago.
:. Many people believe that pawn
brokers are patronized by the poor only,
but well-known brokers and business
men of good standing frequently come
here to pawn valuable watches, dia-
monds, studs, and the like. They gen.
orally redeem them after short time, and
account for their absence to their friends
by stating that the articles named are
at the jewelers. for repair. A couple of
years ago lady living in brown stone
mansion up town sent out cards of in
vitation for grand party; but at the
last moment her husband could not
supply funds for the entertainments. She
came here in her carriage, bringing the
family silver and valuable Jewels. She
didn't come in herself, but sent confi- |
dental servant with note. stating that |
he was authorized by his mistress to OBJ
tam certain sum of money on the |
goods. The demand was large, but |
knew the lady and felt sure the things
would be redeemed. The original pro- |
gramme was carried out, the supper
being ordered from famous caterer
who supplied china. silver, etc., and |
none of the five hundred guests sus-
pected that their smiling hostess had |
her pocketbook stuffed full of pawn |
Tickets u Netp YorL C,,s,