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Rare Book Makes History (Room)The generosity of a library trustee’s widow more than 30 years ago has led to a windfall for the Whitefish Bay (Wis.) Library, which accepted a $35,000 bid from Marquette University Library on March 8 for its 1473 edition of St. Augustine’s City of God some five years after it failed to attract a suitable bid at a Sotheby auction. The widow of Sidney Fraser, a former trustee who served on the board in the 1940s, gave WBL the illuminated volume in 1956 after her husband’s death. It is believed to be one of some 500 copies printed, although it is unknown how many are extant. Officials agreed to sell the book in August 1994 out of concern for its preservation, after a roof leak came within 18 inches of soaking a file cabinet, atop which the rare edition was stored. Bellin said the money will be used to add a local-history area to the new library facility currently being planned. Posted March 15, 1999. |
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