What is known far and wide as the Maxon bookmark originated in
Wisconsin, and was the conception of the Rev. Mr. Maxon, then resident
in Dunn County. It has been reprinted on little slips in hundreds of
forms, has circulated in every state and territory in the country, and
doubtless a full million copies of it have been slipped between the
leaves of children's books. It may fittingly be reproduced here:
"Once on a time" A Library Book was overheard talking to a little boy
who had just borrowed it. The words seemed worth recording and here
they are:
"Please don't handle me with dirty hands. I should feel ashamed to be
seen when the next little boy borrowed me.
Or leave me out in the rain. Books can catch cold as well as children.
Or make marks on me with your pen or pencil. It would spoil my looks.
Or lean on me with your elbows when you are reading me. It hurts.
Or open me and lay me face down on the table. You would not like to be
treated so.
Or put in between my leaves a pencil or anything thicker than a single
sheet of thin paper. It would strain my back.
Whenever you are through reading me, if you are afraid of losing your
place, don't turn down the corner of one of my leaves, but have a neat
little Book Mark to put in where you stopped, and then close me and
lay me down on my side so that I can have a good comfortable rest."