Bill Pratt, the Saw-Buck Philosopher; An Appreciation of the Life, Public Services, and Speeches of One Who for Over Half a Century Ministered to the Entertainment and Edification of the Students of Williams College (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1895. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... PAMPHILIA. Costly thy habit as thy purse can buy, But not expressed in fancy; rich, not gaudy.--Hamlet. ONE day, a few years before the death of the late lamented Jim Fitz, that gentleman was subjected to the indignity of a domiciliary visit. The Sheriff, who was a citizen of North Adams, gave in the crowded court-room his testimony about the raid. "Mr. Sheriff," demanded the judge, "what did you find on the premises?" "Wal," replied this guardian of the law, "they was rum there, and bottles, and kaigs -- and come right daown to it -- they was the hull pamphilia of a bar." In reference to Bill's personal attire, and especially to his professional outfit, there is no word that carries in it so truthful and so exact a description. Here was indeed a pamphilia. One may easily recall that famous wheelbarrow full to overflowing with properties and insignia, all pertaining to Bill's triple office of wood-sawyer, stove-blackener and troubadour. Only the critical eye of the proprietor could distinguish the uses for which these varied and innumerable appliances were designed. Bill would gladly dilate upon the subject by the hour; he was complete master of it, and refutation was impossible. Here was a collection of--but first let us look at Bill's personal apparel. It is questionable whether Bill was not in some sense a forerunner of the great movement for dressreform. It is certain that he well-nigh solved the problem of securing the greatest possible freedom consistent with grace, litheness, and that indefinable quality known as style. The thraldom of suspenders he never knew; his broad, deep chest never was encased in stiff shirt-bosom, nor was high, white collar ever deemed necessary to support that domelike head. In a word, Bill's costume was not rich, but gaudy. All...