Passenger Pidgeon (Extinct Bird) with Red Oak Leaves and Acorns

Pigeon of Passage (Palumbus Migratorius) from The Natural History of Carolina, Florida, and the Bahama Islands (1754) by Mark Catesby (1683-1749). Original from The Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library at Yale University. I have read so many accounts of this bird that was so plentiful at one time that they blackened the sky when migrations flew over. They were game birds and over hunting led to their extinction.

Image source: Digitally enhanced by rawpixel. 

Martha, the last Passenger Pigeon, passed away on September 1, 1914, in the Cincinnati Zoo. She was believed to be the last living individual of her species after two male companions had died in the same zoo in 1910. Her remains are on exhibit at the Smithsonian Institution. Read more by searching Google for "Martha, the last Passenger Pigeon".

Yale Opens Online Digital Library with 250,000 Free Images

Zebra oil on canvas painted by George Stubbs in 1763. View a wonderful slideshow showing the great diversity now available from Yale with delightful background music here.

Read complete article.

Yale Skull and Bones Ballot Box Antique Auction

NEW YORK — A human skull that apparently was turned into a ballot box for Yale's mysterious Skull and Bones society is going on the auction block.

A YALE Skull and Bones Ballot Box 19th Century
made from a real human skull.

Lot includes a small black book with members' names
and approximately 50 photographs.

Christie's New York January 21-25, 2010
Lot Notes
Founded in 1832 at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, Skull and Bones is thought by many to be one of the oldest and most prestigious secret societies in the United States. The symbolism of the skull and cross bones is synonymous with this group as its name is derived from the symbol itself. The present lot, with hinged flap on top of the skull was said to have been used as a ballot box during society meetings or displayed in the Society's headquarters at 64 High Street in New Haven. The inscription on the right cross bone Thor could be a name which would have been assigned to a member upon induction. Accompanied by approximately 50 photographs of society members and a small black book inscribed with names (which were published until 1971), the present lot provides a rare glimpse into the society which has been linked to many influential figures and leaders at Yale University and in this country.
Pre-auction estimate" $10,000/20,000.
European consignor's name is secret. How appropriate!
Full listing information from Christie's.

I wouldn't even want to look at this in person. I would close my eyes when passing the display case at the auction house. Too scary. I wonder if any bad karma came down on the previous owner? We'll never know, will we?




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