Thanks to Gabriel Laderman of Zita Books who donated poetry and prose written by Samuel G. Ayres, former librarian of Drew Theological Seminary. Ayres was assistant librarian under Samuel F. Upham from 1889-1891 at which time he became the head librarian, a post he kept until 1911. Ayres also received a diploma from Drew in 1888 and a Bachelor of Divinity in 1893. He was a member of many librarian and historical associations and authored or edited several books, including Fifty Literary Evenings in 1898, Methodist Heroes of Other Days in 1916, History of the English Bible in 1898, and two editions of the Alumni Record of Drew Theological Seminary. Here is one of his poems (also see photo):
I can do nothing but silently submit
And listen, and listen to his chit, chat, chit,
But then I became interested
In stories which my friend requested.
For on this day he could have another tell,
Stories about things of which he knew so well.
By one story another's brought forth
Whether of non cents or real cents worth.
It was thus we bequilled that very long time
Waiting, watching, and wishing for the late train.
But at length we heard the thund'ring roar
It was our train this time I am sure.
I left the dingy depot not with regret
For if it had been so, I'd have been there yet.
There I made a vow, not to abstain
But always wait for a railroad train.
Click to see larger image.
