We had the pleasure of attending a Holiday cocktail party with friends over the weekend (okay, it was more than one party, I admit it) and I could not help but notice how our friends would peer at me, place a consoling hand on my shoulder and say: "So, how is business?"
The answer, I'm pleased to report, is that business is quite good.
It seems that the current downturn, while serious and certainly worthy of investigation at certain levels (ahem) has had only a limited effect on our sales and, in fact, is driving consignments as some people look to sell things they may not have under ordinary circumstances.
We've had some nice, early Gold Rush-era documents come in, as well as some other items which didn't last long, and seem to be enjoying a spate of contact with authors and researchers hoping to make use of our photos. We do help scholarly endeavors when we can.
But all this has had little impact on those who feel the market downturn has completely closed us down. That would explain why my answer of "you know, things are still pretty good" drew such disbelieving looks.
Well, that's the way it is. More things coming online soon, as well as a new dog in the family my wife promises will be hers and taken care of by her and the kids. It's okay, as unrepentant animal lovers more life in the house the better, but the resident cats will undoubtedly have some adjustments to make.
Stay in touch, thanks for all your calls and letters and emails. And good hunting!
J.D. O'Connor
