Quote Originally Posted by PonderingTurtle View Post
Look up Tulip Mania. Fads and collecting is nothing new. The percentage of people who could afford to collect something and the absolute number of people who could collect something might change, and of course they didn't have the internet driving obscure hobbies at the time either, but some individuals might well collect odd things.
You calling me odd ??? Just kidding. There is a google book here from the 1890s that gives a lot of early history on who was using what around that time. It focuses on the geological area of Arkansas but goes into world wide trends in sharpening stones. BTW, you're other post mentioning that Arkansas was far from the original colonies is a pertinent point. Very close to "Indian Territory" if not a part of it. BTW, your screen name fits your thinking patterns. Obviously a lot of pondering going on