The elaborate script that would do a modern-day calligrapher proud in old store ledgers records the 1873 purchases of 7-dozen eggs at $1.05; 218 pounds of sugar for $37.06, and one carload of coal for $21.50.

The ledgers are part of a collection of Houston Memorial Library Museum. The fragile ledgers of the Hine Mercantile and the Holt & Cain Store date back to 1869. As such, they are fragile and are kept locked under glass.

“However, if anyone wants to get a closer look at them we will show them by appointment,” said Limestone County Historical Society member Jackie Leonard.

“An interesting page is 27 of the ledger, which lists the assets of U.S. bonds, gold, silver and greenback,” said Leonard. “This particular page also lists expenses incurred by company buyers who traveled to Philadelphia and other cities to purchase merchandise.

“This ledger is also fascinating because of the many references to persons like Gov. George S. Houston, Captain James A. Hatchett, Mary Fielding, Luke Pryor and numerous other Limestone County residents whose descendants still live in the area.”

The Hine ledger was purchased on eBay by local historian Chris Paysinger, who won the bidding war for the rare artifact at $230.

“The Hine Mercantile was located on the southwest corner of the Athens square where Bennett’s Department Store is now located,” said Leonard. “William Anson Hine was a partner with his uncle Roswell Hine. The ledger that was acquired by the Historical Society belonged to James Harrison Hine and is dated back to 1873-74. J.H. was a nephew of Roswell Hine and was born in 1814 in Virginia and died in 1884 in Limestone County.”

Among the well-known names in the Hine ledger are: George Houston, Luke Pryor, W.R. McWilliams, S. Rosenau, John Bridgeforth, George Mason, A.C. Legg, Plato Jones, J.E. Horton, George Strange, and Mrs. E. Vasser as well many others.

Among purchases recorded are the $1 fee for moving a piano, three cans of oysters for $1, and 30 candles for $1. Sending a telegram cost 50 cents.

“It really is an amazing economic history of post-Civil War days in Limestone County,” said Leonard.