Man, 89, Comes Clean, Returns Book After 76 Years - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Family Ties Forever! · 10-31-2010, 10:14 PM

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Man, 89, Comes Clean, Returns Book After 76 Years
'A Dog Of Flanders' Checked Out In 1934 By 13-Year-Old

Posted: Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Updated: 6:01 am CST December 23, 2010

Mount Clemens, Mich. -- Mark McKee is lucky a Michigan library isn't charging him a late fee for returning a book 76 years late. In 1934, the 13-year-old McKee checked out "A Dog of Flanders" by English author Marie Louise de la Ramee from the Mount Clemens Public Library.

Recently, McKee, now 89, said he discovered the book and mailed it to the library. "I was entranced by the book and kept it with my prized possessions, intending to return it forthwith," McKee wrote in an accompanying letter. "Thus began a 76-year odyssey of missed opportunity and intention."

McKee, who is a former publisher of The Macomb Daily, said he found the book among his possessions and wanted to do the right thing. "My conscience took over," wrote McKee, who is now a winter resident in Chandler, Ariz. Library Director Donald Worrell Jr. said he was thrilled to get the package from McKee. "He spent a great amount of time in here," Worrell said. "He was very supportive. He was very generous to the library."

In his letter, McKee said he estimated the fine on a book overdue for 76 years could total thousands of dollars. But Worrell said McKee doesn't have to worry, there won't be a fine. "We figure the story is better than the money," Worrell said. Instead, Worrell said he plans to put the book and letter on display at the library and to send a fresh copy of the book to McKee.

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Family Ties Forever! · 12-23-2010, 03:17 PM

Wow.

Marvo301 · 12-23-2010, 04:07 PM

It's nice to know there are still people of character in the world . And it's nice his honesty is being celebrated by the library rather than being punished by a huge fine.

OH Nuts! · 12-23-2010, 07:29 PM

Sounds like a fine man and glad there was such a great ending to this. The book and letter will certainly make a nice conversation piece in the library.

12-23-2010, 04:07 PM	#3
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,460	It's nice to know there are still people of character in the world . And it's nice his honesty is being celebrated by the library rather than being punished by a huge fine.
	__________________ Only a life lived for others is worth living. Albert Einstein A life isn't worth living unless it has impact on other lives. Jackie Robinson Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. Benjamin Franklin

12-23-2010, 03:17 PM	#2
Family Ties Forever! Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Apr 16, 2002 Location: Keaton residence Posts: 10,214	Wow.

12-23-2010, 07:29 PM	#4
OH Nuts! Member Forum King Join Date: Feb 15, 2005 Posts: 133,383	Sounds like a fine man and glad there was such a great ending to this. The book and letter will certainly make a nice conversation piece in the library.