A 48-year-old manuscript worth several hundred dollars today to book collectors titled, "Which the Justice, Which the Thief," based on real life court room drama in Washington County, written by Marietta born author William Harrington and published in 1962, was found recently tucked away inside a box of old books along with other important papers at a Parkersburg estate sale.
William Harrington was born in Marietta on Nov. 21, 1931, to William K, and Virginia (Pickens) Harrington and received his A.B. degree from Marietta College in 1953. He began his career as a lawyer in private practice in Marietta from 1958 up to 1962, then served as elections counsel in the office of Ohio secretary of state from 1962 to 65, and was counsel to the Ohio State Bar Association from 1965 up to 1971.
From 1971 to 1978, Harrington held private practice in Columbus. From 1978 up until 1980 Harrington was senior attorney for the Mead Data Control.
From 1980 up until his death in 2000, Harrington devoted most of his time to writing books, having published 25 in all. In his 37-year career, his most famous works included a series of Columbo television mysteries starring Peter Falk, such as "The Helter Skelter Murder's," "The Game Show Killer," "The Hoffa Connection," "The Hoover Files," and several other Columbo mysteries.
William Harrington died on Nov. 8, 2000, after committing suicide at his home in Greenwich, Connecticut. Found next to his body was a note which turned out to be his own obituary he had written minutes before taking his own life. Harrington left behind two ex-wives, Diana Fitch, whom he married in 1972, and divorced in 1992. They had one son. His first marriage also ended in divorce in Marietta in the early 1960s. His death was a total shock to many of his classmates he went to school with in Marietta.
Letter from a reader:
Q.: I have an old clock that came out of the old A&P grocery store on Third Street in Marietta. The clock advertises A&P coffee. It is made of metal and painted white, with black numbers. The face of the clock reads, "Time to change to A&P coffee." Can you tell me what it is worth? G.W., Lowell.
A.: Your 1950s clock, in excellent running condition, is valued at $250 to $300 to a collector.
In next week's column I will tell you about an item worth big bucks recently found at a garage sale in Parkersburg. In the meantime, check out those garage sales, flea markets, antique shops and let me know what you found. See you right back here next week you hear. Ah, by the way, it's good to be back in the Marietta Times once again ... keep those letters coming.
Larry Koon is the author of several price guide books on antiques and collectibles. His column appears every Monday on Life. Send letters to Treasure in the Attic, c/o The Marietta Times, 700 Channel Lane, Marietta, Ohio 45750; or e-mail him at koonantiques@yahoo.com. When writing, send a complete description of the item, along with size, color, any markings on the item along with condition the item is in, and how the item was obtained, and any other information. If possible, send a photograph. Will answer your letter in this column.
