According to tradition, Richard Ryan of Eau Claire carved this book-shaped box from the wood of a tree that fell on him during a logging accident and broke his leg. Ryan boldly asserted his identity on the book’s spine, which reads “The Holy Bible by RR 1883.” He also represented religious and community affiliations in the multiple crosses and the hand holding a heart, a symbol used by several fraternal organizations including the Masons and the International Order of Odd Fellows. The velvet-lined interior features two lithographs of children dressed in folk costume.