Election's mementos swiped up

Phaedra English traveled from Augusta to Beech Island and back Wednesday, searching for one copy of that morning's The Augusta Chronicle .

About 5 p.m., she finally found what she was looking for at the newspaper's Broad Street office. The daylong search was worth it to hold a piece of history in her hands, Ms. English said.

"It's all because of Obama," she said. "I voted for McCain, but I think Obama will make a great president. I think he's a great man."

Ms. English was not alone in trying to find keepsakes of Tuesday's historic election of America's first black president.

Supporters at the Obama campaign office on Broad Street swiped every T-shirt, hat and banner available, leaving only a few bumper stickers, fliers and victory pins.

Jackie Davis was determined to snag what was left of Obama paraphernalia for her Obama Christmas tree, which she plans to finish decorating by week's end.

"This is just so exciting, so I decided last night to put my tree up," said Ms. Davis, whose arms overflowed with bumper stickers, pins and fliers. "All men are created equal. Now, that really stands out for me."

Chris Moody, a manager at Barnes & Noble at the Augusta Mall, said the store's newspapers sold out early Wednesday. It is rare for that to happen, he said.

Other bookstores had a similar experience. The stack of New York Times disappeared at Books-A-Million on Washington Road. An employee with Borders Books on Robert C. Daniel Jr. Parkway said all the store's national newspapers were gone by noon, except for Investors Business Daily .

Rita Becton picked up a copy of Wednesday's Chronicle at the newspaper office. The paper printed additional copies Wednesday. She plans to put it in her scrapbook.

"I just wanted today's paper, because we've made history," she said. "I lived to see it."

At the Obama headquarters, volunteers peeled off the lettering from the office's wall that read "The Change We Need," swept the floor and helped those who came inquiring about mementos. The office will close Friday morning.

Stuart Walker had stickers posted on his car and signs in his yard, but he wanted to secure one of the few victory pins left.

"I remember hearing Dr. King, and thinking all this man is asking for is justice," Mr. Walker said. "Today, in the U.S., that justice is available."

Business editor Tim Rausch contributed to this story.

Reach Stephanie Toone at (706) 823-3215 or stephanie.toone@augustachronicle.com.