Bill Vernon's Mug

Black Mug with Elephant Design and BV Initials

In the early days of their friendship, Francis was constantly drawn to the design of Bill's mug, which has an illustration of elephants on it. Francis would frequently use it as his own. Not just to drink from it, but usually to pour and scoop dirt or water in it. Often, Bill would reach for his mug of coffee, and find himself pouring mud (or worse) into his mouth.

Bill hoped to teach Francis to recognize basic letters and symbols, so he initialed his mug "BV," and presented Francis with one of his own, which he could distinguish by its stenciled "F" monogram. Still, Francis always preferred Bill's mug, and continued to take it.