Hi there! I want to start out first by saying thank you sweet friends for keeping me in your prayers these past few weeks. We received some very good news on Friday in direct answer to those prayers, and we are feeling very blessed. We’ve had a reprieve, and we are going to rest in the Lord and trust him for the future.
Today I want to thank one sweet friend in particular, Debbi, a reader who passed on a large quantity of vintage gifts to me last year. Since then I’ve included a few of these items in some past vintage finds posts, but today, I’d like to show off several of the books and pieces of ephemera that she so kindly gave to me.
Let’s start with the books: Queer Pets at Marcy’s (1880), Little Men by Louisa May Alcott (1943), and Editha’s Burglar by Frances Hodgson Burnett (1888). Value: $5-10.00 each.
Young Folks Golden Treasury of History (1890) published by D. Lothrop & Co. Such a pretty cover! Value: $10.00.
In the Child’s World (1893) filled with wonderful illustrations (below) and published by Milton Bradley Company. Value: $5.00.
A bookplate from In the Child’s World.
And another.
This one has to be my favorite, Willson’s Larger Speller, simply for the cover since the writing inside is so small, I can barely read it(!). I think it dates to the mid-1800’s. Value: $8-10.00.
Second favorite, Spelling Book, also mid-1800s. Value $8.00.
This set, published for the NYC School District in the 1930’s is just lovely. Filled with stories, science, and poetry, along with lovely illustrations, they vary by grade. Value: $6-10.00 each.
An example of one of the book plates in a 6th year volume that typically has less illustrations than an earlier years.
An example of an illustration from a 1st year volume.
I have a personal fondness for autograph books, so finding this in one of the boxes was a lovely surprise. Value: $15-20.00.
“Your words must be not only clever, But fit to adorn this book forever.” Not too much pressure!
This simple typography makes me think of barbed wire; I like it.
“When the glorious sun is sinking, And your mind from care is free, When of others you are thinking, Won’t you think of me?” Love her name, “Yetta.”
“A little lady rare and fine, A friend of mine.”
“Keep your face always toward the sunshine, and the shadows will fall behind you.”
I’ve bought and sold a number of issues of St. Nicholas in the past. I always enjoy flipping through them for their great illustrations and fascinating ads. Though in pretty rough shape, I still enjoyed reading this one from 1906.
Some beautiful Art Nouveau illustrations.
Interesting advertisements.
And homey ones too.
Debbi included a tin filled with post cards as part of her gift to me. This set of linen-type cards features Washington, DC, as does the set below.
On eBay, they seem to be going for $10-20.00 for a set like this.
These post card packets open up to reveal accordion-style postcards printed on paper rather than card stock. They sell on eBay but for not a lot. Value: $2-4.00
A piece of uncomfortable Black Americana, depicting the “cake walk” a type of dance done in minstrel shows. Value: $2-3.00 due to poor condition.
A couple of steam ship post cards from the 1940’s. Values: $2-4.00 each
Vintage Eastern Airline (1958) and Hilton Cafe, 1964-65 World’s Fair cards. Values: $3-4.00 each.
Final Fabulous “Find”: This photo post card of Parliment has a special feature. See the white “tab” in the center?
When you lift it open, it reveals an accordion of mini, black and white post cards of various London sites. I’ve never seen one quite like it. Value: $8-10.00.
I have been blessed in so many ways by so many readers over the years, and Debbi you are among the most generous! I had so much fun pawing through all of the vintage goodness you passed onto me–thank you, thank you, thank you!
I’ll be completing Part II of Debbi’s vintage gifts ASAP. Meantime, take a look at the pottery she gave me, which has already sold, and a beautiful table I made over, which is for sale currently in my booth at the Gristmill Antique Center in Troy (NY).
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I too have a fondness for Ephemera and really enjoyed looking at these. Also PTL that you have gotten good news in answer to prayers. He is faithful and our response to Him is trust and obey. Continued prayers and love.
WOW, Diana! Those are some fabulous things! The collection of books are amazing, and the ephemera, too. Although I am not an expert on either, I am always intrigued by the history they provide. Wonderful gifts.
Some pretty amazing things, a huge blessing I would say. I love the old type, the graphics, and the way of expressing things! The autographs hold special memories for me, how sad they are no longer done. Thanks for sharing that the Lord has answered our prayers. Romans 15:13, friend.
What amazing things and how sweet of one of your readers. I am so happy there has been good news! Continued prayers! Hugs!
Such wonderful and generous gifts! Lots of goodies!
I am so glad to hear you have had some good news, Diana! Keeping you in my prayers! xoxo
Dear Diana…I’m SO VERY THANKFUL that you have gotten answers to your prayers and needs! “Ask, seek, knock!” I enjoyed very much looking at the books, post cards, & pottery. What gems! What a generous friend she is. God bless.
I’m so relieved to read of your good news! I’m new to your work but I’ve recently decided to start a booth of my own in Western NY and find your blog to be so helpful! I’m so happy things are looking up! XO
Glad to hear you received good news. Seeing that autograph book makes me sad to think that no family has the book.
Marilyn
I love looking at old books. They have such character. Happy news that you have gotten good news.
Marion
Thank You for sharing this post. The autograph album was my favorite. We have my mother’s autograph album from grammar school. In it are writings from her mother,sister and two cousins that she always talked about that I never knew. It made me feel close to them through their writings.
God Bless
Joan
So glad to hear that you had a respite from a stressful situation. Looking at the charming books, I wonder if you ever thought about decoupaging a lampshade with some of the images. So cute! I can see the gardening books used that way, but, it would be better if someone kept the set together.
Ginene
Hi Diana –
Thanks for this wonderful post. I didn’t have a chance to look at it in detail until today. The books were all my mother’s, who was a reading teacher and educator who wrote educational manuals for other teachers and parents.
She was also a poet and loved words and collecting antique/vintage children’s books. The autograph books and postcards belonged to a client of mine. At the time she died I had only been able to locate a distant relative who wasn’t interested in any of her things, I couldn’t bear to get rid of them, so I’m glad they found a good home with you.
As for what’s going on in your life, I’m glad you’ve received good news and hope that things continue to go well.
Looking forward to seeing Part II of the post.
Best,
Debbi
Wow! What thoughtful gifts! Those books are a treasure–thank you for sharing at Vintage Charm! Happy to hear you’ve had answered prayer.