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Snapshot 1692… Now you see it…
October 28, 2019 by GuyHeilenman · Leave a Comment
Now you see it… Now you really see it. As one who cannot identify people’s faces if they are more than a few feet away, I really appreciate a good pair of glasses. It is hard to imagine a time when eye-glasses were a luxury, and even what was available was rather rudimentary. Thankfully, in the late 1600’s, an inventor developed a passion for optics, and made significant progress towards helping those with poor eyesight see well. The King and Queen of England took notice and he soon became their personal optician. Although quite rare, we came across an early advertisement for his services within an issue of The Athenian Mercury:
I’m New Here: Week Thirty-Five…
October 25, 2019 by Stephanie Williams · Leave a Comment
Sometimes I think that the constant hum of political discourse is unique to our time. Certainly, the tone is billed as uniquely vitriolic – in stark contrast to the bucolic days of yore. Except, I keep uncovering these eviscerating denouncements of a certain elected leader, or particular view, or specific cause, or controversial vote – with all the surrounding discussion and debate. The only difference I can see is that a certain level of pride seemed to stamp each public statement – as if a political position was strengthened by dissent. These days, nearly as much time is spent disassociating from one’s words as in the pontificating.
Adding a second distinguishing feature, this week I discovered the satirical Puck – begun in Germany and published in America in 1877. Interestingly, the founder collaborated with the renowned Leslie’s Illustrated prior to making the transition. Headed with the Shakespearean character’s wry commentary, “What fools these mortals be,” the clever magazine takes the tone of an outside, slightly mocking, observer.
The one I selected for perusal deals with the Justice System on the cover, and New York’s participation in the World Fair of 1839. A brief glance at the latter conveys a fairy tale worthy, beautifully colored double page centerfold that on closer inspection mocks the greed associated with the exposition and its participants.
It’s an elevated tone, when compared with the shrill modern volume on television and radio. Somehow, satire is more palatable to me — a velvet glove of watercolor illustration covering the iron fist of debate in a place where freedom of speech was so highly esteemed that it was almost an art form.
The October (2019) Newsletter from Rare & Early Newspapers…
October 22, 2019 by GuyHeilenman · Leave a Comment
Each month the staff of Timothy Hughes Rare & Early Newspapers sends out a newsletter to our members which includes special offers, discounts, alerts to new inventory, and information related to the rare newspaper collectible.
The October, 2019 newsletter:
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Welcome to the October 2019 edition of our monthly
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I’m New Here: Week Thirty-Four…
October 18, 2019 by Stephanie Williams · Leave a Comment
Today’s post is a bit harried because Guy was away for a few days. There is nothing like his absence to bring home to me how much I still have left to learn. Thankfully, he has returned and no one was irrevocably distressed by my continued ineptitude — which was blatantly apparent without his buffering.
That said, I juggled as successfully as I could, and in the process found a sphere of knowledge of which I have somehow remained ignorant. The covers of Harper’s Weekly publications are often pen and ink constructions that are balanced and aesthetically appealing. Many collectors purchase these to frame and subsequently decorate walls and offices. An issue from 1859 passed under my gaze while fulfilling a request that had been paired with a name unfamiliar to me. The collector was searching for Garibaldi reports. As I was completely unfamiliar with the name, my shipping room buddy brought the June 18, 1859 Harper’s to my desk before commencing his painstaking shipping process.
Clearly, I have been missing out. This “famous Italian patriot whose exploits on the slopes of the Alps are at present in every one’s mouth” was featured on the full front page, and continued onto one inside column. His visage is coldly angular, and his narrowed eyes appeared to find me across the length of my desk. My reaction must have been noteworthy, because an hour or so later Mike brought me a different date for that same title. “This artist had a kinder interpretation,” he said as he carefully placed another Garibaldi side by side with the first. And, the difference was so pronounced I spent a bit of time looking for the minute changes that dramatically influenced the whole.
Then I thought of all the people who search out issues containing Lincoln portraits, or a date among the seemingly unending eight years of Teddy Roosevelt covers. How funny it is to realize that our collective views of historically foundational people have been based on the interpretation of artists! Based on the shape of Joseph G.’s eyes, I suspect that some of them had a distinct bias that has unconsciously colored our perspective.
Even with my reasoning braced against my imagination, I find the introductory paragraph to the report does nothing to soften the aggressive life chosen by this commander. “Joseph Garibaldi is the type of gallant soldier of fortune, to whom the excitement of war is a necessity; but when his country’s opportunity arrives, is never found wanting among her defenders.”
Were you there – 1981? The Kinks perform at Madison Square Garden…
October 14, 2019 by GuyHeilenman · 1 Comment
You may have really got them going, but did they get you going enough to get you to go to their 1981 concert at Madison Square Garden? The Kinks, who are considered by many as one of the most influential British rock groups of the 1960’s, as of 1981 were still selling out at some of the biggest and greatest venues of the day. The full-page ad below, printed in The Village Voice dated September 9-15, 1981 (for the week of September 8th), is for their October 3rd concert at Madison Square Garden. Were you there? If so, feel free to share your family-friendly memories. Just as an FYI – Three of the four original members, and all who are living, are still playing concerts as of 2019. 
They Put It In Print (1941)… World Series – Cardinals vs. Yankees…
October 7, 2019 by GuyHeilenman · Leave a Comment
Typically, the day after a MLB team is defeated in the World Series, an acknowledgement along with a few humble, congratulatory remarks are the focus of the losing team’s hometown newspaper. However, after the New York Yankees eliminated the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1941 World Series, the St.Louis Post-Dispatch decided to ignore decorum and instead, predicted that the following year, the Cards would return to defeat the Yankees in the 1942 World Series? How do we know they made such a bold prediction? They put it in print – and, Nostradamus would have been proud. The following year both teams returned to the World Series, and the Cards defeated the Yankees in only five games.
Snapshot 1922… John who?
October 4, 2019 by GuyHeilenman · 2 Comments
Unless you grew up in the Philadelphia – New York City corridor, you may not recognize the name, but he certainly made his mark on American culture in general, and the Philly region in particular. Famed merchant, marketing pioneer, founder of one of the first major department stores, U.S. Post Master General, notable Christian philanthropist, and more, his name was recognized throughout the world in the mid-to-late 19th century. Until its closing, the Wanamaker Building was a frequent destination for most who visited Philadelphia, especially during the Christmas Season. Some of his more-famous quotes include: “People who cannot find time for recreation are obliged sooner or later to find time for illness.” “People who cannot find time for recreation are obliged sooner or later to find time for illness.” “Half the money I spend on advertising is wasted; the trouble is, I don’t know which half.”
As was reported in the December 12, 1922 issue of The Bethlehem Times, John Wanamaker met his Maker on the same day as this report. While his influence lives on through such simple things as “the price tag” (on products), his name is slowly succumbing to that which befalls us all. Still, those of us who know of his contributions appreciate his impact on society, and have fond memories of his Christmas Light Show and one of the most amazing pipe organs in the world. Thanks John.
Update from a comment posted as a follow-up to this post: “It is true that Wanamaker department store is closed, but since then, the building has housed two other department stores, Hecht’s and Macy’s. Both companies have continued the Christmas light and organ traditions. Macy’s, the current owner, even funded a multi-million dollar restoration to the light show. Going to Wanamaker’s at Christmas is still a yearly tradition that my family enjoys, and many a Philadelphian still “meet at the eagle,” on a daily basis.” Thanks Bill (see posted reply)
Announcing: Catalog #287 (for October, 2019) is now available…
October 1, 2019 by GuyHeilenman · Leave a Comment
- Catalog 287 (in its entirety)
- Noteworthy Catalog 287 ($250+)
- Combined Catalogs (current, w/ remnants of previous)
Don’t forget about this month’s DISCOUNTED ISSUES.
(The links above will redirect to the latest catalog in approx. 30 days, upon which time it will update to the most recent catalog.)
I’m New Here: Week Thirty-Two…
September 27, 2019 by Stephanie Williams · Leave a Comment
This week as I was pulling some Gentleman’s Magazines to fill online catalog gaps, I hovered over an issue prior to searching within the computer system. It was dated July 1776, and I took a minute to let that soak in. I am regularly awestruck at handling all these papers, but particularly anything from such an important, pivotal year and month in American history. Actually, I suppose it was significant to world history as well.
This is not a museum, however, but a place of business and conscience compelled me to limit my sighing to less than a minute before turning to the keyboard and pulling up the listing for this title and date. And, as I read the opening lines of the description, I felt again the great privilege I have to be here.
“It is rare to find newspapers or magazines with the magical date of 1776, let alone ‘July, 1776’. Here is one.”
These paragraphs are such valuable tools for searching as well as learning. While Timothy Hughes Rare and Early Newspapers can boast 44 years in existence as a business, the depth of knowledge of history and its significance that is applied to filtering through the millions of papers in order to present each one goes far beyond a mere business listing. And the one that filled my screen only served to deepen my wonder at this treasure trove chronicling the earliest days of this country.
The first article contains 3 pages of text on events in America, including: “Proceedings of the American Colonists since the Passing the Boston Port Bill” with various reports, one stating that: “…the main army of the United Colonies has changed its situation; and that the head-quarters are now at New-York, where Gen. Washington has already taken up his residence…”. A proclamation issued by Congress concerning a redress of the grievances of the colonies says in part: “Therefore, Resolved, that it be recommended to the respective Assemblies and Conventions of the United Colonies, where no government sufficient to…their affairs has been…established, to adopt such a government…”, signed in type: John Hancock. Perhaps the most significant report is one mentioning the convention at Williamsburgh containing an important resolve (see) passed by the delegates which reads in part: “…That the delegates appointed to represent this colony…be instructed to propose to that…body to declare the united colonies free and independent…and that they give the assent of this colony to such declaration …..
I remember in my first days here, wondering if I would be required to wear gloves when handling these issues. My query was shrugged off, but I have been asked the same by friends and acquaintances when I talk about my job. We are used to seeing important things enclosed and protected behind glass and velvet ropes. But these papers were made to be read, and passed around so the news could spread. The older ones are often in better condition than the ones from the past few decades. Still, they are individually protected within folders, as much to keep the edges safe and protected as to shield from light and other environmental contaminants. I like that the storage options we use are the same as those we offer to our collecting community. Even though the crew here is much more seasoned than I, there is an unspoken acknowledgement that this is really amazing stuff, and I am not the only one that gets a bit awestruck…
They Put It In Print… How to hate – 1941…
September 22, 2019 by GuyHeilenman · Leave a Comment
As we were searching through our issues from 1941 looking for new WWII content, to our great dismay we discovered a article on page 3 of the San Francisco Chronicle dated November 15th headed: “Goebbels Tells Germans How To Hate Jews”, which was followed by his ten “reasons” to hate them. There are some who wish to ignore and/or deny the existence of the hatred which ran rampant during this time in world history, but thanks to the S.F. Chronicle, they put it in print: