ELEANOR ROOSEVELT’S COPY HAWKERS & WALKERS IN EARLY AMERICA
“Strolling Peddlers, Preachers, Lawyers, Doctors, Players, and Others, from the Beginning to the Civil War”
By Richardson Wright (editor of House and Garden), J. B. Lippincott Company, Philadelphia, PA, 1927 Second Edition, 317 pages, very good with sections of original dust jacket laid in. INSCRIBED BY THE AUTHOR: For Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt – Richardson Wright – 6 April 1933
Laid in is the mailing label to Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt, The White House, Washington, DC — from S. Reading Bertron – Bertron, Griscom & Co., Inc. 40 Wall Street, New York
Samuel Reading Bertron (1865-1838) was a senior member of the banking house of Bertron, Griscom and Co. Educated at Yale, he was a member of Skull and Bones. In 1912, he helped peace negotiations between Italy and Turkey. In 1917, he was appointed to join the Root commission to Russia, led by Elihu Root. In addition, Bertron was a Vice-President of the War Relief Clearing House for France and her Allies. Theodore Roosevelt, Eleanor’s first cousin, from 1912-1914 was a bond salesman at Bertron, Griscom and Co. Possibly that was the connection between Bertron and FDR’s wife.
I have had the good fortune to make three visits so far to the Roosevelt properties in Hyde Park, New York. It will take me two more visits to accomplish the entire museum however. I also spent an afternoon exploring Eleanor’s home Val-Kill. I found it extremely interesting. As a bookseller, I was fascinated with the books in Eleanor’s study. Based upon photographs, the National Park Service was able to recreate what was on each shelf. I searched on line, and found the inventory that was made of her possessions upon her death in the home. HAWKERS & WALKERS is not among the listings, BUT, I do not think this book was ever there. This book was in a dealer’s collection that I purchased. The majority of his collection was built when he resided in Washington, DC, and was buying well-healed collections and estates. The chances of this book of Mrs. Roosevelt ever being in Val-Kill are slim.
Below is the inscription form Richardson Wright to Mrs. Roosevelt on the front free endpaper. Note that there are some old tape repairs to this page.
here is the book as it is opened up to the inscription
and, two views of the book itself
and, finally the remnants of the dust jacket that have been tucked into the back of the book.
A fantastic addition to your FDR collection, First Lady Collection, or Eleanor Roosevelt collection. This book may have been in the Val-Kill Library.
1923 – WONDER MOVIES by VICTOR M. EARLE – TRANSFORMATION BOOK Illustrated by Benjamin Seielstad
Hardcover, measuring about 8 by 13 inches, pictorial boards. Published by Doubleday, Page & Company, New York. Please note that years ago there was so insect nibbling on the boards and a preliminary and rear page. None of this impacting on the desirability of this unusual book that can fetch up to $400 in the extremely rare dust jacket.
Uncommon novelty book with interactive transforming pages that a child (or adult) would fold and unfold unfold prefolded pages to simulate movie like action following the text. Twenty-six alternating pages, some with panels designed to be successively folded back by the reader, to create a “movie” effect and read the story.
looking at the sample images while creating this listing I see that I did not properly fold the panels to tell the story, but you get the idea how the picture changes (moves) as you fold the panels back to read more of the tale.
1828 – LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD – FIRST US APPEARANCE THE ATLANTIC SOUVENIR
The Atlantic Souvenir; A Christmas and New Year’s Offering. Philadelphia, Carey, Lea & Carey 1828. Green printed boards, book block measures about 3 3/8 inches by about 5 1/2 inches. Boards detached, spine back gone and separations to book block in several locations as a result. Contains all plates as called for. BAL 843.
The Atlantic Souvenir, as the first American annual of literature, was first published in 1826. This 1828 edition contains the first appearance of James N. Barker’s famous version of Little Red Riding Hood (p. 97-101). This version helped spread this tale to a wide American audience. This story is illustrated with a full page engraving from a painting by Sir T. Lawrence engraved by J. B. Longacre. The anthology also includes first printings of H. W. Longfellow (THE SPIRIT OF POETRY page 38) and Washington Irving (THE DULL LECTURE, page 294).
Published with a cloth backstrip (lacking here), this could be easily repaired by a book binder. Also, originally published in a slipcase with green labels matching the boards of the book itself. A copy was auctioned at Swann Gallery in 2006 for $2160. Another copy was in a Children’s Book specialist’s catalogue a number of years ago for $850 (now deceased and business closed). And, recently another copy sold at auction at the bargain price of $650.
In the early to mid-1980s I collected and put away as many Mr. Peanut souvenirs and collectibles as I could. At that time I was going to my kid’s school fairs with my original Bartholomew Peanut roaster and dispensing popcorn — you may wish to see my page of my popcorn machine fun at POPCORNMAN RAY.
Going through a box in storage recently I found these Mr. Peanut items that should go to new homes to be loved and enjoyed. So take a look at the images, and details underneath each.
Burlap tote bag (I have two) – the bag measures about 13 inches by about 18 inches with about a 4 inch drop on the handle. As with all these items, I do not believe they have ever been used – $15 each – One SOLD – One left.
This is an uncommon 5 pound burlap bag that you could have purchased full on the Boardwalk at Atlantic City, or a rural general store. Measures about 12 inches by about 19 inches. Nice, appears never used – $11 — SORRY SOLD
In my research the 2 pound burlap bag appears to be uncommon, and seldom seen. Note there are differences, albeit slight, to the two bags. They measure about 8 inches by 15 1/2 inches. $12.50 each One SOLD – One on the left above still available.
I like this draw string canvas tote. The image is printed on both sides – perfect for the beach or a school bag – BUT I would like to think you will display it on the wall with other Mr. Peanut goodies. Measures about 12 inches by about 18 inches (not including the sewn portion for the draw string). – SORRY SOLD
On the left is a paper bag for the purchase of 3 pounds of peanuts – printed one side only. Unused, and protected in a plastic display bag (I must have found it that way) – measures about 7 1/8 inches by about 13 3/4 inches. On on the right is an oven mitt – the back side is blue with a small extension for your thumb to hold the pot/pan — SORRY SOLD
The two towels on the right did not survive well and have some discoloration and disintegration – mainly the one underneath. I debated, but someone will want these – at least the one on top which only has some fraying at the fold in the center. Measure about 15 inches by about 12 inches, the image you see is the same on the top side so the towel when on a towel rack will appear the same from both sides. SORRY SOLD
email me what you would like, and your zip code, and I will provide a shipping quote – thank you, RAY — ORDERING INFORMATION
COLLECTION OF 8 (Eight) – “LITTLE LITTLE GOLDEN BOOKS” – MINIATURE BOOKS
I had a very large lot of 28 titles of the “LITTLE LITTLE GOLDEN BOOK” series that I sold in November of 2018 on eBay. In searching in my “stash” of miniature books I just found eight more of these books that measure about 2 3/4 inches square. Offered as a lot are six different titles along with two duplicates. Lots of fun to read with a little one, or to decorate your doll house, and a nice addition for your miniature book or children’s book collection.
Included are: Number 11 – WE HELP MOMMY Number 12 – BABY FARM ANIMALS – with some wear Number 17 – THE VERY BEST HOME FOR ME! Number 18 – LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD Number 22 – THE THREE BEARS Number 24 – JACK AND THE BEANSTALK DUPLICATES – to share Number 18 – LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD Number 22 – THE THREE BEARS
1940-1948 AMERICAN COLLECTOR MAGAZINE – NINE YEARS 107 ISSUES
I have a run from 1940 through 1948, but with only the April 1946 missing. Nine years complete except for the one issue – thus a total of 107 issues. Edited by Thomas H. Ormsbee (he wrote American furniture books) and later on by Malcolm Vaughan, and with Ruth Webb Lee (glass authority) consulting. Published monthly by Collectors Publishing Company in New York City. Spot checking the issues run from about 20-28 pages each. Articles on all aspects of early American antiques, great ads, and wonderful reference material.
The earlier issues measure about 10 1/4 by 12 3/4 inches, and then it went to about 9 1/4 by 12 inches. PLEASE NOTE – From storage there is a faint “musty odor” which you can occasionally note fanning pages. This is typical of the type of paper used when stored over time – but not bad – my late-bride taught me to be super sensitive, and I prefer to make note for the next owner. Each pile below is a year of the magazine.
PRICE – $775 — SORRY SOLD SEPTEMBER 2024 Order Number – 73981 ORDERING INFORMATION
1924-25 WHITE MOUNTAIN NATURAL CURIOSITY BOOKLETS – BOXED SET OF SIX (6)
In the 1920s, Guy Roberts of Whitefield, New Hampshire, published a number of booklets of the natural beauty and wonders of the White Mountain tourist areas. Roberts loved the area, and the Old Man of the Mountains. In 1906 he discovered the condition of the Old Man, and advocated for measures to be taken to secure the rocks.
His booklets are often found, and when found run $25 and up. His booklets measure about 3 1/4 inches by 6 1/4 inches, and in some instances the text opens up on a fan-fold sheet. Boxed sets were sold, and this auction is for one of the Roberts’ Series in the original box. The paper label from the box top is chipped and loose, and the sides of the box top lid are lacking as you will see later – below are the booklets in this set:
THE PROFILE AND HOW IT WAS SAVED – 1924 Fifth Edition – fan-fold 22 pages THE FLUME AND ALL ABOUT IT – 1924 Second Edition – fan-fold 16 pages INDIAN HEAD: ITS DEBUT AND LEGENDS – 1924 Third Edition – fan-fold 10 pages THE WILLEY SLIDE: ITS HISTORY, LEGEND AND ROMANCE – 1924 Second Edition – 44 pages LOST RIVER AND GOING THRU IT – 1925 Second Edition – 28 pages THE GREAT CARBUNCLE; CHRISTUS INDEX; and, THE GREAT STONE FACE – 1924 Second Edition – 48 pages
Among the things my late-bride collected, I just discovered over thirty baskets that were put away, essentially never used – if used, at most once, but does not show. They need new homes to use on picnics, as gift baskets, or simply for decoration. As I began typing this I remembered, turned around, and there on display above my kitchen cabinets are nine more. Here is a start on what I have photographed and described – check back as I have about 16 more to go.
PETERBORO FRUIT & NUT BASKET – NEVER USED
This basket she had purchased to give as gift, but that never happened. As you may have heard, sadly the company can no longer get the wood splits it has used, and will close sometime the Fall of 2022 when they run out of material. I have already sold two Peterboro Baskets, now off to new home.
In the original box with all paperwork and Certificate of Authenticity is the Fruit & Nut Basket – diameter about 10 3/4 inches and about 4 inches high. Note leather handles and plastic liner – $35– SORRY, NOW SOLD
LONGABERGER BASKETS
Below are seven Longaberger products separately ranging in price from $7 to $45
The Longaberger Company manufactured handcrafted maple and wood baskets and other home and lifestyle products. The company opened in 1973, was acquired in 2013 by CVSL, Inc., and closed in 2018. The following year, Xcel Brands acquired the intellectual property and relaunched the brand. Founded by Dave Longaberger , the family-owned and -operated company used multi-level marketing to sell its products. Started in Dresden, Ohio, the company moved to Newark, Ohio in 1997.
1- Bread basket divider – small – about 5 inches across at widest point – still wrapped – item 50016 – $7 (pictured with the Cake / Pie Basket)
2- Bread basket divider – large – about 7 5/8 inches across at widest point – $10 (pictured with the Cake / Pie Basket)
In my “galleries” below you may click images for larger views.
3- 1993 – Cracker Basket – with cloth and plastic liners – about 11 1/2 inches by about 5 1/4 inches wide – $35
4- 1994 – Multi-purpose server basket – can use as large server (about 14 inches by about 7 1/2 inches) with burgundy cloth liner and plastic liner — and then there are two half inserts (both with flower cloth liners and plastic inserts measuring about 6 by 6 1/2 inches each) – $45
5- 1994 – Sleigh Basket – used often as a wine caddy or for fruits or vegetables – base about 7 inches – about 7 inches high at high point – $25
6- 1994 – Large Serving Tray – measures about 20 1/2 inches long by about 14 inches wide at widest point, and about 3 1/2 inches tall. – $45
7- Cake or Pie Basket with wooden divider shelf that can be used as a centerpiece stand. Basket measures about 12 inches square with handles, sides about 6 inches high. Table sits inside basket, and is 3 inches tall – $45 – – SORRY, NOW SOLD
THREE PIECE PICNIC SET
A nice light-weight set purchased at NORDSTRUMS (tag still attached) probably about 25 years ago, and never used. Basket is about 12 inches square, wine cooler about 8 inches tall, and silver/napkin caddy measures about 12 x 7 1/2 inches – $20
WOODEN GRAB HANDLE BASKET
I like this basket with the wooden handles – perfect for sewing/knitting material next to your chair, or whatever. A couple little breaks in the reeds on the bottom, but with a cushion or things in the basket you will never notice. Measures about 15 inches by 11 1/2 inches and sides are about 5 1/2 inches – $22.50
GIFT BASKET – SUBSTANTIAL
Yes – will call it a gift basket since we purchased this filled at a charity auction – so used once. Measures about about 16 by 10 1/2 inches and about 7 1/2 inches deep. And I will leave in the filler so you can make your own gift basket – $25
CLASSIC PICNIC BASKET
Ready (to be packed) for the beach or that special secluded spot with a favorite beau. Measures about 16 by 12 1/2 inches with sides about 7 3/4 inches deep. Handles when up are 8 inches above rim. – $45
ROUND – DARK STAINED BASKET
Hey, I am too honest – nothing really special about this, except the applied staining. Measures about 1o inches in diameter – sides about 7 3/4 inches, and handle extends up about 8 inches from the sides – How about $15
MAGAZINE BASKET
This is a wonderful example of workmanship, style and color arrangement. Use to hold magazines, and whatever your desire. Measures about 18 by 8 3/4 inches and 10 inches deep. Handles when up extend up about 7 inches. $40 — NOW SOLD
GATHERING BASKETS – Three to Select From
Remember that you can click an image in my “galleries” for a larger view. Above, probably my most fun gathering basket, this example is about 16 inches in diameter – sides about 9 1/2 inches, and it is about 20 inches from the bottom of the inside of the basket to the top of the handle – $35
In the “old days” would you call this “funky” with this interesting handle and decoration? Opening an oval about 14 inches by about 12 inches – overall height about 14 inches with sides about 6 inches – $30
Above a nice large open gathering basket with a diameter of about 16 inches, sides about 4 1/2 inches and from the bottom of the basket to the top of the handle about 16 inches — $30
NOW SOME MISCELLANEOUS SELECTIONS
The basket on the left side of the images above is woven around metal for reinforcement for use as a planter (see the lining) or waste basket. About 9 inches square and about 8 1/4 inches tall not including the handles — $35 — Lighter color basket on right most likely made as a small wastebasket, measuring about 9 inches in diameter and bout 8 3/4 inches tall – unused as with my late-bride’s collection — $20
Basket on the left reminds me of a church donation basket, or to be used in a similar fashion at a ticket booth, or use your imagination. About 9 inch diameter, and 3 inches tall — $5 — And, you can always use another Easter basket, with “new grass” — $3
The small basket on top (above) is an open serving type basket measuring about 13 1/2 inches by about 11 inches and about sides about 3 1/4 inches high — $10
The larger basket I purchased to make a picnic basket to carry in my TR3A and MGA, but I subsequently collected a couple fully outfitted vintage picnic baskets to use and display. This basket is ready for you to outfit as you wish for that romantic outing. Big it measures about 24 inches by about 15 inches with a depth of about 4 inches — $20
Finally, here are the baskets my Cathy used to decorate the tops of our kitchen cabinets. I need to pull them down to measure etc., but you can get an idea of size. Only a couple appear to be special, the others will not be much as to cost.
You may arrange a visit to examine and purchase these baskets. Contact information is on my order page.
1858 – MAP OF CHESHIRE CO. NEW HAMPSHIRE FROM ACTUAL SURVEY BY L. FAGAN and EARLY KEENE MAPS
Reprinted by OLD MAPS of West Chesterfield, NH in 1981, and with An Historical Sketch of The Map by David R. Proper. The is a complete reproduction of the 1858 Map of Cheshire County, N.H. The original is a large wall hanging scroll that measures 25 feet. I have seen a few originals, and they are usually in tatters. That large wall map is reproduced here on 36 single sheet pages with additional engravings. This set has been sewn together and bound in boards. When seen usually it is in a boxed set – I have a boxed set in the shop for $125. The binding and maps measure about 14 inches by 17 1/4 inches.
I am including a copy of EARLY MAPS OF KEENE NEW HAMPSHIRE 1733-1892 – WITH A NARRATIVE HISTORY, 46 pages. Also published by OLD MAPS in West Chesterfield, in 1983. This is a well used and worn, taped copy. Measures about 11 inches by about 14 inches. In the shop I have a set without faults for $25
in the image below the entire wall map (that measures 25 square feet) is pictured – this reproduction provides the entire map in sections. Note how the leaves have been sewn together on left gutter.
and below are two sample spreads from the worn Keene map booklet – which I am essentially adding in as a bonus. (when I have it in the shop I sell it for $25).
SORRY – SOLD THIS WORN PAIR IMMEDIATELY but I still have the individual copies mentioned above feel free to contact me on those
AMOSKEAG MANUFACTURING COMPANY – NEWSPAPER CLIPPINGS AND OTHER MATERIAL – 1929-1936 – Three Volume Archive
Compiled by Alice Atkins Rauch (1904 – 1974), wife of Henry Edward Rauch (1902 – 1994), Agent, Amoskeag Manufacturing, a textile company. Rauch, had a long career in the textile industry, and retired as chairman of Burlington Industries in 1967.
“Rauch began working for the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company, a textile company, starting as a bookkeeper in 1922. He was with Amoskeag for 14 years, progressing rapidly in responsibility. In 1928 he began a seven-year stint overseeing the textile mills in Manchester, New Hampshire. During this time, he was involved in negotiations with members of the company labor union, closely involved with salary negotiations, as well as being a witness to a number of strikes, some violent, during the period 1933-1935. In 1936, he assisted with the liquidation of Amoskeag after it declared bankruptcy and was affected by a massive flood.” – Duke University archives. – With a life long interest in education he served as chairman of the Bentley College Board of Trustees and as vice-chairman of the Duke University Board of Trustees.
Founded in 1810, The Amoskeag Manufacturing Company manufactured textiles in Manchester, New Hampshire. It grew throughout the 19th century into the largest cotton textile plant in the world. At its peak, Amoskeag had 17,000 employees and around 30 buildings. The New England textile industry shifted to the Southern U.S., and on Christmas Eve, 1935, the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company abruptly closed its doors and filed for bankruptcy. A serious flood in 1936 sealed the company’s fate, and the vast complex was liquidated. By 1937, half the buildings were occupied by other businesses. Today the original mills have been refurbished and renovated, and house offices, restaurants, various companies, college branches, art studios, apartments and a museum
This archive covering the last years of Amoskeag is bound in three post binders, each measuring about 11 1/2 inches by about 14 1/2 inches. Various documents and newspapers clippings have been assembled in photocopies as follows:
AMOSKEAG MFG. CO.- JULY 1929 – OCT. 2, 1935 – 143 numbered pages plus fold-outs and additional material laid in.
AMOSKEAG MFG. CO.OCT. 1935 -NOV. 1936 – 188 numbered pages plus fold-outs and much additional material laid in, including a “Summary of Twenty Nine and One Half Years of Operation January 1, 1906 to June 30, 1935.”
MERRIMACK RIVER FLOOD OF MARCH 18-19, 1936 – PHOTOS AND OTHER AMOSKEAG & DUMAINE PHOTOS AND ARTICLES OF INTEREST – pages not completely numbered as in other volumes. As seen in images, this is the thinnest volume – possibly about 100 pages
Following are some sample pages – the image showing some ink spots on the newsprint is the only example I have seen of a bad photocopy in this archive.
