The William L. Clements Library’s collections continue to grow, helping researchers and students study the rich and diverse American past. The collections described below touch on a wide range of topics, including spiritualism, crime, children and education, business, military and international affairs, and book trades and print culture. Read more to see what catches your interest!
Spiritualism
Edward C. Randall papers, 1922-1935 (majority within 1904-1935)
The Edward C. Randall papers are largely correspondence and writings of Buffalo, New York, attorney E. C. Randall, who studied and wrote extensively on spirit mediums, spiritualism, and eschatological subjects in the first decades of the 20th century. The collection includes complete, partial, and drafts of essays and books by Randall, around 250 incoming letters (many with retained copies of responses attached), materials by or belonging to Virginia and Mai Randall, and other items.
Achsa White Sprague diary and Lloyd N. Josselyn account book, 1855-1908
Spiritualist medium and writer Achsa W. Sprague maintained this diary between 1855 and 1857 while touring on a lecture circuit around Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Maine, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, and New York. She recorded her daily experiences, travels, and work lecturing and conducting medium trances. The latter portion of the volume was used by Lloyd N. Josselyn as an account book between 1880 and 1908, likely while farming in the Plymouth, Vermont, area.
Crime
Etna Bittenbender case statements, 1880
This collection is made up of three items (8 pages total) relating to the investigation into the death of 17-year-old Etna Bittenbender, who was raped and murdered in Sciota, Hamilton Township, Pennsylvania on October 31, 1880. The contents include statements by Samuel Harvey, Samuel A. Singer, and four members of the Marsh family who employed Etna as a housekeeper. They attested to their personal backgrounds and lives, their locations at the time of the murder, and what they witnessed.
Blooming Grove (N.Y.) Horse Thief Detective Society Board of Directors minute book, 1866-1883
This minute book contains administrative and logistical information related to the Blooming Grove Horse Thief Detective Society of Blooming Grove, New York, between 1866 and 1883. The minutes are a record of changing board members and positions, routes, riders, report submissions, the use of telegraphs, poster printing, and directions for leaving descriptions of stolen horses at stations, ferries, and livery stables.
Children and Education
Clair Brubaker manuscript newspaper, The Victor Gazette, [circa 1917]
Clair Brubaker, possibly in or near Cripple Creek, Colorado, made these handwritten newspapers “devoted chiefly to society, fashions & personals” sometime around 1917. They consist of newspaper clippings, pen-and-ink drawings, and manuscript annotations and “editorials” (letters) written to Brubaker’s sister.
Samuel Burrier cypher book, 1821-1822
This cypher book contains mathematics problems and exercises copied and completed by Samuel Burrier. The sections include multiplication, addition, division, weights (apothecary weights, etc.), and liquid measures. Several of the headers incorporate chickens into the calligraphic lettering.
George W. Chamberlin penmanship notebook, 1831-1840
George W. Chamberlin of Bath or Ryegate, Vermont, used this notebook for penmanship practice. He copied multisyllabic words such as ambidextrous, Pennsylvania, contentment, and excommunication, as well as phrases such as “This is a Specimen of Writing by George W. Chamberlin of Bath” and “A sentence is an assemblage of words forming complete sense.” One line regards the payment of $99,999 on demand for value received.
A young Samuel Burrier allowed himself to get creative with his calligraphy, incorporating chickens into several of his letters.
Sketch of “An American Schoolteacher” from the Charles H. F. Daigneault and Ren W. Philbrick drawing book.
The Conundrum Crop for 1859 manuscript, 1859
This volume, titled “The Conundrum Crop for 1859,” is a blank book containing 36 handwritten riddles and their answers. They include references to agriculture, literature and prominent figures (e.g. Lord Byron, Cowper, Louis Napoleon, Victor Emmanuel, Pope Leo, Shakespeare, Ivanhoe, Bunyan, and John G. Saxe), military culture, technology (iron steamers, railroads), race, gender, and geography.
Charles H. F. Daigneault and Ren W. Philbrick drawing book, 1901-1905 (bulk 1904)
Charles H. F. Daigneault, a teenager in Hudson, New Hampshire, filled this pre-printed account ledger with pencil, pen, and ink drawings between 1904 and 1905 (mostly dated February 1904). The volume had been used sparsely by Ren W. Philbrick as early as 1901; between 1903 and 1905, Ren and possibly other Philbricks contributed a small number of drawings. Daigneault’s illustrations feature the Philbricks’ “Deer Field Farm,” the Hudson schoolhouse, vehicles and transportation, caricatures and anthropomorphic animals, decorative patterns, clothing (uniforms, stockings, garters, shoes, hats, etc.), people and faces, Masonic symbolism and imagery, astrological and horoscope content, mystical and occult symbolism, sideshow performers, museum objects and oddities, American Civil War scenes, historical and mythological torture devices, the use of torture by religious groups, and much else.
Martha Louise Day self-portraits album, [circa 1878]
This album, belonging to Martha Louise “Mattie” Day, contains 26 self-portraits drawn by Mattie’s “C. H. S.” classmates, and includes profile drawings, names, and brief comments relating to a shared experience. The bulk of the drawings were done by her female classmates, and their writing often referenced memories involving Mattie. Some made self-deprecating remarks about their appearances.
Pages of Mattie L. Day’s picture album, including a request to “draw your picture with appropriate remarks.”
Hank Hanft wrote beautiful illustrated letters to his younger brother, like the one shown here, intended to be accessible to an emerging reader.
Hank Hanft letters, 1919
The collection consists of twenty-one illustrated letters written by Hank Hanft around 1919 to his approximately five-year-old brother Robbie, likely in or near Wisconsin. The letters were written using block letters, likely to assist a young child’s ability to read them, and feature the use of pencil, crayon, and watercolors to produce drawings and paintings. The illustrations include scenes of fishing, farming, and hunting, and objects such as animals and plants, boats, and household and agricultural goods. Hank also wrote moralizing stories, often about animals or children.
Magdalene Minsing penmanship book, [circa 1870s]
This blank book contains penmanship exercises in German by Magdalene Minsing. Some of the letters have elements reminiscent of Pennsylvania Dutch fraktur style, some include colored ink, and striped design.
Magdalene Minsing’s name in striped lettering.
Elmer Neill’s manuscript map of South America.
Elmer Neill sketchbook, 1893-1896
The Elmer Neill sketchbook, dating between 1893 and 1896, contains pencil, ink, and crayon/pastel drawings likely produced as educational exercises. Also in the volume are manuscript maps of North America, South America, and Africa, as well as calligraphic drawings of birds.
R. A. L. Robinson atlas, 1831
This atlas compiled by R. A. L. Robinson features small maps of the nations of the world, with descriptions of different societies (education, government, etc.) and comparisons to the United States.
Two Little Stockings manuscript poem, 1901
This manuscript rhyming poem written by “Hazel” is about a young girl who hung an extra Christmas stocking for an impoverished child, and Santa Claus’ enlistment of elves to help provide gifts.
The illustrators for these manuscript yearbooks had an imaginative flair, and they incorporated a number of skunks as their “trade mark.”
Rochester (Pa.) High School Freshman manuscript year books, 1912
This collection consists of two variations of a 1912 yearbook for members of the 1915 co-ed class of Rochester High School in Rochester, Pennsylvania. hese yearbooks include pencil and pen-and-ink portraits of students, faculty, and sports teams, as well as caricatures, cartoons, and humorous drawings. Several poems are also included. Their content touches on humor, social affairs, class members’ personalities, curriculum, athletics, and gender.
Mildred Wood and Mary Wood composition book, 1907-1916
This composition book was kept by 8–10-year-old Mildred Wood and Mary Wood while living in Illinois and Missouri. The volumes include copied song lyrics and poems, and pencil and crayon drawings. A number of pressed flowers and leaves are laid into the volume.
This page from Mildred and Mary Wood’s composition book bears evidence of a girl’s attempts to correct and practice her penmanship.
David Ziegler penmanship exercises, [19th century]
This volume contains handwriting exercises produced by David Ziegler in German Schrift during the 19th century. The penmanship practice is in a blank book with a printed cover headed “Ships,” with an illustration of ship and a short passage using sailing as a religious metaphor. “Stereotyped by L. Johnson of Philadelphia.”
Rebecca M. Bradford letters, 1853-1857
This collection consists of eight letters written by Rebecca M. Bradford between 1853 and 1857 while living and working in Boston, Massachusetts; Washington, D.C., and New York and Brooklyn, New York. They document her laboring as a domestic servant, residing in boarding houses while pregnant and caring for a young infant, and traveling with a baby.
Business
Pöpplein & Brothers daybook and account ledger, 1806-1843
The Pöpplein & Brothers Day Book and Account Ledger are a record of business conducted by this Baltimore, Maryland, dry goods store and mercantile firm between 1806 and 1843. The volumes document client purchases, services, goods sold on commission, investments, insurance, and aspects of importing goods directly from Germany. The Pöppleins’ clientele stretched as far west as Missouri and as far south as Alabama. They imported farming tools and other supplies to Joseph Bimeler at Zoar, Ohio, and pianos and parts to the Huppmanns of Baltimore. They also arranged legal and practical affairs for German and other immigrants, handled bank stock investments and dividends, and offered other services.
Bristol (Me.) cobbler daybook, 1836-1844
A currently unidentified cobbler from Bristol, Maine, kept this daybook between 1836 and 1844, recording the names of customers, their purchases, and amounts charged. Customers purchased shoes, boots, and leather, paid for the labor of making or repairing footwear, and repair work on items like harnesses and halters.
Erastus Lattimer ledger, 1825-1847
Erastus Lattimer, a farmer from Wethersfield, Connecticut, maintained this ledger between 1825 and 1847, recording financial transactions relating to livestock, deliveries of wood, agricultural goods, and labor on his farm. He kept accounts with a number of men hired to help on the farm, noting their expenses and absences, and he rented at least one cow to a woman.
Massachusetts account book, 1862-1864
An unidentified person, likely living in the vicinity of Woburn, Massachusetts, maintained this account book between 1862 and 1864. They recorded financial transactions, the bulk with Messrs. Lewis & Culver. The volume also includes yearly cash accounts, documenting everyday purchases and payments, such as travel costs, foodstuffs, clothing and sewing supplies, and books and magazines. The volume also lists amounts earned by month, and a “Clothing Account” and “Furniture Account” for 1862.
Merchant’s asset, liability, and inventory ledger, 1878-1894
This ledger contains documentation of the overall assets and liabilities of a merchant from 1878-1894, possibly in New York State. It includes information on monthly sales and net profits for several years, invoices of goods received and weekly cash sales, trades in stock, lists of store fixtures, and detailed yearly inventories of the store’s merchandise, with notes on quantities and values. The types of goods include jewelry, fashion accessories, stationery, albums and scrapbooks, writing utensils, decorative items and tableware, toiletries, toys, and books of varying genres.
David Zerbe account book, 1861-1880
This volume, apparently kept by David Zerbe of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, consists of physician’s accounts for the purchase of medicines, ingredients, and supplies from 1861 to 1880.
Barnum, Bailey & Hutchinson scrapbook, [circa late 19th century]
This oversized scrapbook consists of sections of Barnum, Bailey & Hutchinson circus advertising posters. The imagery includes circus tents, musical wagons (including the “Silver-Tubed Caliope” and “Sacred Chimes”), camels and horses, animal trainers, artillerymen seemingly of Middle Eastern descent (possibly part of the “Bedouin Arab” performers), acrobats, minstrel performers, African American musicians, and portraits of P. T. Barnum, J. A. Bailey, and J. L. Hutchinson.
Military and International Affairs
Revolutionary Cuba and Philippines collection, 1849-1925 (majority within 1895-1903)
This collection consists of 883 letters, documents, an orderly book, printed items, and other materials concerning revolutionary conflicts in Cuba and the Philippines, American involvement particularly, dating largely from the 1890s-1900s. This collection’s contents include detailed information from Cuban and Philippine revolutionaries at home and in exile; U.S. Army activities related especially to the Spanish-American War, Philippine-American War, and postwar occupations; American, Cuban, Filipino, and Spanish consular and governmental officials; and civilians (including families of U.S. Army soldiers’ and sailors’ family members) involved in the events.
British Commissariat document trunk, [circa 1765]
This 82 x 43 x 36 cm wooden document trunk, dating from around 1765, includes a hand-wrought iron lock, reinforcement bands, corner tips, and fancy handles. Its interior is grooved for the placement of three removable wooden panels, one of which is present. Contemporary manuscript lettering on the interior left side of the lid reads “Commissariat / on His Majs: Acct / from Mr Oswald” and on the right “Papers / for the Germn: Army / May 1766 / accounts – [A?] & B.”
City of Glasgow (Steamship) collection, 1850-1852
This collection consists of 7 documents and printed items relating to the steamship City of Glasgow and its voyages between Liverpool and Philadelphia between 1850 and 1852, including advertising materials, receipts, and a passenger manifest.
Book Trades and Print Culture
George H. Coomer, A Lively Whaling Scene manuscript, [circa 1880s]
George H. Coomer wrote this manuscript about the “lively whaling scene” experienced by a sailor in California and the Santa Barbara Islands, possibly around the 1880s. The “scene” is purported to be a second-hand account told by Coomer’s friend, and it may or may not be fiction. The volume also contains a vignette about the whaling vessel Minerva.
D. M. Osborne & Co. scrapbooks, 1873-1874
These two scrapbooks contain newspaper and magazine clippings of stories and poems pasted into 1873 and 1874 editions of German-language trade catalogs for D. M. Osborne & Co., manufacturers of farm equipment at Auburn, New York.
C. F. Lyman, 615 Books manuscript, [circa 1840s]
This manuscript, titled “615 Books” is an inventory of the library of C. F. Lyman. Each entry includes the number of volumes and title of the work. The entries appear to be organized by subject. A broad list of subjects includes math, geology, travel, Napoleon, literature, history, art, religion, and chemistry.
George Merriam notebook, 1839
This notebook was used to record purchases of books and other materials while publisher George Merriam visited locations like Southwick, Granville, Sandisfield, Tyringham, and Great Barrington, Massachusetts, in 1839.
Stephentown (N.Y.) Library School District account book and William Wallace Elliot penmanship exercise book, 1838-1840
This handmade account book contains financial accounts for the Stephentown (N.Y.) school district library, including fines imposed on individuals for late returns of books, as well as damages. This volume was repurposed later by William Wallace Elliot as a penmanship exercise book.
Visiting Card specimen book, [circa 1890s]
This visiting card specimen book contains 48 printer’s sample cards pasted into the volume, including “hidden name” examples with movable die-cut flaps and other devices.
The Visiting Card Specimen Book includes samples like this “Imp Card” customers could customize with their name.