DAVID P. ABBOTT

Kansas Psychic Gene Dennis’ Personal Copy of David P. Abbott’S Occult Draft of Wonder Girl: An Investigation of the Famous Kansas Phenomenon C1930s

Seattle, Washington. Softcover. On offer is a fabulous piece of American occult history, being the personal copy of a draft of David P. Abbott’s Wonder Girl: An Investigation of the Famous Kansas Phenomenon, belonging to the subject of the then-unpublished book, Gene (Eugenie) Dennis (1904-1948). Written in pencil, the cover of the draft document reads “Property of Gene Dennis Important Do Not Destroy” and “Gene Dennis Liberty Theatre Seattle, Wash”. This copy was likely in Gene’s possession while she was living in Washington and performing at her husband, John Grey Von Herberg’s (1877–1947) theatres. The document itself is a typewritten draft of Abbott’s 62-page book, covering his own investigation into Dennis and her powers, which he undertook in the early 1920s. He includes very specific recollections of conversations with Dennis and of her demonstrations of her powers. This small book was published in 1992 by Walter Graham, though it is unclear as to where one might now acquire a copy. Tipped into the manuscript are a small photo of Dennis, a couple clipped news articles about Dennis’ successes as a clairvoyant, a letter thanking Dennis for her work, and a one-page typed document written about Dennis by Dick Reed, which refers to her as “world’s greatest psychic”, summarizes all the work she’s doing and tells a short story (possibly rooted in truth? ) about a lover Dennis took who was shot. BIO NOTES: Eugenie (Gene) Dennis was discovered to be a psychic as a child by a local tailor in her Kansas town. At age 16, Dennis became well-known after a newspaper article in the Minneapolis Star presented her as a mind reader who had found missing items among other things, including oil. David Phelps Abbott (1863-1934) , an author and magician who investigated psychics, invited her to visit him to test her powers. Abbott and Dennis remained friends and he remained involved in her career. He wrote Wonder Girl about his tests of her powers. The name Wonder Girl was said to have been given to her by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. She was also known as “the girl who amazed Einstein”. In 1935, Dennis secretly married the wealthy (and much older! ) Washington theatre owner, John G. Von Herbert. Together they had five children: Denny, Jay, Jensen, Jeannie and Virginia. Von Herbert died in 1947 and sadly, Dennis died only three months later in 1948 at the age of 44. This manuscript would make a remarkable addition to the collection of any 20th century American occult researcher or collector, or anyone interested in mediums, psychic phenomenon or female performers in the Roaring 20s and throughout the Great Depression. This soft-cover manuscript measures 10.0 inches by 8.5 inches and contains 76 pages. It is 82% complete. The cover is in good condition as is the binding. The pages are in good condition as well. The ephemera varies in condition with the newspaper clippings showing ++ signs of age. The manuscript is typed. Overall G. ; Manuscripts; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; 76 pages. Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0012234

Catalogue: 20th Century Manuscript

Keywords: Medium Experience

ALBERT FREDERICK ARTHUR GEORGE, GEORGE VI

1936 Facsimile Signed Letter by George VI, Former King of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

England, 1936. Non-Book. On offer is a facsimile Signed Letter of Albert Frederick Arthur George, George VI (1895-1952) Measuring 8 x 10-1/4 inches, this typed letter facsimile signed on King George's Jubilee Trust letterhead and dated July 1936. Very good condition. The letter was sent as something of a cover letter, along a copy of the first King George Jubilee Trust annual report (the report is not on offer here). BIO NOTES: George VI, King of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (1936-1952) and emperor of India (1936-1947). He acceded to the throne on the abdication of his brother Edward VIII and won enormous popularity by his dedication to his duties, especially during World War II.; Letters; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; 1 pages; Signed by Author. Very Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0012338

Catalogue: 20th Century Manuscript

Keywords: British Royalty Nobility Royal

MAX JOSEPH ASTUCK

1942 Diary and Extensive Ephemera Collection of a Pennsylvania Man Who Worked As a Weaver and Served in the Us Army During Wwii

Pennsylvania, United States, 1942. Hardcover. On offer is a delightful collection that includes the diary of a WWII soldier from Pennsylvania, and an extensive amount of accompanying ephemera that tells the story of the man behind the uniform. The diary belongs to Max Joseph Astuck (1915-2001). Astuck was born to parents John and Mary in Easton, Pennsylvania. He had two sisters and lived his entire life in Easton. He worked as a weaver for the Victor Bilota Belting Company. Astuck served in the US Army during World War II from July, 1941 through April, 1945. There is no available evidence that Max ever married or had children. The centrepiece of this collection is Astuck’s diary, in which he records his service in the army from January to July of 1942. From the accompanying ephemera, we know that Max was attached to the Army Air Corps, 14th Transport Squadron, based at the time in Augusta, Georgia. In his diary, Max records his daily life on duty, the mail that he receives from home and letters he has sent. He notes his duty shifts as well as other duty-related items. These include fairly rapid promotions He was drafted on July 23, 1941. On Feb 9, 1942 he was promoted to Corporal and not quite a month later, to Sergeant. He finished the war as a Sergeant. He notes his changes in pay as well. In 1942, much of Max’s work consisted of driving duties and he also notes flights he was able to take. He recounts many trips he took driving a truck. Some excerpts follow: "Got letter from home and one letter from Louis Gumiko and got some envelopes from home and a negative. Wrote one home. Made corporal" [Feb 9]. “Wrote a letter home and worked all day. Went to Ilana's house and met a girl named Bumble Bee and kissed her. Received a letter from home" [April 7]. “Big Convoy. Left Augusta at 9: A. M. Arrived at Fort Bragg 10: P. M. Drove all the way” [May 24]. “Packed all my clothes and turned in my locker to supply room. Received a letter from Joe Edmonds from Baltimore Maryland” [May 22]. “Drove truck all day hauling army equipment to railroad cars and worked all night. Received a letter from home. Packed all my clothes. Ten months I’m in the army” [May 23]. “Drove truck on Pope Field Hangar line. Got payed today, got $74.54. Made out a money order for $75 for father back home. Received letter from Frank Young. Send Victor and Sylvia home and a a pillowcase” [July 9]. The accompanying ephemera adds significant depth and richness to this simple diary. Included in the ephemera are many photographs. Lots of the pictures are of young women he obviously knew as inscriptions include “Love Ginny”, Love, Edith” and “Love Eileen” and others. There are also photos of older people, apparently family members. Two other images show aircraft that obviously flew in and out of airfields where he worked. One picture is almost an archetypal picture of a military truck mechanic, cap brim turned up, bent over the engine compartment of a Willys MB – the famed ‘jeep’ of the U. S. Army. Many of the photos are inscribed on the back. There are receipts from the Air Corps Tailor Shop at Pope Field as well as a Quartermaster Laundry list. There are newspaper clippings and some artwork. Of particular interest is a furlough pass dated April 10, 1942 granting him a two pass to visit Augusta, Georgia (where he knew a young woman) and two military driver licences. One is dated March 23, 1944 and was issued in England. This confirms that Astuck was in England during the preparations for Operation Overlord – the Normandy Invasion. This is not an exhaustive list of the ephemera. The three pages of names and addresses and a short list of birthdays Astuck has included in the back of his diary can be cross-referenced with names attached to the ephemera for a deeper insight into Astuck’s world. For a historian, it is an excellent example of the minutia of daily life for troops in support roles For a social historian, it illustrates through words and pictures what one aspect of life was like in those early war years. The diary is a 5-year diary and it approximately measures 5.25 x 4.0 inches. The cover is a pebbled leather and is in good condition. The binding is intact but it is loose. There are 365 pages and all are intact and in good condition. There is a closure strap and buckle. The handwriting is legible. Although it is a 5 year diary (1942-1947) there are only entries for January to mid-July, 1942.; Manuscripts; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; 365 pages; Signed by Author. Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0012257

Catalogue: 20th Century Manuscript

Keywords: Labourer Sargeant 2

ELIZABETH HAZEN BEARD (NEE SHERBORNE OR SHERBURNE)

1948 Journal of Written Lectures on Literature, Covering Famous Massachusetts Authors and Analysis of Children’S Literature

Worcester, Massachusetts, 1948. Hardcover. On offer is an interesting journal kept by a very well-read woman in mid-century Massachusetts. The journal belonged to Elizabeth Hazen Beard (nee Sherborne or Sherburne) (1909-1993). She was born in Worcester, Massachusetts to parents Mary Alicia Hazen and WIlliam Frances Sherborne (Sherburne) , where she lived her entire life. She attended Milford High School and then Massachusetts College of Art and Design. She married Sidney Beard, a tool maker, and together they had two sons, David and William. This journal has multiple components, though its main focus is on Beard’s literary interests. Though census data indicates that Beard did not have a career outside of the home, it seems she was part of a literary society or other academic club. In this journal she writes what seems to be a lengthy lecture about contemporary children’s literature, where she discusses the benefits of reading for children as well as several children’s books and authors. Some of the children’s books she discusses are Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McClaskey, a book of animal stories by George Duplaix, The Little History of the United States by Mable Pyne, Airplane Ready by Sanford Tuasey, Little Boat Boy by Jean Bothwell. Later in the journal, she writes another lengthy lecture where she focuses on the Massachusetts literary scene including its authors Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson, places famous local authors wrote their masterpieces, local landmarks that are important in literature and more. Her final lecture that she recorded in this journal is titled “Reading I have Enjoyed”. Here she writes extensively on the book Early American Decoration by Esther Brazer. Beard is well-written, bright, thoughtful and deeply passionate about literature. Her written lectures read like elaborate book reports with added elements of history and philosophy. Another interesting feature of the journal are two essays dealing with geopolitics - completely unrelated to Beard’s work on literature. These two essays are written in a hand that is not Beard’s (and the author is unknown). The first essay is titled “Changing Ideas of Empire (England” and the second is untitled but is about the West’s relationship with Russia and the Cold War. One of the essays is written within the pages of the journal and the second is tipped in. Both are written by an intelligent and knowledgeable author, and are written as speeches, just as Beard’s entries are. These were written much later than Beard’s work, as they reference a deep conflict between ‘West” and Russia, focused on Russia fomenting Muslim discontent in Iran. There is no hint as to who is the author of these two sections. Some brief excerpts follow: “Reading is one of life’s recreations. Thoughtful parents, teachers and friends should help to instill the love of books with as sure a place and as great patience as are employed in cultivating good manners, honesty, unselfishness, and other fundamental habits of life…”. “Mass is rich with places of literary interest and abounds with scenes reminiscent of our best loved authors. If certain of your pet authors receive little or no mention in this paper, I hope you will forgive these sins of omission, as time permits me to mention only a few of the many. Reading I Have Enjoyed The book I have chosen for my subject is one that I am constantly reading and referring to as an enthusiast of handwork and decoration…”. For anyone with an interest in 20th century literature and literary endeavours, this is a must-own manuscript. It would also be of interest to a gender studies program, as Beard is recorded in the history books as a “Housewife”, yet this journal presents her as a bright and brilliant mind with much going on outside of her domestic life. The journal measures about 9x7 inches and contains 84 pages. It is about 90% complete. The book is hardcover and the covers are in good condition. There is some wear on the corners. The binding is in good condition and the pages are glued and sewn, though loosening. The lined pages are in good condition. The handwriting is quite legible. Overall Good. ; Manuscripts; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; 84 pages; Signed by Author. Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0012258

Catalogue: 20th Century Diary; 20th Century Manuscript; 20th Century Rare Book

DR. GEORGE ADLER BLUMER

1935 Manuscript Note and Autograph of Canadian Psychiatrist Dr. George Adler Blumer

Canada, Rhode Island, Toronto, Providence. Non-Book. On offer is a manuscript letter, written and signed on the reverse of a postcard by Dr. George Alder Blumer (1857-1940) , Canadian psychiatrist who initially worked under Toronto's C. K. Clarke. Dated Providence, Rhode Island, 24 [March] 1935, Dr. Blumer writes to his colleague, Clarence R. Farrar, Head of the Toronto Psychiatric Hospital. Dr. Farrar was also a colleague of C. K. Clarke. In this note, Blumer tells Farrar that he is sending along a photograph he had taken (no photo included here). BIO NOTES: Alder Blumer, was a Canadian psychiatrist who worked mainly in the United States. He was a prominent psychiatrist who was widely published on the topics of dementia, eugenics, and other psychiatric topics. Blumer's career in the world of the asylum moved from state-run progressivism in Toronto under C. K. Clarke (mid-1880s- 1899) , to custodial care of poor patients in a large public asylum in Utica, New York (1899-1902) , to Butler Hospital in Rhode Island (1902-21) , which dealt with a selected population of "curable" affluent patients. His interest in eugenics, that is, in negative eugenics, with its emphasis on the incurable nature of mental disease and defect, especially among the poor was at its peak during his Utica years, and faded when his patient population altered. Overall VG. ; Manuscripts; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; 1 pages; Signed by Author. Very Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0012353

Catalogue: 20th Century Manuscript

Keywords: Doctor Healthcare System

DAVID BOYLE

1901 Manuscript Note from Noted Canadian Archaeologist David Boyle

Ontario, Canada, 1901. Non-Book. On offer is an autographed note, written and signed by David Boyle [1842-1911]. Dated Jan. 2, 1901, Toronto, on Ontario Historical Society letterhead, to unidentified recipient. Message "Wishing you and the two little girls a very Happy New Year." BIO NOTES: David Boyle (1842-1911) was appointed Canada’s first full - time professional archaeologist by the Canadian Institute Museum in 1888. Boyle was born in Greenstock, Scotland and emigrated with his family to Western Canada in 1856. Moving from a career as a blacksmith, to bookseller, and in 1896 to a position as curator at the Ontario Provincial Museum, Boyle laid important foundation for the development of archaeological study in Ontario preceding the foundation of the Royal Ontario Museum. He remained a curator at the Ontario Provincial Museum until his death in 1911. [quoted from ROM fonds notes]. One page, 8vo. Damaged with large chips missing from right hand edge (with loss of part of 1 letter in the text and parts of 2 letters of the signature) ; closed tears at the Folds. Fair condition. ; Manuscripts; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; 1 pages; Signed by Author. Fair with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0012379

Catalogue: 20th Century Manuscript

Keywords: Archaeology Canadiana Artifact

GEORGE WILLIAMS BROWN

1948 Manuscript Draft of a Review of the Report on the Public Archives of Canada by George Williams Brown

Canada, 1948. Non-Book. On offer is a handwritten and corrected draft written and signed by Canadian historian and editor George Williams Brown [1894-1983]. The draft is of a review of a Report on the Public Archives of Canada Written from the University of Toronto, in pencil on both sides. Signed George W. Brown. Dated circa 1848 by mention of the appointment of Dr. W. K. Lamb as Dominion Archivist. BIO NOTES: George Williams Brown PhD, LLD, FRSC was a Canadian historian and editor. In 1925 joined the History Department at the University of Toronto, where he taught Canadian and American History. From 1953 to 1954 he was Canadian visiting Commonwealth Fellow at the Royal Institute of International Affairs and the Institute of Commonwealth Studies, University of London. He served as president of the Canadian Historical Association (1943-44) and was elected a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada in 1945. He received an honorary doctorate from the University of British Columbia in 1952. In 1959 he retired and became Professor Emeritus and in the same year, became the founding General Editor of the Dictionary of Canadian Biography (DCB). A gold medal is presented annually in his name to the top graduating history student at Victoria College. A collection of Brown's papers, in particular with reference to his involvement with the Canadian Historical Review, is held in the York University Archives, Toronto. Single sheet of lined paper, 4to. Frayed along the left side without loss of text and quite creased, otherwise in good condition.; Manuscripts; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; 2 pages; Signed by Author. Fair with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0012378

Catalogue: 20th Century Manuscript

Keywords: Canadiana

DOUGLAS BRYMNER

1900 Letter About Hemp Production and Sir Joseph Banks from Canadian Politician Douglas Brymner

Canada, 1900. Non-Book. On offer is a letter, written and signed by Canadian politician Douglas Brymner to Canadian lawyer and historian James Coyne. Dated Department of Agriculture, 5th March 1900 sending information to the Canadian historian Coyne on the production of hemp and mentioning the British authority, Sir Joseph Banks. BIO NOTES: Douglas Brymner was a Canadian politician, journalist, and civil servant and archivist. He immigrated to Canada with his wife and son. They settled at Melbourne, Lower Canada, where Brymner made an unsuccessful attempt at farming. He turned to journalism and in 1864 moved his family to Montreal, where he assumed the editorship of the Presbyterian; at the same time he joined the editorial staff of the Montreal Herald and for a time represented it in the parliamentary press gallery in Ottawa. At age 48, Brymner made a fresh start in a new career in 1872 moving to Ottawa where he had accepted an appointment to the Department of Agriculture as clerk in charge of archives. In his first year, he discovered a cache of union-period financial records and in Halifax he investigated a collection of British military material, some 400,000 documents, that was destined for shipment to England. As head of the Canadian archives for 30 years, Brymner amassed an impressive library of books and pamphlets, and over 3,100 volumes of hand-copied and bound manuscripts. In recognition of his efforts, Queen’s College in Kingston awarded him an lld in 1892 and three years later he was elected a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. JamesHenry Coyne, FRSC was a Canadian lawyer, soldier and historian. He studied law in St. Thomas and was called to the Ontario Bar in 1874. He practiced law in St. Thomas. During the Fenian raids of 1866, Coyne joined the St. Thomas Rifles and served in three campaigns in London, Port Stanley, and Sarnia. From 1898 to 1902, he was President of Ontario Historical Society and was a member of Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada from 1919 to 1930. In 1906 he was made a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and served as its president from 1926 to 1927. Two pages, 8vo. Paper with age toning and one word smudged, and someone has written in pencil on the blank side of the page the name and position of the author. Otherwise, very good condition. ; Manuscripts; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; 1 pages; Signed by Author. Good+ with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0012380

Catalogue: 20th Century Manuscript

Keywords: Canadiana Politics Government

ELIZABETH CALAWAY

1936-1940 Pennsylvania Diary Highlighting the Immense Burden and Resilience of Middle Aged Womanhood and the Power of Community

Girard, Pennsylvania Penn PA, 1936-1940. Hardcover. On offer is the Five Year "A Line A Day" diary of Mrs. Elizabeth Strobel Calaway (1889-1983) from Girard, Pennsylvania. Calaway was a teacher and she wrote religiously and extensively from 1936-1940, when she was aged 47 through 51. Elizabeth was married to George Arthur Calaway [sometimes Caloway], who worked as a contractor. They had one child, Alice Calaway (1916-2010). Elizabeth’s diary demonstrates the unbelievable (and sometimes unbearable) burden on a middle class working woman in 1930s America. Each morning she was up and off to work at her job as a teacher, walking in all weather. When not at work she was supporting her adult daughter, Alice, who still lived at home, and her husband, whose health was always tenuous. She was also volunteering for the Church, sewing and crocheting, attending events at the IOOF (International Order of Odd Fellows) , playing games with friends (the game ‘500’ was a particular favorite). She was tending to the garden, canning veggies and attending lectures, theater productions and concerts. She also never missed a school party with her beloved pupils. Somehow, in her ‘spare time’, she managed to cultivate a massive social circle, almost too many friends to name, though she name drops constantly - a treat for any genealogy buff. Her best friends seemed to have been the Graftons and the Stancliffes. Elizabeth writes simply but tells us everything that happens in her days, for example: “First ride we had in our new Coupe. A very large crowd to hear “Landon”. He was a splendid speaker…George came to Chautaugua. Alice and I came home” [Aug 24, 1936]. Life became increasingly complicated for Elizabeth in December of 1936, when her journaling becomes a hybrid of her daily activities and a log of George’s health status. At first her notes were simply little additions to descriptions of her rich days: “George sick” and “called Dr. For George”. In January, 1937, her entries became more focused on George. One day George seemed better, the next day he could not even move. On January 5, 1937, she moved their marital bed downstairs to accommodate George. Soon, the Calaway’s community began pitching in, helping to care for George. Elizabeth’s diary for the rest of 1937 oscillates between commenting on her robust work life and social life, and commenting on George’s condition.. Exactly one year before George’s eventual death, Elizabeth’s diary entry reads: “Much cooler. George felt sick all day. I sewed. Fixed a quilt for Miss Monahan. Picked my tomatoes” [Aug 23, 1937]. Her Memoranda for 1937: “George sick all year long. Sometimes better than worse. It has been a hard year”. George eventually died on Aug 23, 1938 at age 51. Clippings of his newspaper death announcement and obituary are tucked into Elizabeth’s diary. The day of George’s death, Elizabeth wrote: “Very cool morning and night. George still breathing. We staid [sic] alone last night. At 8: 20 he passed away. Alice hadn’t finished her breakfast. We went to Erie. Bev Davison took us. Picked out casket. A very hard day”. With her usual energy, Elizabeth carried on. She did not have time to wallow in grief, though she did note visiting the cemetery on occasion. By 1940, her daughter Alice seems to be working in nearby Erie and Elizabeth visited regularly, bringing her home on weekends. Elizabeth and Alice also take a short vacation to New York City to attend the World’s Fair. Some excerpts to give the flavor of the diary in 1939 and 1940: “Very warm day. Singed and washed turkey. Worked quite hard until nearly two o’clock. Went to a lecture in evening very good” [July 21, 1939]. “Warmer. Quite a bit of snow but driving good. Let school out early. Went over home. Ate with Ma. We killed a rooster and picked it. Alice was home and had her supper. Miss Monahan staid [sic] here” [Nov 22, 1939]. “Very warm day. Got up early and started for New York City. Alice drove most of the way. Visit Picadilly Hotel. Cleaned up and went to see the Statue of Liberty. Didn’t get to bed until late” [June 12, 1940]. “Rather warm all day. Took Subway to the Fair. Took in many sights and walked until we were very tired. Sit on the Balcony of Pa. Building to see Colors of water and Fireworks. Got home at hotel rather late” [June 13, 1940]. “Very hot sun. The girls went to Church. We got up a little early. Done up work. Got chicken dinner. Made ice cream. Went for a ride. Looked at new houses. ” [June 16, 1940]. This diary would be an absolutely crucial addition to the collection of a women’s studies scholar as Elizabeth Calaway so completely explores every aspect of the middle age woman’s experience in the years leading up to World War II, though she does not discuss the war. This diary also contains a plethora of first and last names of friends and colleagues living in Pennsylvania at the time, a gem of a diary for a genealogist. The diary is leather bound and measures 4” x 5.5”. It is 100% complete (though she does not use the Memoranda or Special Notes sections, with one exception). The cover, spine and pages are all intact with only a small amount of age toning to the pages. The diary clasp is also attached. Overall VG. ; Manuscripts; 24mo 5" - 6" tall; 365 pages; Signed by Author. Very Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0012030

Catalogue: 20th Century Diary; 20th Century Manuscript; 20th Century Rare Book

Keywords: Female Authors Widows 20th American

SAMUEL COURTAULD

1945 Letter from Art Collector Samuel Courtauld to Artist and Rabbi Frederick Solomonski Regarding the Piece "in the Forest"

England, 1945. Non-Book. On offer is a typed letter, signed by Samuel Courtauld (1876-1947) , written to Fredrick "Fritz" Solomonski (1899-1980). This letter is dated July 16, 1945 on 12 North Audley Street, W1 (London) letterhead. Addressed to Mr. Solomonski, Courtauld writes to Solomonski requesting the delivery of a painting of the artist's which he has purchased titled "In the Forest" Courtauld asks that the painting be delivered to his address following the closure of Solomonski's exhibition and states he will send a cheque to Solomonski "in due course". Courtauld signs the letter in ink. BIO NOTES: Fritz (Fredrick) Solomonski, a German refugee, living and exhibiting in Britian. Refers to the potential viewing of Solomonski’s work “In the Forest”. Very Good condition. Dr. Frederick K. “Fritz” Solomon (née Solomonski) (1899-1980) , painter, was born in Berlin, Germany in 1899. In 1938, when the synagogue he was serving at was torched by Nazis and he was subsequently summoned by the Gestapo, he left Germany with his wife, Margot, and emigrated to England. Solomonski was interned in the Isle of Man in Hutchinson Square camp in the early 1940’s as a prisoner of war along with many other artists. Samuel Courtauld was an English industrialist (great-nephew of textile magnate Samuel Courtauld) who is best remembered as an art collector. He founded the Courtauld Institute of Art in London in 1932 and, after a series of gifts during the 1930s, bequeathed his collection to it upon his death. By the early 20th century, the Courtauld family business had become a major international company, having successfully developed and marketed rayon, an artificial fibre and inexpensive silk substitute. Samuel Courtauld took charge of the firm from 1908 as general manager and as chairman from 1921 to 1946.The letter measures 4-1/2 x 7 inches and is a typed signed note.; Manuscripts; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; 1 pages; Signed by Author. Very Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0012336

Catalogue: 20th Century Manuscript

Keywords: Judaica

GORDON WESTOVER DOOLITTLE

1913 Diary of a Lovestruck, Flawed University of Toronto Student, Son of Prominent Canadian, Dr. Perry Ernest Doolittle

Toronto, Ontario Canada, 1913. Softcover. On offer is the 1913 coming-of-age diary of Gordon Westover Doolittle (1891-1972) of Toronto. Gordon was the son of prominent Canadian, Dr. Perry Ernest Doolittle (1861-1933) , a surgeon whose true love was transportation. Dr. Doolittle was well-known as the “King of Canadian Roads” and the “Father of the Trans-Canada Highway”. While our diarist did not achieve his father’s level of notoriety, his diary exposes a deeply sensitive, flawed and glaringly intelligent young man. Through his words the reader is transported back to early 20th Century Toronto in all its pre-war glory. [BIO NOTES on Gordon and Percy Doolittle can be found at the end of this summary]. Gordon Doolittle kept this diary August 27 through November 7, 1913, while he was a second year arts student at the University of Toronto, where he pledged Phi Delta Theta. During this time, Gordon was coping with challenges in the dating department, intense academics, pondering the meaning of friendship, and taking the lead in beginning a social club. He treats his diary like a friend and writes honestly and regularly. In his first entry he has just returned from a summer working construction on the Transcontinental Railroad in Grant, Ontario, which is now a ghost town. The next day, his entry introduces us to one of the many women in his life. An excerpt follows: “...called on Helen Jackson…We had a fine talk together and at last Helen realizes that I will always feel the same toward her as a brother so we celebrated the fifth anniversary of our fraternity” [Aug 28, 1913]. On August 30, Gordon begins talking about Doris, a young woman for whom he pines throughout his diary, and who repeatedly rejects his romantic overtones. Excerpts follow: “Doris came home to-day from Prouts Neck…she refused to let me hold her hand and says she must remain an ice box for some time to come” [Aug 30, 1913]. “Doris tried to teach me to do the new dance on the verandah but I do not approve. We danced all evening…Doris objected to seeing me smoking cigarettes…” [Sept 6, 1913]. “...I went down to see Doris and she told me I was not to speak to her or think of her as more than a friend. I wrote and told her that I would not speak but that I could not help thinking and said that my journals this summer were written to her as more than a friend they were wrong for her to have them and that I would like Irene to have them as she shared my love…” [Sept 17, 1913]. “My life has not been very good. Up till three days ago I have smoked. Doris then found out called me a Hypocrit [sic] and a coward and called off any idea of mine as to more than friendship. I have decided to do Gods will and prove that I am a man and work hard” [Nov 8, 1913]. In late September, Gordon begins to focus on the proposal and eventual development of a Social Culture Club he wants to form through the university. Its founding members will be Gordon and his friends. Meetings will be held at his home, 619 Sherbourne Street, and members are required to agree to a club constitution and give “serious consideration” to the club’s monthly discussion topics. The club would discuss “literature, music, art, religion, experiences, athletics”. He records their first meeting in early October. In between discussing his studies, his love life, his social life and his future plans, Gordon inadvertently writes a love letter to Toronto, dropping in references to places and events that would make any modern-day Torontonian nostalgic. Excerpts follow: “...went out to the Exhibition we had a fine time…we took in the midway and I was nearly sick..saw the grandstand performance…” [Sept 2, 1913]. “...we walked down to the Metropolitan and walked home…we took the car to Reservoir Park and walked to her place for tea…took Doris to church at St. Paul’s…” [Sept 7, 1913]. “Florence drove me downtown [to] the Royal Alexandra and we saw ‘The Blindness of Virtue’ a fine play on the dangers of not telling children the truth about sexual relations. We walked home. ” [Sept 13, 1913]. “I took Doris to the Strand then tea at Brown Betty. We called for a dress at Eatons and walked home” [Oct 11, 1913]. A particularly touching component of Gordon’s diary is that he transcribes letters he writes for his memories. Notably, he spends six pages transcribing a letter that he wrote to his best friend, Lillah Worthington, on the topic of friendship. He composed the letter to give to her to read while she was on a train headed to Cleveland on holiday. A short excerpt follows: “They say one is judged by his friends and this must be because our character is shown by the choice we make as it is indeed shown by all our actions, and what a choice we have! Fat ones, thin ones, good or bad, we can really have any kind of friends we like…” [Sept 11, 1913]. While Gordon only writes for a few months, a very fulsome picture of this 21-22 year old man emerges, as does a picture of the beautiful city that was his playground. This diary is a gem as it is rare to find male diarists who give so much detail about their feelings and flaws. This journal measures 8.25 inches by 4.25 inches and contains 44 pages. It is 100% complete. The cover is a heavier paper and is in good condition. There is some light staining around the edges. The binding is coming loose but remains mostly in tact, and all the pages are in good condition. The handwriting is legible. Overall G. BIO NOTES: Gordon Westover Doolittle: Born September 29, 1891, Gordon was a graduate of the St. Andrew’s College Cadet Corps. He attended the University of Toronto and graduated with an Arts degree in 1916. During his tenure at U of T, Gordon enlisted in the Canadian Army during World War I. He served in England as a part of the Canadian Expeditionary Force with the Eaton Armoured Car Battery. Following university, Gordon worked for Burroughs Adding Machine Co and later with Geo. B Williams, selling real estate and insurance in Toronto. He spent time in Britain, and married Anne Muriel Lake Doolittle (1890-1952) there in 1916. While there, he joined the Great Britain Royal Aero Club Aviators’. He held the title of Lietenant in the Royal Flying Corps. Back in Toronto, Anne and Gordon lived in the borough of East York at 22 Glebeholme Avenue. Existing records do not show any children born to the couple. BIO NOTES: Dr Perry Ernest Doolittle (1861-1933) (These notes are taken from https: //www.mountpleasantgroup.com/en-CA/General-Information/Our-Monthly-Story/st ory-archives/mount-pleasant-cemetery/PE-Doolittle. Aspx and were written by Mike Filey in the bookMount Pleasant Cemetery: An Illustrated Guide Second Edition Revised and Expanded). “Recognized as "the father of the Trans-Canada Highway," This was the first of many of his cycling creations, and, between 1881 and 1890, Doolittle won more than fifty cycling trophies including the 1883 Canadian championship. Doolittle also constructed the nation's first motorcycle and it was his deep interest in riding his creations that made him such a strong advocate for improved roads. Doolittle became an even stronger advocate of good roads and with a few friends established the Toronto Automobile Club, forerunner of the modern CAA. In addition to advocating what would become years later the Trans-Canada Highway and a uniform set of traffic regulations from coast-to-coast, Doolittle was also largely responsible for officials in British Columbia, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island changing their respective province's basic rule of the road from "keep to the left" to "keep to the right." By doing so, as Doolittle kept pointing out, they too could take advantage of the money being spent by touring American automobile drivers. Doolittle died at his Sherbourne Street residence on December 31, 1933 at the age of 72.”; Manuscripts; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; 44 pages; Signed by Author. Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0011119

Catalogue: 20th Century Manuscript

Keywords: Canadiana History

HAROLD EDMUND (EDWIN) DRAKE

1918-1919 Diary of an Intelligent, Witty Us Army Medic Exploring France While Stationed in Rumaucourt As the War Drew to Its Close

Rumaucourt, France, 1918-1919. Softcover. On offer is an excellent, intensely detailed World War I diary kept by a bright, well-written young man named Harold Edmund (sometimes Edwin) Drake (1897-1987) , who would become a well-respected dentist in his home state of Ohio following his time in the service. Military records show that Drake was trained for service at Camp Crane. He was in the Camp Crane Unit #17 August Automatic Replacement Unit (Medical). Camp Crane was a World War I United States Army Ambulance Service (USAAS) training camp, located in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Its mission was to train ambulance drivers to evacuate casualties on the Western Front in France. In September 1918, Drake was deployed to France, sailing on the USS Maui. When Drake commences this diary (which he clearly states is his second since entering the service; his first entry begins “Continued from Book 1”) he is stationed in Rumaucourt, France. Rumaucourt is in the Pas de Calais region. This region was in the heart of the WWI conflict and one of the principal theatres of the war. Many major battles took place between 1914 and 1918, including Vimy Ridge, Arras, Artois, and Cambrai. Drake recounts his day-to-day existence at Rumaucourt, sometimes with a very wry sense of humour. “My diary as a US Soldier (I wasn’t really a soldier, just being attached to the army for rations, etc but it sounds swell) ” [Inside front cover]. He does not identify his unit but context confirms that he is a Sergeant, later promoted to Sergeant-Major. Context also suggests that he is serving in one of the many Convalescent Hospitals near the front. What makes Drake’s diary special is the level of detail in which he writes, both about his experiences as a soldier overseas and of his experience as a bright and engaged young man taking advantage of this accidental travel opportunity. His entries are long and he writes with wit and, sometimes, poetically. His entries take a turn after the Treaty of Versailles is signed in June, 1919, and he discovers he will not be immediately returned to America. His disdain for the army in which he is committed to serve is palpable. Some excerpts follow, to give a sense of how Drake wrote about his work and his play: “12: 20 AM and I am sitting at an oil-cloth covered table in the Red Cross hut at Is-Sur-Tille. Our instructions are to be at Rumaucourt station in time to catch the American Rocade for Chaumont. Well we arrived at about 12: 45 and started to wait. When it was about time for the train to arrive, the RLO announced that it would be a very crowded train so he would put us on the 3: 29 ‘Frog’ train. So we started in to wait once more. Time is the most abundant thing a French railroad possesses. 3: 29 came and passed…” [Feb 18, 1919]“Walked around the grounds in bright sunshine and climbed out on the cliffs, where we had a fine view of the cape and the town on the other side of the harbor. The sea of deep blue with the villas of white [together? ] with the red tile roofs made a most beautiful picture. On the shore to the left was the mountains with their tops enveloped in clouds. After dinner we caught the first car into town to take the trip there. The “Old City” and “Chateau Hill” which started from the “Y” at 2: 15pm. Saw a hotel in which Napoleon and a Pope or two had stopped, the Hotel de Hills or City Hall, and the ancient palace of the Duchess of Savoy, an ancient church which was begun about the 15th century. Very beautiful inside…” [Feb 20, 1919 - this is a brief excerpt of his four page account of a vividly detailed description of a guided evening tour of town that he took. On May 30, he travels to Versailles for another guided tour and writes another three vividly detailed pages about the history, sights and sounds of the place amidst war]. “…BH [Base Hospital] 52 and 58 left this afternoon on the first lap of their trip home. They were delayed a bit at the depot as their train of “ Hommes 40 Chevaux 8 “ was believed a wreck. This wreck was caused in a wood very near St. B... The pilot of an airplane fell from his machine at quite a height and fell near the track His machine flew for about a mile and then crashed onto the train smashing in and derailing a car of men Two men were injured and the observer is not expected to live. The pilot was found dead along the track. Probably first time in history that a plane has wrecked a train” [Mar 8, 1919]. “Work about as usual. Peace signed at 3 P. M. [he refers to the Treaty of Versailles]. Parade tonight - Lebanon can put on a better parade than that” [June 28, 1919]. “...No liberty for anyone. A grand and glorious fourth! From the news at present it looks as tho we would be here for a while. Am disgusted with the army and all pertaining to it” [July 5, 1919]. For a historian, this is a superb, first-hand account of a soldier’s daily life at the close of WWI. In plain but well-written English he describes events and circumstances that never make it into the history textbooks but are the all-too-real experiences of life in the army during wartime. This is a fine addition to any collection of first-hand accounts of WWI and is an excellent example of primary-source documentationBIO NOTES ON HAROLD E. DRAKE: Harold Edmund (sometimes called Edwin) Drake (1897-1987) was born to parents Frank and Ida in Lebanon, Ohio. He enlisted to the US Army on July 20, 1918 and was honourably discharged on October 2, 1919. Upon returning to Ohio from his service, Drake became a dentist. Dr. Harold Drake married Dolla Pauline Spencer in 1947. Sadly, Spencer’s father passed away shortly before the wedding, so it was an understated affair. The couple had no children. Harold was accepted as a member of the Sons of the American Revolution as the direct ancestor of Private Joseph Drake (b. 1744) of New Jersey. Joseph Drake was his great-great-great paternal grandfather. This diary measures 5.5 inches by 3.5 inches. It is a standard-issue pocket notebook, a precursor to today’s Field Message Pad (FMP). Each page is printed with a faint grid pattern overlay. The notebook has 100 pages and is about 90% complete. The cover is in good condition save for some chipping and loss of leather at the spine. The binding is intact and the pages present age toning that does not interfere with readability.. The handwriting is legible. Overall G. ; Manuscripts; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; 100 pages; Signed by Author. Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0011160

Catalogue: 20th Century Diary; 20th Century Manuscript; 20th Century Rare Book

EVA MAE BENDER EATON

1949 Diary of a Stoic Liverpool, New York Widow and Woman of Faith, Making Ends Meet by Keeping the Homes of Others

Liverpool, New York, 1949. Softcover. On offer is the simple diary of Eva Mae (Bender) Eaton (1887-1969). Eva was born in upstate New York to parents Wilson and Clara (Rowe) Bender. She married Ransford Chas Eaton (1878-1939) in 1908. Between 1913 and 1918, Eva and Ransford had three children, Francis, Eugene and Howard. In 1927, they had baby Lois, who died at age 17 after a long illness. Eva kept this diary five years after Lois died, and 10 years after she was widowed. Eva writes most every day of 1949. She writes only the facts of what occurred each day, betraying absolutely no emotion, even when writing on the 5th anniversary of her daughter’s death (July 4, 1949). However, her entries paint the picture of a 57-year-old woman who is hanging on and surviving all alone, finding moments of joy in outings when possible. While Eva has three living adult children, she doesn’t mention them. The only names she writes are those of her employers - local women who have given her work - and their children, for whom she provides care. She works long days as a domestic helper…and then she returns to her own home and continues working to maintain the house. In some cases Eva writes of working for the same women she socializes with. Although Eva had only a sixth grade education, she made the most of her skills. She was a deeply religious woman and despite toiling all week long, she was a devout church-goer on Sundays. Some brief samples of her entries follow: “Fair and mild. I worked for Mrs. Pfohl from 9 AM until 3 PM and stopped at Mary’s house on the way home” [Jan 13]. “...I painted the bed in the small bedroom in the AM and ironed all PM and evening” [Mar 27]. “Fair and cool. I worked for Mrs. Montague from 9 AM til 3 PM. Mary and I went to show in the evening ... Saw Family Honeymoon” [Mar 31]. “Slight rain and cool. I worked for Ella Mae in AM and stayed with Edna’s children in PM while her and Mary went to Memorial Hospital…” [Apr 23]. “Decoration Day. We went to see Parade in AM. I went to cemetery and washed in the PM” [May 30]. “Fair and mild. I did our wash and did Mrs. Gettiman’s wash in PM. Helen went to city shopping. Rained in PM and night” [Sept 19]. While her entries are simple, the rhythm of Eva’s life gives a sense of her intense focus on survival and finding joy in the small moments. This diary provides a clear picture of a widow who never established herself independently before the death of her husband, now doing what it takes to get by. This small volume contains 52 pages and is 100% complete. It measures 6.25 inches by 4.0 inches. The covers are intact but there is notable surface damage to the front cover. The binding and spine are in good condition as are all of the pages. The handwriting is legible. ; Manuscripts; 16mo 6" - 7" tall; 52 pages; Signed by Author. Fair with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0011069

Catalogue: 20th Century Manuscript

Keywords: Christian Housekeeper Uneducated

ROBERT ANTHONY EDEN

1958 Personal Letter from Conservative Uk Prime Minister Robert Anthony Eden Regarding His Response to the Suez Crisis

England, 1958. Non-Book. On offer is a typewritten and hand signed letter marked 'personal' from Robert Anthony Eden (1897-1977) , 1st Earl of Avon and former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, to John Edwin Hunt of New Zealand. Eden writes this letter on Donhead House Shaftesbury blind embossed letterhead (Robert Anthony Eden lived at Donhead House for a year following the Suez Crisis of 1956). Dated July 31st, 1958. Marked PERSONAL. Eden writes to Hunt with appreciation for a letter Hunt had previously sent to him. Context indicates that Hunt had been complementary regarding Eden's perspective on the Suez Crisis. Eden then comments on the Suez Crisis of 1956: “I was quite sure that in time the purpose I had in mind would be understood. My only regret now is that the two years which have elapsed have made the task a very difficult one for the free world”. BIO NOTES: Robert Anthony Eden, 1st Earl of Avon was an English Conservative politician who was Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1955 to 1957. He was also Foreign Secretary for three periods between 1935 and 1955, including during World War II. He is best known for his outspoken opposition to appeasement in the 1930s; his diplomatic leadership in the 1940s and 1950s; and the failure of his Middle East policy in 1956 that ended his premiership. Suez in retrospect: Following the defeat of the Arab armies by Israel in the Six Day War of 1967, Eden's own reputation, not least in Israel and the United States, soared, and he was deluged with letters of the "you were right in 1956" variety. In 1986, Eden's official biographer Robert Rhodes James re-evaluated sympathetically Eden's stance over Suez and in 1990, following the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, James asked: "Who can now claim that Eden was wrong?". Such arguments turn mostly on whether, as a matter of policy, the Suez operation was fundamentally flawed or whether, as such "revisionists" thought, the lack of American support conveyed the impression that the West was divided and weak. Anthony Nutting, who resigned as a Foreign Office Minister over Suez, expressed the former view in 1967, the year of the Arab-Israeli Six-Day War, when he wrote that "we had sown the wind of bitterness and we were to reap the whirlwind of revenge and rebellion". Conversely, D. R. Thorpe, another of Eden's biographers, suggests that had the Suez venture succeeded, "there would almost certainly have been no Middle East war in 1967, and probably no Yom Kippur War in 1973 also". WikipediaThe letter measures 5 x 8 inches, was folded now flat with many folds and creases, typed signed letter. Signed in blue ink. Very Good condition; Manuscripts; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; 1 pages; Signed by Author. Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0012337

Catalogue: 20th Century Manuscript

Keywords: British Politicians

ALBERT EDWARD ELLIS

1929-1934 Archive of a Depression-Era Beat Cop’S Log Books and Ephemera Documenting His Patrols of Downtown Boston

Boston, Massachusetts. Softcover. On offer is an archive of nine logbooks and associated ephemera kept by a Boston police officer patrolling in the downtown core during the Great Depression. The police officer who kept these log books is Albert Edward Ellis (1897-1986) , a patrol officer with the Boston Police Department. Prior to entering the force, Ellis served in the US Army during World War I. He married Irene A. Kelley and they lived in Roslindale, MA with their two children, Jeanne and Albert. Ellis became a Mason in 1925. He kept these logs while working in downtown Boston for the Boston Police Department in his 30s. His badge number was T229.For each day he works, Ellis notes, at minimum, the intersection at which he is posted, the officer(s) who relieve him on his breaks, and many 6 digit automobile reference numbers of cars he observed. On many days, Ellis’ notes are more in-depth. Ellis makes exceptionally detailed field notes when there are incidents he will need to officially write up and report back at the station. Some incidents he details include handling a pocketbook theft, describing automobile accidents he witnesses, responding to civilian complaints such as open manholes, breaking up fights, and more. Some excerpts from his notes follow: “About 11.40 this PM I found the rear cellar door of 754 South street open…Walter’s Candy store…secured same at 1150 PM with Patrolman Locke. Reported to the station 11.55” [Sept 9, 1925]. “About 9 this AM while directing traffic at the corner of Boylston and Exeter street I gave the traffic in Exeter street a hand signal to start... I then heard the horn and noticed a Police car #103 coming…. I then gave a signal for the traffic I had just started to stop and gave the police car a hand signal to proceed…The operator of the taxi which I had started said he did not see the hand signal that I gave him to stop…. [the police car] was struck and turned over by a Peerless 20 Century Taxi…” [December 19, 1933]. “... Wanted for murder on Div #16 2 men/#1 – 22 6 150 med comp Blue suit Brown hat/#2 – 22-23 6 150 Brown suit and hat which did not fit at Hotel on Huntington Ave” [Sept 14, 1929]. “I found Bernard D. Mann 40 years old married of 15 Tirrell street Atlantic Mass Laying on the sidewalk in Dartmouth street in front of the library near Huntington Ave. He was taken to Boston City Hospital in the ambulance…[he] was found to be suffering from post Epileptis [sic]…his wife was notified” [Jan 28, 1931]. “Opening day for Liquor End of 18th Amendment” [Dec 5, 1933, Ellis refers here to the end of Prohibition]. Ellis also notes his days off work, vacation days, and breaks during his work day. Ellis’ writing is consistently professional in nature, his personal opinions and feelings never overtaking his professional judgment. Tipped into several of the logbooks are some additional police-related ephemera including: detailed, completed arrest cards, an envelope with photographic negatives, a form that was supposed to have been sent to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles to record a driving infraction, an official report on an incident (addressed to Captain Perley S. Skillings of Division 16). The final piece of ephemera provides the one and only hint as to who Ellis was as a person outside of his job - a postcard sent from a friend named “Strip”. In the postcard, Strip refers to Ellis as “Bozo” and makes some jokes that are decidedly politically incorrect. This archive is an absolutely fascinating glimpse into the work life of a beat cop working in the heart of downtown Boston in the first half of the 20th century. The names of Boston locals and fellow officers paired with the locations mentioned by Ellis provide rich information for those interested in the Boston region. Since Ellis notes his patrol intersection each day, these books may fill in some historical knowledge gaps about Eight of the diaries measure approximately 6.75” x 4” and contain 60 pages plus an additional two typewritten pages providing instructions to police officers about how to “Ascertain and Note” facts about traffic accidents and the “The Importance of Preserving Fingerprints”. The ninth book measures 6” x 3.75” and contains 140 pages (it is not an official police log book as the first eight are). The diaries are between 90-100% complete. The diaries were kept in 1925, 1929, 1930, 1931 and 1934. Each diary covers a few months of the year. 1929 and 1930 are the most heavily covered with three diaries completed for each of the two years. The covers, bindings and pages of all nine diaries are in good condition. The officer wrote in pencil and pen. All writing is legible. Overall VG. ; Manuscripts; 16mo 6" - 7" tall; Signed by Author. Very Good with no dust jacket .

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Book number: 0010313

Catalogue: 20th Century Diary; 20th Century Manuscript; 20th Century Rare Book

Keywords: Notebooks Urban