Forgotten Bookmarks

Egypt

2012-02-01T10:55:00.002-05:00

No bookmark today - I found this note written inside an old history book and wanted to share it:

Egypt

Egypt has the most lovely climate that the world can boast. The mechanical skill of the Egyptians has never been surpassed.

Persia, Greek and Roman have come and gone; Pagan, Jew and Christian and Muslim have built their temples - seen the glory and decline of their religions.

Isis and Osiris, Moses, Christ, Joseph, Caliphs, Mamelukes, Khedive, Haroun Al Raschid, Pharaohs, Cleopatra.

Six thousand years of assiduous cultivation of the soil has not diminished its fertility.

Found in "Outlines of Universal History From The Creation of the World to the Present Time" by Dr. George Weber. Published by Brewer and Tileston, 1853.

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Manifest Destiny

2012-01-31T10:52:00.001-05:00

Thank you note, of sorts, dated 9-2-02:

Chris,

Sorry that it has taken me so long to get this book back to you, but out of sight, out of mind. I had put it in a magazine rack and lost track of it. I'm sure the Chinese think they have a manifest destiny to rule not only S.E. Asia but the whole hemisphere. They may have a surprise waiting for them. Thanks for the loan. Again, sorry for the delay in returning the book.

Bob

Found in "Hegemon: China's Plan to Dominate Asia and the World" by Steven W. Mosher. Published by Encounter Books, 2000.

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Direct To Consumer

2012-01-30T13:19:00.001-05:00

Label from a can of Saltsea Brand Rhode Island Clam Chowder.

Found in "Choice Recipes" complied and published by the Women's Association of the Eliot Union Church, Lowell, Massachusetts, no date.

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History Winner

2012-01-28T10:09:00.000-05:00

This week's giveaway winner was Sheri Fenley, who entered right here on Forgotten Bookmarks.Many thanks to all of you who enter every week, I look forward to seeing your names for the next one.

Friday Giveaway: Nine Vintage History Books - contest closed

2012-01-27T10:46:00.003-05:00

It seems like I've been offering a lot of fiction lately, so I thought I would change things up this week. Here we have nine vintage history books, many are pre-1900.

Contest closed, winner announced shortly.

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Here's To You, Mr. Robinson

2012-01-26T11:08:00.001-05:00

Photograph from the studio of Fred Robinson, Geneva NY. No other names, dates or writing.

Found in "The Holy Bible: Volume II" published by R.H. Hinkley, no date, circa 1904. Yes, that's real wood in the binding.

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Gnostic Noms

2012-01-25T11:05:00.001-05:00

Recipe for Peanut Butter Mounds:

1 1/4 c. flour
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 c. margarine
1/2 c. peanut butter
1/2 c. packed brown sugar
1/2 c. sugar
1 egg

Roll into ball size of walnuts.

Place on cookie sheet (greased)

Flatten with fork. Top each cookie with corn flake topping.

Bake 375 degrees - 10-12 min.

Cornflake Topping

1/4 c. margarine
1/3 c. sugar
1 egg
3 c. cornflakes
1/2 c. chopped peanuts
3 tbl. chopped maraschino cherries
1/2 tsp. vanilla

Found in "The Gnostics" by Tobias Churton. Published by Barnes and Noble, 1997.

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Reading, Writing, Insulting

2012-01-24T12:51:00.000-05:00

A page from some kind of school planner, with assignments for various classes.

I don't know how they did thing back then, but I prefer to do my insulting on Fridays and suitcase returns on Monday. Get it right out of the way.

Found in "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain. Published by Signet, 1960.

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Honolulu Baby

2012-01-23T13:06:00.002-05:00

Lyrics (or instructions, if you prefer) for a square dance, probably called "Honolulu Baby."

(Chorus)
Allemand the left,
With the lady on your left
Grand right and left
with your lady,
Swing her when you meet _ _ _
Promenade your Honolulu Baby

First couple right,
Circle four hand round,
Change, swing the one you love truly,
Leave her alone,
go back where you belong
Swing with your
Honolulu Baby -

Lead to the next -

Repeat chorus and on to next couple and etc. until all couples have had their turn

Found in "Stylists on Style" by Louis Milic. Published by Scribners, 1969.

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Giveaway winner

2012-01-21T10:20:00.002-05:00

This week's giveaway winner was Tina S Rath, who entered on Facebook.

Friday Giveaway: 18 Vintage Children's Books - contest closed

2012-01-20T12:58:00.003-05:00

Friday is here again, this week's giveaway features 18 vintage series books, from Honey Bunch to Nan Sherwood (that Nan!) to the Hardy Boys.

Contest closed, winner announced shortly.

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Hangman, Wait A Little While

2012-01-19T13:31:00.001-05:00

Notebook paper with an adorable game of hangman.

Found in "Clifford Goes to Hollywood" by Norman Bridwell. Published by Scholastic, 1980.

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Poe giveaway winner

2012-01-19T10:25:00.000-05:00

TONS of entries. You guys must really like Poe.

Winner of the ten volume set was Reading Rambo, who entered right here on the site. I'll be contacting you shortly.

Thanks to all who entered, I'll try and get a post up today.

Recovery - contest closed

2012-01-18T11:39:00.002-05:00

Good morning all. I'm not quite sorted out from yesterday's mess, so a new bookmark will have to wait another day. Instead, I'm happy to offer up a giveaway:

"The Works of Edgar Allan Poe" in ten little volumes (they measure 4 inches by 7 inches). Published by John Hovendon, circa 1902. I know there's only nine in the photos, I left one on the shelf. Trust me, I have all ten.

Contest closed to entries, back with a winner in a few minutes.

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False Start

2012-01-17T11:09:00.002-05:00

The bookshop has been semi-closed for the last week plus; our employee has been on vacation, and I've been busy taking care of a new baby and a recovering wife. Today was set to be our re-opening day. I had spent much of Monday puttering around in the store, making sure everything was ready to go. Little did I know that a great beast was lurking behind the shelves, waiting to strike when the lights were down and I was safely tucked into bed.

The last few days have been cold, bitter cold. Sunday morning greeted me with a -11 F reading. It was cold enough to freeze the water pipes at the store. This was no great surprise, the pipes have frozen at least 50 times since we've been here. So as I was leaving the shop last night, I made sure to close up all the open faucets and turn-off valves in the bathroom, in case the pipes warmed overnight. It was a routine I've done many times.

I wanted to get an early start this morning, as with yesterday's holiday, we would have twice the orders to wrap up and get out. I was in by 7:30 or so, and the first thing I noticed when I walked in the door was that there was a big puddle. At first I thought some snow might have drifted under the door and melted, as the winds were high last night. Then I heard the sound. The great hissing of the beast.

It took me a second to realize what had happened and what I had to do. I sloshed though the water and over to the main shut-off. The hissing quieted, then stopped. I got up off the floor and took a good look; it was still mostly dark outside, and the only light was from the EXIT sign above the door. I noticed the reflection on the floor, rippling. This wasn't just a little water. It's a good thing I wore my boots.

Thank you for indulging me a bit. I'm a little overwhelmed. And sad. And angry... but I wanted to let you know where I've been this morning. For a moment, I wondered what I was doing here on Blogger in the middle of this emergency, but I realized that you all are my friends, and I'm here to share news with you, good or bad. Today is not good, but we're all alive and it appears that we have only lost about $10,000 in books or so. It could have been a lot worse...

The pipe burst right behind my desk, where we keep a lot of the expensive books, and where I keep all the forgotten bookmarks. I lost most of them:

So, we'll see what this week brings. I can't promise you anything, but you can be sure I'll do my best. Here are a few more pictures for you:

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Fourth

2012-01-16T11:00:00.001-05:00

Fourth place ribbon. The insignia at the top of the ribbon bears the following acronyms:

H.Y.C.
N.Y.C.
C.Y.C.
H.B.C.

Found in "The Metamorphosis" by Franz Kafka. Published by Bantam, 1981.

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"Romance" winner

2012-01-14T10:18:00.005-05:00

Winner of this week's giveaway was Bev Hankins, who entered right here on Forgotten Bookmarks.

Bev, I'll contact you shortly to arrange for delivery.

See you all next week!

Friday Giveaway: The Real America in Romance: contest closed

2012-01-13T11:23:00.002-05:00

This week's giveaway is a twelve volume set of American history - "The Real American in Romance: An Authentic History of America From the Discovery to the Present Day Profusely Illustrated With Portraits of Historical Characters and Views of the Sacred and Memorable Places of Our Native Land" edited by Edwin Markham, published in 1914.

As you can see from the photos, the complete set is thirteen volumes, this collection is missing the last one. Filled with illustrations and a handsome shelf look, I think they'll make a fine addition to your home library.

Contest closed, winner announced in a moment.

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Me Gusta

2012-01-12T13:34:00.003-05:00

Black and white photograph, no writing or dates on other side.

Found in ""Mary-'Gusta" by Joseph C. Lincoln. Published by A.L. Burt, 1916.

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Breadwinner

2012-01-11T10:55:00.002-05:00

Shopping list:

Yeast cakes
1 loaf of bread
1 loaf of whole wheat bread
raisins
Coffee
Baking Powder
Sunday Paper

Found in "365 Ways to Cook Hamburger" by Doyne Nickerson. Published by Doubleday, 1960.

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The Last Step

2012-01-10T10:52:00.001-05:00

Silk ribbon bookmark; written in green crayon (I think):

1908 * E.C.
BookMark F.O.

Found in "Stepping Heavenward" by Mrs. E. Prentiss. Published by Anson Randolph and Co., 1880.

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Stars and Stripes Forever

2012-01-09T14:36:00.002-05:00

I was packing up the set of book from Friday's giveaway and this old girl fell out of volume six:

The flag is eight inches by ten inches, and the material feel modern, like a silk/poly blend. Then again, what do I know about fabrics.

Found in "The Library of Choice Literature," volume six, published by Gebbie and Co., 1882.

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Giveaway winner

2012-01-07T13:21:00.001-05:00

This week's winner was Adele Maxson - who entered on Facebook.Many many thanks for all the kind words and well wishes this week - and for the fantastic participation in this week's giveaway. I think I'll have to offer more books to more winners next week.

Friday Giveaway: The Library of Choice Literature - contest closed

2012-01-06T09:01:00.001-05:00

Today's giveaway includes this handsome eight volume set, "The Library of Choice Literature," published by Gebbie and Co., 1882 Filled with illustrations, 66 steel engravings. Includes a wide range of authors; George Eliot, Charles Reade, John Keats, Lord Byron, Sophocles, Henry Fielding, Charles Dickens, Sir Walter Scott, Mary Shelley, Wordsworth, Matthew Arnold, Shakespeare... well, you get the picture. Gilt all edges, lovely decorated covers - just a nice old set.

Contest closed, winner announced shortly.

Good luck!

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Some News

2012-01-05T13:56:00.001-05:00

Apologies for no content yesterday; as some of you found out on Twitter and Facebook, my wife gave birth to a very happy and healthy baby girl (our first). We'll both have our hands full for the next couple of decades, but I promise to have some new bookmarks here for you soon - and I will do my best to get a giveaway up tomorrow. Feels natural to give back after so much has been given to us.

-Michael

Nice Parking Job

2012-01-03T13:49:00.003-05:00

Photograph, no writing on other side.

Found in "The Bluebird and The Sparrow" by Janette Oke. Published by Bethany House, 1995.

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Rubber Biscuit

2012-01-02T12:16:00.001-05:00

Invoice sent to A.H. Wheeler, dated 1904, from the National Biscuit Company.

Found in "Elements of Electrical Engineering" by W.S. Franklin. Published by Macmillan, 1917.

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Giveaway winners

2011-12-31T11:08:00.002-05:00

Yes, I said winners. I was reminded that this is the last giveaway of the year - and it's been a damn good year for Forgotten Bookmarks, thanks to all of you. I thought I would throw together a few more prizes.

Winner of the original 17 vintage books was Kelly Marriott, who entered on Facebook.

Second prize are these matched volumes:

Winner of this batch was thisgirlremembers, who entered right here on Forgotten Bookmarks.

Last, not least, are these:

Winner of these was @ChasingAmyK, who (of course) entered on Twitter.

I will do my best to contact each of you, but if you see this - email me: fb@forgottenbookmarks.com

Have a safe New Year!

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Friday Giveaway: 17 Vintage Classics - contest closed

2011-12-30T10:50:00.000-05:00

Suddenly, it's Friday! This week went by quickly.

Up for grabs today are 17 miscellaneous classics, Hemingway to Blake to Dumas and places in-between.

Contest closed, announcing winner in a moment.

Good luck!

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Primitive

2011-12-29T12:14:00.002-05:00

Children's drawing, in green marker.

Found in "The How and Why Wonder Book of Primitive Man" by Donald Barr. Published by Wonder Books, 1961.

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The Bronx Is Up

2011-12-28T12:20:00.001-05:00

Postcard, no postmark on front or rear. Copyright date of the card is 1906 and features a lovely scene of the Bronx River.

Written in pencil on the front:

Will be up Wednesday nightdid not find you in Wm. Thomson (?)

And on reverse:

Mr. Dadds (?)

Found in "Maggie Miller" by Mary J. Holmes. Published by Lupton, no date listed, circa 1900.

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Bundled

2011-12-27T12:30:00.003-05:00

Baby photo, on reverse is written in pencil:

Taken when 7 months old, Feb 1927

Found in "The Scottish Queen" by Herbert Gorman. Published by Farrar and RInehart, 1932.

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Solitude

2011-12-26T09:49:00.001-05:00

Things are calm and quiet here in the shop today. The winter holiday season is the busiest time of the year for us; add book promotion, manuscript for book number two, kitchen remodel and a very pregnant wife, and you have the recipe for a busy and stressful few weeks.

Most of that is behind me now (still finishing up the manuscript and waiting for the newest bookseller to arrive), so I'm taking today to collect my thoughts and finally exhale.

Here's a "inscription" I found the other day:

To Harvey Erhardt
From
Warren G. Harding

From "The Sleeping Beauty" published by Henry Altemus, 1905.

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Giveaway winner

2011-12-24T10:35:00.001-05:00

This week's giveaway winner was Faythe Levine, who entered right here on the site.

As always, many thanks to everyone who entered! Have a fantastic holiday, and I'll see you all on Monday.

Friday Giveaway: Big Stack of Kid's Books: contest closed

2011-12-23T12:43:00.001-05:00

Today's giveaway includes all the children's books seen above. "Fox in Socks" to an old English reader to "Young People's History of the World."

Contest closed - winner announced shortly.

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Into The Self

2011-12-22T12:54:00.002-05:00

One page of a larger essay, or a really thoughtful letter:

do we excite ourselves into life. As nature renews after winter so does beauty after death. Ah, but we can never catch beauty... it is a flighty bird as portrayed in the parable "Susannah and The Elders."

Finally, the artist moves in the only direction possible, into the self. The body is a decrepit hulk that forces us to retreat into the mind. The physical world exists only as a necessary postulate of the mind. The mind and body and distinct and their

Found in "The Hotel New Hampshire" by John Irving. Published by Pocket Books, 1981.

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Christmas Wishes

2011-12-21T12:42:00.000-05:00

Christmas card, no date or postmark on the envelope, just the inscription:

To Homer

From Aunt Nisa

Found in "Bird Guide: Land Birds: Song and Insectivorious Birds East of the Rockies" by Chester Reed. Published by Doubleday and Page, 1926.

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Guarantee

2011-12-20T12:33:00.001-05:00

Guarantee card from the Laco Watch Company. It looks like the type dealers would hand out with a new purchase.

Found in "Eagle and Earwig: Essays on Books and Writers" by Colin Wilson. Published by Reader's Union, 1967.

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'Tis The Season

2011-12-19T12:54:00.000-05:00

Photo, with writing on the reverse:

Our Christmas Tree

Christmas Day 1944

Found in "The Iliad of Homer" translated by Richard Lattimore. Published by the University of Chicago Press, 1957.

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Nobel Library winner

2011-12-17T10:14:00.000-05:00

This week's giveaway winner was joemmama, who entered right here. I'll be in touch with you shortly.

Friday Giveaway: Nobel Prize Library - contest closed

2011-12-16T13:15:00.000-05:00

This week's giveaway is this very fine Nobel Prize Library set, which contains "...for each laureate, the presentation address, any acceptance speech, a work of the laureate significant to the judge's decision, bibliography, and a brief explanation of the reasons for the laureate's selection."

You can read about the works included here.

Contest closed, winner will be announced in a moment.

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I Love A Parade

2011-12-15T12:48:00.001-05:00

I purchased a box of books today, some older stuff that happened to be in awful condition. At the bottom of the box were to photo albums. This is not uncommon, I come across old scrapbooks and albums all the time. Something struck me about this group of photographs; the images were sharp and clear and the composition was fantastic. I would guess that they were taken by a professional, or at least a very promising amateur. I'm still going through the dozens of images, but I wanted to share this small group with you - looks like a beautiful day for a parade.

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Oh, Nanna

2011-12-14T12:25:00.001-05:00

Recipe for "Nanna's Condensed Milk Salad Dressing"

Beat one egg until thick

Add 1 tsp. dry mustard, 1 T salt, 1/4 tsp. pepp. 1/2 tsp. paprika.

Now add 3/4 c vinegar, 1 can condensed milk and 1/4 c melted olea.

Beat - do not cook

Found in "Echoes of Bats and Men" by Donald R. Griffin. Published by Anchor Books, 1959.

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I'm Late

2011-12-13T12:24:00.001-05:00

Note:

It is the private glee (?) of the man who in his hurry to work has taken the wrong train and now surely will be late.

Found in "Madness and Civilization" by Michel Foucault. Published by Vintage, 1973.

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Grace

2011-12-12T11:19:00.001-05:00

First day cover commerorating the royal wedding of Prince Rainier III of Monaco and Grace Kelly, dated April 19, 1956.

Found in "This Very Earth" by Erskine Caldwell. Published by Duell, Sloan and Pearce, 1948.

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Winner

2011-12-10T10:24:00.001-05:00

This week's giveaway winner was Diana, who entered on Facebook.See you all next week!

Friday Giveaway: Famous Epoch Makers: Contest closed

2011-12-09T12:04:00.001-05:00

Some nonfiction for a change this week, here's a 15 volume set of biographies, "Famous Epoch Makers" published by Fred DeFau & Co., 1900. Stories on figures from Cicero to Robert E. Lee.

Contest closed, winner announced shortly

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I'm Rather Fond Of It

2011-12-08T10:54:00.001-05:00

Bookmark with yarn tassel.

Found in "The White Album" by Joan Didion. Published by Pocket Books, 1980.

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Get Your Eyes Checked

2011-12-07T11:49:00.001-05:00

A friendly reminder from Erwin L. Gienke, Optometrist, postmarked September 9, 1954.

Found in "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" by Lewis Carroll. Published by International, 1946.

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Not Fair

2011-12-06T11:26:00.001-05:00

A 1990 Topps baseball coin, number 40, Barry Bonds.

Found in "Fair Ball" by Bob Costas. Published by Broadway Books, 2000.

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A Day At The Beach

2011-12-05T09:19:00.001-05:00

Two black and white photos, no writing on the other side but the number 53 is stamped on both, I'm guessing it indicates 1953.

Found in "Prose You Ought To Know" edited by John Raymond Howard. Published by Fleming H. Revell, 1906.

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Winner

2011-12-03T10:17:00.001-05:00

This week's giveaway winner was Brenna, who entered here on the site.

I'll email you shortly.

Thanks to all who entered, see you next week with more goodies.

Friday Giveaway: A Taste of Forgotten Bookmarks (contest closed)

2011-12-02T10:26:00.001-05:00

For something different, I thought I would gather up some of the titles that have been featured on the blog (and in the book) and offer them to you all. Note, it's just the books, not the bookmarks inside.

Black Beauty, from "Treasure This Letter"

The Centenary Poe, from "Double Vision"

Galahad from "Martha My Dear"

Of Stars and Men from "Rationalization Nation"

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance which appears on page 93 of the book.

I'll also throw in a signed copy of my book:

Contest closed, winner announced shortly.

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Pay To The Order

2011-12-01T12:11:00.001-05:00

Cancelled check, dated October 8, 1906.

Found in "Sea Drift" by Frederick Delius for baritone solo, mixed chorus and orchestra. Words by Walt Whitman. Published by Boosey and Hawkes, 1939.

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Clip Show

2011-11-30T11:37:00.001-05:00

I'm off to the beautiful Syracuse University shortly to attend a book signing, so instead of the usual bookmark, I've decided to offer you a review of some of my favorite finds.

I Don't Care If You Can't Write Fancy

Why I like it:

Snyder, Tex. Age 39I HAVE MONEY OF MY OWN AND I DON'T EXPECT A MAN TO BE A MAGICIAN AND BUILDME A CASTLE. I NEVER MAKE ANY DEMANDS ON ANYBODY. BUT I'M LIKE SO MANYWOMEN NOWADAYS. JUST LONESOME

The loneliness is so heartbreaking... I just imagine that they all found someone. I have to.

Best Intentions

Why I like it:

We've all started something, something important to us, and for one reason or another, are unable to finish.

Dear Aeneas

Why I like it:

The hate in this letter is obvious, but the fact that the person took the time to write it out shows that there was a lot of love, once.

By All Means Go

Why I like it:

I'm not sure. Maybe it's the handmade hearts on the envelope.

Picture Day

Why I like it:

This photo is candid perfection. The kid on the far right in the ill-fitting jacket. The smile of the girl in front. The young man fixing his buttons next to her. Perfect.

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Fragrant

2011-11-29T12:04:00.001-05:00

Trade card advertising John K. Drake of Troy, NY, seller of extract, face powder, soap sachet powder, toilet water, etc..

Reverse side has a 1909 calendar and indicates it is perfumed with Azurea. You can still smell it, I can best describe it as a mix of rose water and moth balls.

Found in "The Science of Common Things" by David A. Wells. Published by Ivison, Blakeman and Taylor, 1857.

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Caribou

2011-11-28T11:54:00.001-05:00

Some notes about today's post: I found this account of a automobile trip in Canada written in last few pages of Charles Dickens' "Pickwick Papers," the same book that contained the material for this post and this post. It took me quite a while to figure out how to present this, hopefully this will do. If you spot any transcription errors, please let me know in the comments. Here's the writing as it appears in the book:

Here's my best go at the text:

On hearing the car, whose RS was opened for the season owing to the extraordinary fine weather that has been running for several ???, I decided on the last day of school preceding the Easter holidays that we would start that very day ?? in our car and drive to W.L. A journey of over 400 miles. So when the children came in I told him to gather up whatever they needed and no more, as we were leaving at once, and we must travel as light as possible. And for him to put in some blankets and robes for purposes of extra warmth, as we would need to travel at night to save time. In less than an hour we got our car oiled and filled with gas ??? were sent engine on its way to A.?? telling of our departure for the north and a hasty lunch tucked away in case we became hungry by the ???

We then left Vancouver, in a drizzle of rain that had been threatening all day to break our spell of sunshiny days, and before we got as far as N.W. the rain was coming down real hard, and as it was then 4:30 p.m., a rather late hour for starting on such a long trip, it tended to dampen our ardour considerably, when passing over the Fraser R. Bridge at N.W. our car skidded badly turning almost around but finally righting itself without even touching anything. I may say right here the margin between our ??? and the frail looking railings of that old bridge was very narrow, and it took quite a while to shake off the fright we got. It looked to the three of us like a poor beginning to such a long journey.

After leaving N.W. the rain became our steady (as a maid ??? to have called her gentleman friend) ??? could we ??? in the driving clouds above our heads. All through the valley right ? Chilliwack, the rain and winds beat with thundering gusts about our car till we became enamoured with the idea of giving up and returning to the city. When we were about ready to turn about face, one of us would make the suggestion to go on a few more miles just to see how we got along. And so we would continue in this manner.

We passed through Chilliwack in drenching pourdowns, even the puddles became lakes. We made rather an unpressive?? pause before turning onto the Caribou Highway. Behind us, we knew the road was safe. Ahead we knew it was anything but safe and yet the urge was strongest to continue north. We finally decided to go as far as Hope and if we made it to there safely we might be better able to find out something more definite as to the conditions of the roads farther on. So on we went, with cloud bursts to the right of us and cloud bursts to the left of us, and the mountains closing in and down their sides (where in summer, only the slenderest white ??? (erased) marked the place of the falls tumbling and hurrying down from their snowy heights to the lower levels. The unhurried running streams of summer, by the side of ?? trail, were now like the ??? torrential streams, dashing with maddening haste to get somewhere else. Their noisy doings at times almost bursting our ?? drums.

Thus the miles flew by and we were glad when we spied a bright light peeping out from among some trees, when we drew up, we found that the comforting looking light redirected from a small garage, run by a ??? who knew very little about the Caribou Trail, but he was sure of one thing and that was that it had rained exactly like it was down there for four solid days. Encouraging words none. However, we had permitted ourselves to go as far as Hope - and we did. Part of this ?? was devoted ?? the road ?? to the game of taking out sharp turns from the original route. We took many a honorary nose dive and tail spin before we safely navigated these new ???? so slippery they were.

At last after many a weary mile, we drew up pulled in to the town of Hope, nestling at the foot of towering mountains ??? mighty Fraser for its waterfront. At a garage there, we learned, the rains had been very heavy, bringing down mudslides, and mudslides between there and Lytton but gangs of men were keeping roads cleared as quickly as with all possible dispatch, and also that the roads were being done over where the snows of winter had taken their toll. We were particularly urged not to go farther that night but to wait over till morning. Before we finished our conversation got through hearing?? the gas tank replenished and the vital requirements attended to, the rain as though tired of its pounding and battering, came to a stand still, and with high hopes we took courage, and ventured out again into the night.

Peace was with us until we passed ??? Lodge where the moon came out and spread trails of glory about the snowy mountain tops. We were so delighted over this that we all got out and encouraged it all we could by expressing in no uncertain manner our delight over the beautiful sight the rift in the clouds had given us. We encountered other drivers. Fog bands rolled up from the river, meeting us just around a curve and after which while they ??? ???? careful Friday.

As we drove along in ??? hours of the night through particularly empty and ?? directions my mind’s eye in visions of the unholy looking places we would have to pass before the end of the trail was reached. There was ???? the ugly old house of windows, where a great many murders could have been committed, but hadn’t been as far as you could find out. Then there was the spot on the road where a rope with a bell attached to one end of it was placed to give warning like sleepy ??? who was on his lookout for two men who were ?? for hunting after waylaying and killing a prospector. They say the scheme worked, the guard through weariness fell asleep, and was suddenly roused by the jangling of the bell close to his sleeping quarters. He jumped up, grabbed his loaded gun and though he called “Halt” several times the men paid no attention but ran faster than ever ???? the guard fired in the darkness, in the general direction of the escaping pair, and when daylight came at last, a trail of blood was found on the road which told that one of the men at least was wounded. Later the wounded man was drowned ???? as the Thompson River the other was caught in the ??? of the police.

Then there was the haunted house. I don’t know what haunted it but I heard it was one of those places where even the angels feared to tread. So I made up my mind to give it a wide berth. Next in turn came the pile of rock that marked the place where the prospector was ??? Tis said that for years, every prospector, coming out or going to turn ??? laid there on a stone and to this day the crude cairn remains. Then there was the Dead Waltz place where we were sure to get a thrill up the spine if we let our minds dwell long enough on the doings of other days. There was no other route to take to escape it, it stands right close to the Caribou Trail.

Giveaway winner

2011-11-26T10:20:00.001-05:00

Giveaway winner was Cloe Pavel Smith, who entered on Facebook.

Friday Giveaway: 18 Vintage Books - contest closed

2011-11-25T13:08:00.001-05:00

Believe it or not, another Friday is here. Today I'm giving 18 vintage books, O. Henry to Dumas to Mr. Dooley.

Contest is closed, winner announced in a moment.

Good luck!

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Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T10:37:00.001-05:00

Thank you all for all you've given me.

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Giveaway winner...

2011-11-23T20:19:00.001-05:00

...was Margaret, aka @TorontoViewer.Thanks to all who entered, will have many more in the days to come.

Giveaway: Signed Copy With Bookmark: Contest closed

2011-11-23T12:18:00.001-05:00

I'm cutting out of work a bit early today, so instead of the usual post, I'll throw up a giveaway instead:

You'll get a signed copy of the book, along with the military identification card featured on page 132.

Contest is open to anyone, anywhere.

--sorting through entries, back with a winner in a moment.

Good luck!

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Upon Further Review

2011-11-22T13:50:00.001-05:00

I was cleaning up the book from yesterday's post, "The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club (Part One)" by Dickens and I noticed a folded brown paper sticking out of the side. I must have missed it yesterday:

Illustration; the paper measures 8.5 inches by 12 inches. I'm unsure of the materials used, it looks like the outline was sketched in pencil and colored in.

The artist's name appears on the back:

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Just Plain Joe To His Friends

2011-11-22T12:18:00.001-05:00

Found this old Salvation Army music pamphlet today:

Front Cover

Rear Cover

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Game, Set and Cat

2011-11-21T10:10:00.001-05:00

Film negative. Here's what it looked like after I put it through my film scanner:

Found in "The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club (Part One)" by Charles Dickens. Published by Collier, 1900.

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Giveaway winner

2011-11-19T10:20:00.001-05:00

Winner of the 24 children's books was Audry, who entered right here on the site.Thanks to everyone for entering and for all the birthday wishes.

Audry, I'm off to leave a comment on your blog. Feel free to get in touch: fb@forgottenbookmarks.com

Friday Giveaway: 24 Children's Books: contest closed

2011-11-18T10:39:00.001-05:00

As it turns out, I like to give things away on my birthday. Here was last year's:

http://www.forgottenbookmarks.com/2010/11/birthday-giveaway.html

Who am I to argue with tradition?

On to this year - the turnout for the last children's book giveaway was great, so I thought I would do it again.

Contest closed, announcing winner shortly.

Good luck!

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Mean Mr. Mustache

2011-11-17T10:52:00.001-05:00

Letter, no date or envelope:

Dear Barbara -

Thanks so much for a lovely weekend. We love your place - it's truly charming. That brook is really extraordinary. If I lived there I think I'd spend most of the day sitting on the deck, reading and listening to the brook. Pretty soon my house would probably fall around me. Sometimes I think our Adam-and-Even type ancestors had the right idea in not encumbering themselves with houses and just living in tents or reasonable facsimiles Buddy says I'd live in a tent (or reasonable facsimile) for 24 hours or until the first big rain - whichever came first, and he's probably right. Please tell Rolf that we're sorry we didn't say goodbye to him. We thought he'd enjoy the sleep more than the goodbye, so we figured we'd say it by mail. He's very nice isn't he.
The trip home from Woodstock bordered on the fantastic. We left for S.I. right after we said goodbye to you and pulled up to our house sometime after 12:30. I didn't look at my watch after 12:30. I won't bore you with the details since I'm sure Judy will tell you all about it when she gets to Cooperstown. She and Lefty followed us all the way.

I'm reading "The Hobbit" to the kids. They're delighted with it. I read a chapter or two after breakfast. Then I'm usually hoarse for the rest of the morning. Steven must really dig Gandalf. He did him in oils on Wednesday. I had no idea that it was written over 25 years ago. Do you remember the dwarf's (dwaves?) folksong on page 24. (maybe it's a different page in paperback). It's pretty good. I'm amazed that some folk group hasn't put it to music and cut a record of it; especially in view of the hobbit craze - or maybe they have and I just haven't heard it.

Must stop now. The guys are due home soon and I want to get my hair washed before they arrive. It's Saturday and the left for Forsgate before 6 this morning to play golf. (they guys being Buddy, Lefty and Eddie). There are some things I'd get up before 6:00 for, but golf isn't one of the them. Anyway - we'd really like it if you'd come and visit in the Fall. Think it over and then please come. Regards to Rolf and Joan and Mike.

Much love to you and Mr. Mustache -

Elaine

Found in "The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien. Published by Ballantine Books, 1974.

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I Love You, NASA

2011-11-16T12:38:00.001-05:00

Great collection of vintage color photos and memorabilia from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The six photos all have a time stamp of February, 1971. No writing on the visitor's pass or postcard.

Found in "North American Head Hunting" by Grancel Fitz. Published by Oxford University Press, 1957.

It's true. I love NASA.

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Notes and Scribbles

2011-11-15T14:15:00.001-05:00

As I'm sure most of you know, the book has finally come out, and I've been making a few appearances here and there. I've posted these links on Facebook, but I realize that not all of you read the feed over there, so I thought you'd might like take a look:

An essay on the e-books and the experience of books and reading from The Wall Street Journal's 'Speakeasy' blog:

http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2011/10/27/im-a-used-bookseller-and-im-not-afraid-of-e-books/

'The Weirdest Things Found Inside Books' from The Huffington Post:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-popek/objects-found-inside-book_b_1070447.html

A short profile of me and the business:

http://www.timesunion.com/business/article/My-Other-Life-2253883.php

For reading this far, here's a treat:

Inscription:

From her daughter, who knows her fondness for "child rhymes."
Christmas, '98

From "Riley Child-Rhymes: With Hoosier Pictures" by James Whitcomb Riley. Published by Bowen-Merrill, 1898.

Yule Be Sorry

2011-11-15T10:55:00.001-05:00

Ugh, again with the puns...

Recipe for Butterscotch Yule Log:

1 6 oz package butterscotch morsels (1 cup)
1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/3 cup pecans, chopped
Slightly beaten egg white
Pecan halves

Melt over hot (not boiling) water. Remove from water, stir in milk and vanilla, add chopped pecans, mix well.

Form in 12 inch roll on waxed paper and roll tightly in waxed paper to shape evenly.

Unroll and mark surface length with tines of fork, brush with egg white.

Press pecan halves into roll to cover surface.

Wrap in waxed paper, chill.

Cut in 1/2 inch slices with sharp knife.

Found in "The Penguin Cookery Book" by Bee Nilson. Published by Penguin, 1952.

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Known The Wold Over

2011-11-14T14:22:00.001-05:00

Advertisement for the "Type 'N'" airbrush, made by the Wold Air Brush Manufacturing Company.

Found in "Pollyanna Grows Up" by Eleanor H. Porter. Published by The Page Company, Boston, 1915.

I apologize for the headline pun, I should know better.

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Giveaway winner

2011-11-12T10:25:00.001-05:00

This week's books go to ECS, who entered here on the site.Thanks to everyone for entering - look for giveaways of my book all next week.

Friday Giveaway: 15 Vintage Books - contest closed

2011-11-11T13:07:00.001-05:00

Giving away these 15 books today.

If you're interested, please leave a comment here or enter on Facebook or Twitter.

I'll be picking a winner at random tomorrow morning at 10:00 AM EST.

Contest closed; winner announced shortly.

Good luck!

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Lepidopterology

2011-11-10T17:53:00.001-05:00

This bookmark just came in from Amy in Southern California.

Found in "The Oxford Book of Short Stories" chosen by V.S. Pritchett. Published by the Oxford Press, 1981.

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Long Receipt Is Long

2011-11-10T11:48:00.001-05:00

Grocery store receipt, dated December 21st, 1986. It was too long to post here, but if you want to see the full version, click here or the image above. That's a lot of cat food!

Found in "Sea of Death" by Gary Gygax. Published by Ace, 1987.

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One Year Later

2011-11-09T12:34:00.002-05:00

Inscription:

Given to me after my Grandmother Cooper died in July 1958 (13) and was buried (16).

Many other books were given to the family.

Maryjane E. Cooper
one year later
(July 1959)

The book is "The Ready Rangers" by Kirk Munroe. Published by Lothrop, 1957.

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Giveaway winner -

2011-11-09T10:39:00.003-05:00

Winner was Amber (this one, in case there were more than one)

Please email me at fb@forgottenbookmarks.com so I know where to send it!

Forgotten Bookmarks Giveaway - contest closed

2011-11-08T13:05:00.001-05:00

I'm giving away a signed copy of "Forgotten Bookmarks," and will include one of the original photographs that appears inside.

Contest closed, winner announced in a moment.

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Cancelled

2011-11-08T10:22:00.001-05:00

This collection of cancelled stamps were all in this envelope, addressed to "Box Apartment, Uptown Freeman, Kingston NY."

Found in the November 30, 1970 issue of Time Magazine.

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Imported

2011-11-07T11:54:00.000-05:00

Guest post today, these images come from Alexandra, who's either in Switzerland or Italy, depending on what fruit is in season.She sent me an email yesterday:

Dear Mr. Forgotten Bookmarks!I bought a book in a second-hand book shop.I found this foto between the pages.Maybe one of your readers, visitors, can know who is on the foto.The book was published in 2008, by St. Martin's press (New York)

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Get Well Soon - I Can't Take These Puns Any Longer

2011-11-06T09:07:00.001-05:00

Get-well card:

Make it a RULE to get better quick!

-

And then - with full " MEASURE" of renewed health -

Stay UP and A-FOOT!

L + G (C?)

Found in "Brer Rabbit Again" by Enid Blyton. Published by Dean and Son, 1963.

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Friday giveway - three winners

2011-11-05T10:29:00.000-04:00

"Stories by American Authors" winner was Kels H., who entered here on the website.

"Stories by Foreign Authors: winner was Karen (this Karen, there were a couple), who entered here on the website.

Finally, winner of the dictionaries and language books was Wyndy Youngblood, who entered on Facebook (best name ever?)

Thanks to everyone for entering!

I will try and get in touch with all three of you, but please email me at fb@forgottenbookmarks.com when you read this.

Friday Giveaway: Three Collections - contest closed

2011-11-04T12:40:00.001-04:00

Everyone seemed to enjoy the sets of books from last week's giveaway, so I am offering up two more versions plus a third collection -

"Stories by American Authors" published by Scribners, 1900:

"Stories by Foreign Authors" published by Scribners, 1900:

And finally, a small collection of language and criticism texts:

Yep, three prizes again this week!

Back with a winner in a moment...

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Brown Sugar

2011-11-02T12:30:00.002-04:00

Recipe for brown sugar cookies:

2 cups brown sugar
1 cup shortening
1/2 tea. salt
1 tea. flavoring
2 eggs
1 cup sour milk
1/2 tea. soda
3 1/2 cups flour
2 tea B.P.

No other instructions.

Found in "The Woman Thou Gavest Me" by Hall Caine. Published by J.B. Lippincott, 1913.

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Eternal

2011-11-01T13:10:00.000-04:00

Today's the day. The book is officially on sale. A HUGE thanks to all of you readers. Needless to say, without you, there would be no book.

Today's post is a personal one, I came across this paperback biography of Ted Williams while I was sorting through our baseball section. There's a gift inscription, from my grandfather to me, dated 1986. He passed away a few years ago... I like to think he'd be proud of me today.

This eternal kid is sticking this back on his bookshelf at home, where it belongs.

"Ted Williams: The Eternal Kid" by Ed Linn. Published by Sport Magazine, 1961.

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Plans Have Changed

2011-10-31T10:23:00.003-04:00

Note:

Dear Max:

Please note the following change:You will our guest for dinner Dri. nite Dec 14th - instead of the Goodmans.

Looking forward to seeing you + Ilse, I am (???)

Rena

Found in "The Living Talmud" selected and translated by Judah Goldin. Published by Mentor, 1957. (Stated copyright date, but the book has an ISBN and zip codes present, so it's probably a little newer)

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Friday Giveaway: The Winners

2011-10-29T10:17:00.000-04:00

Another great turnout for this week's giveaway, I can't tell you how much fun I have with these.

To the winners...

Winner of the lovely copy of "Huckleberry Finn" was Claudia Li, who entered on Facebook.

Winner of the English Authors set was doris, who entered on the website.

Winner of the "Hours In A Library" set was @hotdirtyfork, who entered on twitter.

That certainly worked out nicely!

I'll be trying to get in touch with all three of you, but if you see this, please send me an email so I know where your books are going:fb@forgottenbookmarks.com

Thanks for another fun giveaway!

Friday Giveaway - contest closed

2011-10-28T13:08:00.000-04:00

This is the last giveaway before the book comes out, so I thought I would make it a little special. Today's giveaway will have three separate prizes; first, second, and third. Let's start with the big one:

Twain's classic "Huckleberry Finn" published by The Easton Press, 1994. Bound in rich red full leather with gilt decoration on spine and front cover, four raised bands on spine, archival quality paper - Golden Tan Moire Silk end papers and Golden Tan Satin ribbon book mark, gilt all edges. A lovely book.

Second prize is this great set of collected stories by English authors, put out by Scribners in the early 1900s.

Includes authors like J.M. Barrie, Robert Louis Stevenson, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Thomas Hardy, Sir Walter Scott and dozens more.

Finally, the third prize is this quaint set, "Hours In A Library" in four volumes by Leslie Stephen. Published by G.P. Putnam, 1907. "New" edition, with additions.

Stephen was a well-known author and critic, and father of Virginia Woolf and Vanessa Bell.These four volumes contain short vignettes on the books of various authors. Included are pieces on Defoe, Hawthorne, Walpole, George Eliot, Coleridge, Wordsworth, Charlotte Bronte and others.

Contest closed, results in a moment.

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Speakeasy And Carry A Big Book

2011-10-27T16:35:00.002-04:00

Thought you all might be interested in this essay I wrote for the Wall Street Journal's 'Speakeasy' -

http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2011/10/27/im-a-used-bookseller-and-im-not-afraid-of-e-books/

Rebel

2011-10-27T13:03:00.000-04:00

Very small Confederate Flag, five inches by four inches.

Found in "Satellite!" by Erik Bergaust and William Beller. Published by Hanover House, 1956.

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From Our European Correspondent

2011-10-26T11:48:00.000-04:00

I ran into a reader of the blog on reddit yesterday, I had thrown together a small book giveaway for the fine folks at r/bookcollecting. This reader, DiogenesTheSincere, hails from across the pond and had a number of interesting finds, and so I asked if I could share them. Commentary is his:

A four-leaf clover found in S.T. Coleridge's "Biographia Literaria" (printed 1917).This was my last purchase from Bank Street Books (Dumfries, Scotland) on the day the shop closed forever, and as you can see, it bore omens of good fortune. Coleridge is my favourite classic poet. The four-leaf clover is still in there. Hopefully in another 90 years someone will appreciate it.It's actually kind of funny: a close family member has spent all her life looking for one growing, and I stumble across one neatly pressed in a nice book. I guess that's just luck for you.

A cutting of white heather found in a Victorian print of Porter's "The Scottish Chiefs." Unfortunately, not much I can tell you besides the summary. The book is undated and came from an English family member - although the pressed heather indicates it may have been purchased on a holiday up north!

No idea what this is. Found in "The Republic of Plato" (printed 1890). "I have pleasure in promising to subscribe towards the support of the work in this town of the "Queen Victoria's Jubilee" Nurse, through that portion of the Fund contributed by the Dorking Wesleyan Church."

Both of these come from the same beautiful 1890 copy of Plato's "Republic," which is annotated and underlined throughout by one Elizabeth Budge.

A WWII-era (1941) Liverpool bus ticket found in a book on the Life of General Gordon (printed ~1890s). The age of the book is a best guess as there is no date to be found. The original owner's ornate signature, and the overall interior and exterior design of the book suggest it is a late Victorian edition, although it could be somewhat younger.

"Molly Eye App" (2007) - written on the back of an AA card in "A Lexicon of Freemasonry" (printed 1919).

A Safeway garage receipt (I blurred out some parts I wasn't sure about) from 2003, found in "A Lexicon of Freemasonry" (printed 1919). It's nothing to us, but someone will probably find that in a hundred years and find it fascinating. The book was purchased at a small book fair in Scotland - coincidentally, in an old, ornate Masonic hall. It is what I would consider a perfect find - an antique, strange, interesting book full of obscure facts and content. The entries range from everything between ancient Egyptian mythology to entries on the Illuminati. The book itself was written during the Victorian era, this edition being a 1919 print with a few more "up to date" appendices.

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Preservation

2011-10-25T12:22:00.002-04:00

Orange life vest, I believe it was an action figure's accessory at some point. I wasn't able to figure out what it went to, the only clues are printed on the front; the "AJ" logo and the "Air Vest U.S.A.F" stamp.

EDIT: I love the internet. Within moments, nowhere informs us that the vest came from an Action Jackson doll. And sure enough, with a little searching, I found one here: http://www.megomuseum.com/actionjackson/accessory/airforceac.html

Found in "Bats In The Dark" by John Kaufmann. Published by Crowell, 1972.

Oh, and I'm sure I'm not the only one who thinks of this Back To The Future clip every time they see an orange vest:

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Friendliness Lives Here

2011-10-24T11:14:00.001-04:00

Advertising card for Tydol Gas. On reverse is calendar for 1951.

Found in Women's Day Magazine, March, 1955.

As I'm sure you can tell, I did some minor upgrades to the site. I'm still working on a lot of the little details, but if you find something that's not working (or can't find something to begin with) - please let me know.

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Giveaway winner

2011-10-22T10:14:00.001-04:00

Happy to report that this week's winner was MrCachet - a familiar face around these parts for some time.I'll email you in a moment.

Friday Giveaway: This and That - contest closed

2011-10-21T12:43:00.001-04:00

It's that time again. I tried to throw a little bit of everything in here, from Scottish history to Louisa May Alcott to Winston Churchill. Hopefully there's something in there you will enjoy.

Contest closed - announcing a winner in a moment.

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Art Mandalay

2011-10-20T12:58:00.000-04:00

Small embroidered cross bookmark.

Found in "Back to Mandalay" by Lowell Thomas. Published by the Greystone Press, 1951.

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Special Agent

2011-10-19T12:50:00.002-04:00

Business card of S.C. Faulkner, special agent for the Travelers' Accident Insurance Company.

Found in "Irish Fairy and Folk Tales" edited by W.B. Yeats. Published by the Modern Library, no date listed.

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Alcott winner

2011-10-19T10:17:00.003-04:00

Winner of the three Alcott books was Country Girl (of http://poplaridge.blogspot.com), who entered right here on the site.

I'll try and get in touch with you, but it's always easier if you email me:

fb@forgottenbookmarks.com

Thanks!

Giveaway: Three Vintage Alcotts - contest closed

2011-10-18T14:34:00.001-04:00

I know it's not Friday, but I felt like celebrating. The first post of the day happened to be #900 here on Forgotten Bookmarks, so let's mark the occasion with a little giveaway.

Up for grabs are these three Louisa May Alcott books, the oldest being "Little Men" from 1910. All three are well-worn, but the pages are all there and the bindings are holding up.

Contest closed - announcing a winner a moment.

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