We’re back from the holiday break and feeling ready for something small after a weekend of indulgence. Our copy of The Lily of the Valley (Buffalo, 1861) is the perfect morsel on this #MiniatureMonday

The Lily of the valley; or, Cousin Lill’s stories for her pets. Buffalo: Breed, Butler & Co., 1861.

Looks like the calm before the Black Friday storm at the Wanamaker Store’s main floor. Happy shopping! (but please mind the breakables)  

Brightbill, George M., collector. Wanamaker postcards. [graphic]. 1900-1960.  Photomechanical print (postcard): photolithograph; 9 x 15 cm.(3.5 x 5.5 in.)

Happy Thanksgiving from your friends at the Library Company of Philadelphia!  We’re kicking off the celebration with this circa 1875 trade card for #TradecardThursday 

We hope you have a festive holiday!

Broadbent & Phillips : photographers, 1206 Chestnut St., Philada. [graphic] [Philadelphia] [ca. 1875] 1 print : chromolithograph ; 13 x 7 cm. (5 x 3 in.)

This beautiful circa 1885 trade card is reminding us it’s time to harvest those acorns! #LibraryHarvest 

The American Health Cushion Co. [graphic]. [Philadelphia] [ca. 1885] 1 print : chromolithograph ; 6 x 13 cm. (2.5 x 5 in.)

Plate 33 from Thomas Sheraton, The Cabinet-Maker and Upholsterer’s Drawing-Book (London, 1793).

Cabinetmaker Thomas Sheraton (1751-1806) created one of the most significant pattern books. Inspired by classical design, the furniture has a geometric look with slender lines and a lighter and more delicate overall appearance. In America, this style, known as Federal, became aligned with the spirit of the new Republic. Though clearly influential in Philadelphia, the book did not enter the Library Company’s collection until the 20th century.

See this plate and more on Furniture makers in Stylish Books: Designing Philadelphia Furniture on display through April 26, 2019. 

Marriott C. Morris captured this image of his mother sitting on a rock in French Creek, PA, in November of 1885. Mrs. Morris looks thoughtful as she gazes across the water. #MorrisMonday

Morris, Marriott Canby. [Bridge]. Mother on a rock in foreground. [French Creek, Pa.] November, 1885.  1 photograph: glass negative; 4 x 5 in.

Mmm donuts and coffee… and finger sandwiches … and olives? Also, a vat of something with a ring of frowning eggs inside a a ring of potato chips? Can you identify this dish, and also how it could possibly relate to Halloween?

See this and more in the mini exhibition :  Larder Uninvaded : Food Porn of the 1950s on display NOW.

The Philadelphia forecast is calling for our first snow of the season. We know that means it could be anything from drizzle or flurries to a downpour or blizzard. What we do know for sure is that there will be weather. Hassler’s umbrellas will at least keep your head dry. 

M. & A. Hassler manufacturers of Umbrellas, Parasols. Joe Freedman Collection of Trade Cards.

Photographer Frank Berry captured this image of corn husks in the early 1900s. Although we can’t be certain, the husks were possibly used as decoration for Halloween or a local harvest festival. #LibraryHarvest 

See more images from our Frank Berry Photographic Negative Collection here.

Berry, Frank. [Corn husks in piles on the side of a road] [graphic]. ca. 1907. 1 negative: glass; 4 x 5 in.

We’re admiring the whimsical font used on the front cover of our copy of The Seasons (Boston, 1853). #TinyTuesday #Shelfie

The Seasons. Boston: J. Buffum, 11 Cornhill., [1853?]