Return to Illustrations for Sale

 

 

Frank Leslie's Illustrirte Zeitung

BOOK BROWSING in a mid-nineteenth-century Utah country store!  One leaf, taken from a German edition of Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper. Evidently from June 16, 1888, based on a pencilled notation in the upper margin.

Folio, 15½ X 11 inches. One leaf (pages 19-20). Nicely HAND COLORED. As with most such illustrated papers, the hand-coloring is modern.

In very nice, clean condition, uniformly toned to a pleasing light cream color.

postpaid:  $90

 

The illustration at the bottom of the page (5¾ X 9¼ inches, plus caption & margins) is titled, "Ein 'Country Store' in Utah vor 25. Jahren." (A Country Store in Utah of 25 years ago.)

 

 

This charming and inviting picture suggests how many of our ancestors shopped - for everything from kitchenware to plants, textiles, hats and shoes. Notice the boots hanging from the gaslights (an anachronism, I presume), and the beehive banner over the door reminding pioneers from the Utah War era that "Unity is Strength."

 

Most appealing to me, of course, is the image of how books were sold, laid out on a table, spines up, for easy browsing. Do not try this at home! If you are fortunate enough to own rare Mormon books from this period, be sure to store them in any position but the one shown, which will destroy the bindings . . .

Is this your great, great-grandmother?  Why will she buy?

 

Return to Illustrations for Sale