2.24.2014

golden moments illustrated magazine: instruction, amusement, entertainment

This is definitely one of the highlights of the last week or so. There have been a few low points including sick boys, trips to the doctor, a brand new furnace that wasn't working, and the sale of our house that fell through (*sob*) but that's all the time I'll spend on those. There was also lots of time spent with friends, the renovations have begun at our new old farmhouse (!) and this gem from 1886 was found in the ceiling. I feel like a time traveller. I am completely smitten with the care taken in each little detail. As much as things have changed in 128 years, so much is the same. Like current magazines, it's filled with stories, music recommendations to play in the parlour with company, an ad for Singer sewing machines, some tips for farmers, and even a get-rich-quick scheme. Of course there's fashion, and even two illustrations which could be hung on the wall, which I find quite beautifully representative of life and all that comes along with being human. It's very brittle (I'm astounded that it survived!) and I haven't yet taken pictures of every page. I wish I could know who the last person to read it was. How did it get up in the ceiling? Did someone have a subscription, or did they bring it here after traveling in Maine? What were the editors like? What did their office look like? And what about the printing process? There was no electricity! Cars had not been invented. 128 years old - that's quite an impressive feat. Enjoy!




















8 comments:

  1. how fascinating!! that sewing machine is fabulous... and i'd be so tempted to try to plink out some of that music on the piano. sorry to hear about your lowlights... hoping your boys are well and someone buys your house!!

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    1. I do know the last tune, Beth, and it's lovely. One boy's on the mend and the other's in the thick of it - they should be fine soon, and I'm trying to be optimistic about the house! Thanks. :)

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  2. Phew! I got stuck on the B ad Thoughts and the *rotten* ship analogy! Quite a collection of treasures in one magazine and interesting that then they were advertising for workers that could work at home. That ad has not changed! Sorry about the deal falling through, but you have a large rooting section who can't wait to see more! Back to the Paris fashions....

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    1. I'm glad you're enjoying it, Margaret! There's a lot more (mostly stories) - it's just so neat. :)

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  3. Wow, that's an amazing find! It's beautiful, you should definitely frame and hang some of the pages! Hope your boys feel better soon.

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  4. This is such a neat find!

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  5. Anonymous2/25/2014

    Really love this. Thank you for sharing your find!

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  6. Anonymous2/26/2014

    When we built our addition , we put a Sunday newspaper,a Time magazine and some coins and dollars in the wall. We thought it would be fun for someone to find someday.Hope your house sells soon and that your family is on the mend soon.

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Thanks so much for your comments - I read and appreciate each one! Sorry about the word verification - the spammers found me and it became necessary. Thanks for taking the time to comment!