by Jessica Kosinski When talking about collectibles related to writing, it is impossible to ignore the topic of paperweights. Before computers existed, writing everything out by hand was the norm. As a result, writing desks were often littered with…
by Maxine Carter-Lome, publisher It is said that Kurt Vonnegut used his hardwood floor as his desk. He worked from his lap with everything—papers, notes, drafts—spread out around him. Virginia Woolf often wrote in a low armchair with a…
Recent Auction Results from Near & Far By Ken Hall An Evinrude porcelain flange sign with excellent gloss and color, rated 8.9, 21 inches by 18 1/2 inches, sold for $30,750 at the Iowa Gas Auction held Aug. 5-6…
By Judy Gonyeau, managing editor John was born into a family of six children on February 7, 1804. His father had a tailor shop, and his mother was a seamstress. When John was just 4, his father left for…
By Erica Lome, Ph.D. In 1827, an obituary posted in the Concord, Massachusetts, newspaper Yeoman’s Gazette noted the passing of Thomas Dugan, a yeoman, or land-owning farmer. The obituary did not mention Dugan’s accomplishments or family, nor did they…
By Kaitlin Servant Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” This well-known piece of advice was attributed to Ben Franklin and appeared in Poor Richard’s Almanack (sic) in 1735. The American farmer’s almanacs…
With Rich Giordano If you travel back in time to 175 years ago, chances are you are a farmer. Your kids are going to grow up to be … a farmer. And so on. Those beans you used to eat…
by Kary Pardy Footage from a 1950s 9-second video shows a grey, boxy machine using mechanical levers to exactly mimic the slopes and angles of a person’s handwriting. Since the invention and popularized use of the power autopen in…
Recent Auction Results from Near & Far By Ken Hall A 1962 Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato, one of only 19 built, sold for $9.52 million at a Monterey Auction held Aug. 12-14 by Sotheby’s in Monterey, CA. Also, a…
Recent Auction Results from Near & Far By Ken Hall A framed acrylic on canvas painting by Frank Sinatra, a floral-themed work signed “Sinatra/89” lower right, sold for $38,400 at a Disneyana & Pop Culture Sale held July 30th…
