John Deere: Master Blacksmith & Innovator
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…
Nick Boschetto
Worldly Possessions: The Material World of a Black Farmer in New England
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…
The Almanac: A Guide to the Future
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…
The Tradition of Heirloom Seeds
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…
Exploring Antique Technologies: Acing the Autopen – Helping Collectors Feel More Confident with Mechanical Writing
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…
Gavels ‘n’ Paddles: 1962 Aston Martin DB4GT, $9.52 million, RM Sotheby’s
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…
Gavels ‘n’ Paddles: Painting by Frank Sinatra, $38,400, Potter & Potter
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…
Gavels ‘n’ Paddles: 1882 trade dollar, $16,800, Alderfer’s
Recent Auction Results from Near & Far By Ken Hall An 1882 Proof 66 trade dollar sold for $16,800 at a Coins and Currency auction held July 28th by Alderfer Auction in Hatfield, PA. Also, in three auctions held…
Canning the Harvest
by Jessica Kosinski Fall in New England is a beautiful time of year. It brings to mind images of crisp, cool air, hot apple cider, and leaves changing colors. Historically, it signaled the hard work of harvest time – when family…
Gavels ‘n’ Paddles: Signed Elvis photo, $19,445, RR Auction
Recent Auction Results from Near & Far By Ken Hall A color, semi-gloss photograph of Elvis Presley, inscribed to Ed Sullivan, “To Mr. Ed Sullivan, My sincere thanks to a great guy, Thanks, Elvis Presley,” sold for $19,445 in…