December 2021: 19th Century Gentlemen
Collecting & Preserving Seeds: An Insurance Policy for our Future
Our October issue explores the historical roots of the American harvest. You may question what that has to do with antique collectibles but in their own way, the indigenous seeds we found here and those brought over from other countries,…
A Lesson on the History of Desks
If you are one of those people who feel ‘any surface will do,’ then it might be hard to understand the writing desk culture, and the personal connection many people have about the space and surface on which they work,…
Antiques Peek: Decorate Your Desk
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…
The Writing Desks and Habits of Famous Authors
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…
Gavels ‘n’ Paddles: Evinrude porcelain sign, $30,750, Route 32 Auctions
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…
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…
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…