Category: Manuscript Society

A Lost Dog

On By scottpetersenIn A lost dog, Lyman Maine, Manuscript Society1 Comment

I’ve collected historical autographs and manuscripts since I was a kid.  I acquired the Chicago Rock Island Railroad archives – the contents of a 10 story building full of history – when the “line” went out of business (see May 15, 2014).  And for perhaps 30 years, I offered catalogs and listings of autograph material and was heavily involved with The Manuscript Society ( http://www.manuscript.org – see November 13, 2011). Clearly – manuscripts, archives and autographs have always been a big part of my life. But given my retirement – and thinking about the next “chapter” – I’ve been unloading the residuals of autograph material.   

There is, however, one item I’ve kept.  For a long time.   It’s not that “special” nor is it valuable.  It’s a cursive scribbling on a 4-1/2″ x 7-1/2″ blue-tinged sheet of paper from a little boy named “Nathaniel” to people in the town of Lyman, Maine. He’s looking for his lost dog:  “Lost – In this village a small spoted (sic) dog.  With red ears and a red string around the neck.   Whoever will return or give information of the same shall be suitably rewarded.”  It is signed “Nathaniel Hill.”  The letter is dated “January 19th 1854.”     

I look at this letter and think about the young boy who wrote it. And I wonder — did Nathaniel ever get his little dog back?  I sure hope he did . . . . .

The value of a handwritten letter

On By scottpetersenIn Handwritten letters, Manuscript SocietyLeave a comment

When I became President of The Manuscript Society (www.manuscript.org) in 2002, I asked the Executive Director to send me a list of all of those individuals and institutions that had not renewed their Society membership. There were about 240. I had stationery made – “The Manuscript Society” with my name as President – my address, phone number and email address. And I began sending letters. Handwritten ones – to every one of the 240 who did not renew. Now mind you – I had a full time job lawyering. And I was verrrry busy. But – for about a month, I stuck around my office for a few extra hours each night to write letters and address envelopes.

My letters were straightforward – like “I understand you haven’t renewed. . . . we miss you. . . . please let me know of any questions. . . . give me a call or send me a note. . . . we’d like you back. . . . yadda yadda. . . .” Well – within a week, responses began to arrive. Most with checks (a few made out to me!). And during the coming weeks, I believe 94 folks renewed their membership. I also received six notes from relatives – advising that the member had passed away. I then bought six sympathy cards and – with a handwritten note – sent them to family members on behalf of the Society. The son of one man who had died responded — with his own check for membership plus a “rounded up” gift to the Society.

I am convinced that handwritten letters can make a difference. Sure – it takes extra time but there is no downside. And who knows what smiles you might bring – or responses that might come in the door.

Autographs

On By scottpetersenIn Manuscript Society, Rock Island RailroadLeave a comment

I began collecting autographs at the ripe old age of 6.  My father would take me to Wrigley Field – home of the (then) hapless Chicago Cubs.  He would settle into his grandstand seat with a hot dog and a beer and I would gallop down the concrete steps to troll for autographs from the likes of Hank Sauer (see post of August 2, 2011).   Then things got serious. 

After buying and reselling the entire archives of the Chicago Rock Island Railroad (a 10 story building with 100,000 square feet of history) (see June 18, 2017), I began buying and selling autograph material.  For nearly 40 years, I published catalogs and listings of manuscript material.  And rare books.  Back in the day, when auction bids had no minimums, I might bid on a hundred items — and win five or ten.  At five to ten bucks each.  Then I’d arbitrage them.  Quickly. . . . 

Personally, I collect original handwritten letters and documents of Justices of the United States Supreme Court.   And have one of three collections in private hands.  

One of the great resources for collectors of history in its handwritten form is The Manuscript Society — http://www.manuscript.org .  I became President in 2002 – in Dublin and Belfast, NI.  I was invited to speak at Stormont – the NI Parliament (and sat in Ian Paisley’s seat).  The Manuscript Society is definitely worth the price of admission ($85.00 a year).  If you have an interest in history, manuscripts, genealogy or antiquarian curiosities, check it out.  You will not be disappointed.      

Don’t You Like Our Looks?

On By scottpetersenIn Don't you like our looks?, Galway, Ireland, Manuscript Society, The Quays, The TribesmanLeave a comment

Some years ago, Donna and I were in Galway with some friends. We decided to go exploring with another couple.  We reconnoitered the town and saw a pub called the “Quays” (pronounced “Keys”).  It was night.  Raining.  The place was off the beaten path.  Donna and I and our friend Ivo and his wife walked in. The pub was dark and filled with smoke.  Big men.  Heavy.  Bellied up to the bar.  Beards.  Black leather jackets.  Noise.   Many of the occupants turned to give us the eye.  Have you ever been somewhere and gotten that feeling you just don’t belong there?  Once inside, we looked around and we all got that feeling.   

As we moved toward the door, a loud voice from a corner booth holding about 8 people caught our attention “what’s the matter?  Don’t ya like our looks?”  Ivo and I looked at each other and I – respectfully – pointed out that the place was “very crowded” and there was no room for us to sit.  The chap who’d called us out started to move – “sit here.  We’ll make room for ya.”   And people began moving.  Shifting.  All watching us.  I looked at my friend.  He raised his eyebrows like “let’s see where this goes.”  And we moved into the group – squishing ourselves into corner seats. 

They were curious about where we were from (Chicago/Edgartown, MA), why we were there (a meeting) and where all we were going (we detailed).  They bought us drinks.  More drinks.  And refused our offer of reciprocity.  After an hour or so, Morris – the chap who’d called out to us – invited us to join him and some of the others at another pub.  The Tribesman.  Where he was playing a horsehide drum in an Irish band.   At that point, how could we say no?   We walked a few blocks.  The Tribesman was packed.  Morris shooed people away as he pushed his way to the small alcove stage with us in tow.  He set two small stools right in front of the band.  Donna and I sat.  Listened.  Enchanted.  Then we traded seats with our friends who’d been standing in the back.  It turned out to be one of the most memorable evenings I’ve had.  It could’ve all turned out verrry differently if we’d said “gosh thanks anyway.”   And left.