#hspdigitallibrary

[hspdigitallibrary]

Globus Waldseemüller’s von 1507

[hspdigitallibrary]

The Mystic Oracle…Mysterious, Amusing, Mystifying, Baffling!

The Mystic Oracle…Mysterious, Amusing, Mystifying, Baffling!

According to front of this promotional card, The Mystic Oracle “answers questions by wireless.”  Simply open the card, spin the wheel to your chosen question, and the answer appears on the front of the card.  Questions include, “Who invented photography,” “What elements make air,” “When was Shakespeare born,” as well as others.  Presented by the Railway Devices Co. in St. Louis, MO., this card design is patent pending since 1923.  Visit HSP’s Digital Library https://digitallibrary.hsp.org/ to browse various promotional cards, theater posters, political cartoons, and more.

[hspdigitallibrary]

“Remembrance” St. Valentine’s Day card

From the HSP collection of greeting cards (1553) https://digitallibrary.hsp.org/index.php/Detail/collections/1553

[hspdigitallibrary]

This letter from Thomas Paine to Daniel Clymer dated September, 1786, includes the quote, “The proceedings of the Legislature for these two years past are marked with such vehemence of party spirit and rancorous prejudice, that it is impossible any country can thrive or flourish under such manifest misconduct.”  A staunch advocate for American Independence, Paine goes on to express his doubts about realizing the dream of an independent American country.  To read more of Thomas Paine’s correspondence, visit https://digitallibrary.hsp.org and search “Paine.”

https://digitallibrary.hsp.org/index.php/Detail/objects/15427

[hspdigitallibrary]

Happy Halloween from the HSP Digital Library!  These pages are from the illustrated manuscript of The Witchcraft of Dame Darrel of York by Charles Godfrey Leland [1824-1903]. Leland presents the book as an account of witchcraft practiced by Dame Darrel, "the Wise Woman of York," in medieval England, though the work is primarily based on Leland's own research and imagination. The majority of the manuscript catalogs various types of fairies, elves, goblins, and other spirits in alphabetical order, but there are also stories and descriptions of spells.  Follow the link to view the full book at your own risk!

http://digitallibrary.hsp.org/index.php/Detail/Object/Show/object_id/2707

[hspdigitallibrary]

John Wintersteen, Jr. raises the American Flag in front of William Penn Charter School.  Penn Charter was founded in 1689 by William Penn. Penn Charter is the oldest Quaker school in the world and one of the first schools to open its doors to all students no matter their religion, race, or gender. Today, Penn Charter is home to hundreds of children from all cultures, faiths, and means.

http://digitallibrary.hsp.org/index.php/Detail/Object/Show/object_id/6824

[hspdigitallibrary]

This handbook, Cyclers’ and Drivers’ Best Routes in and around Philadelphia: with Maps and Illustrations, was written and illustrated by Frank H. Taylor in 1896.  Yet, the routes described and shown in the illustrations would, in many cases, still apply today.  Many of the landmark buildings in the handbook are lost to history, but the routes are still in use (although invariably wider – and paved!) One of the great things about this handbook is the advertisements.  Who knew there were so many manufacturers of bicycles active in the city of Philadelphia in 1896?  It was already quite the industry!

[hspdigitallibrary]

A very interesting pocket diary from the Civil War, the year 1863 in particular. Stephen A. Beckwith (1837-1903) was a sergeant in Company H, 37th New York Volunteers. While in service from 1861 to 1863, he participated in the first battle of Bull Run, the Peninsula Campaign, and the battle of Chancellorsville, among others. The diary is in excellent condition; it could be used today if the dates were correct!  In the diary, Mr. Beckwith writes about enemy activity; the weather; mail received and sent; orders received (for movements, picket duty, and drills); visitors from other units; and a "bargain" he made with another soldier to not drink whisky while in service. In the back of the diary, he also included the lyrics to a popular song at the time entitled "Kitty Wells." A real treasure from a tumultuous time in our history!

http://digitallibrary.hsp.org/index.php/Detail/Object/Show/object_id/13979

--Mark