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1860's original school books: treasures or trash?
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I came upon some old books today at a yard sale that were old school books. There are 3 Mathematics, 2 Spellers, and 1 Reader from the 1860’s. I was most impressed with the reader, which was 4th grade and had a mix of reading of poems, stories, science, and history. (Not sure how CM they are.) I noticed the listing on the back that the 3rd grade reader includes Bible stories. So I bought these for $1 each. I’m only out $6, but I am not sure what to do with them. There are some rough edges, “old” smell, and some brown spots on some pages. I was just so intrigued looking through them and knowing they are 150 years old and that would put them at about the time Abe Lincoln’s children were in school. So at the time, they were a treasure, but now that I am home, I’m not sure. They look out of place on the bookshelf with all my newer books, and I wonder if I should be concerned for any kind of fungus or mold or if there is anything to do to clean them up more or should I store them in ziplock bags or something? Any thoughts? Anyone else have books this old?
I have old, old books like those. You got quite a deal for only $1 each! My mom & I love library sales where they are selling those antiques for $.50 or $1. Depending on their condition, they could be worth much more! I would use them for school, but I am afraid their value would decrease. :-/
Here’s an article that might help with getting rid of the musty smell: http://www.worthpoint.com/article/minor-book-repairs-sprucing-up-your-old-friends.
Sarah- What a fun find! I suppose it depends on what your intentions are with the books. Did you buy them as an investment or to be enjoyed with your kids?
Just me personally – I would LOVE to use those for history and crafts and all sorts of subjects. I mean, talk about “living history”! Just imagine – you could be reading the same books that Abe Lincoln or even Charlotte Mason herself had access to. I think my girls, who are both book lovers like their mom, would really relish using those books (carefully!) to explore old ideas and concepts, as well as to examine for book construction, comparing fonts and processes… I’d think the possibilities were endless….. kudos and enjoy!
You know, if you really want to make the point that these books are delicate treasures that are easily damaged, you could get a pair of those little white cotton gloves and have them wear those whenever they plan to handle the books….sort of like what ladies do when they are handling antique quilts. Just a thought….
Treasure or trash? I tend to consider them mostly to be treasures and I’ve been pleased with most of them that I’ve found. However I came across one this weekend that I didn’t care for. It was ******* Fifth Reader (can’t remember the whole name) and as I paged through it quickly I came across some things about it that I didn’t appreciate. I was in a rush, so I can’t even remember right now what they were. So a caveat, just because it’s old it doesn’t mean that you can trust it for your children’s minds.
I agree that old isn’t always good. But if you find these are and you wish to keep, use and preserve them, you might consider putting them in crystal shields. They are plastic covers. I put them on all the older, rarer books in my lending library. I get mine from Demco.com. Measure the size of the cover and order to fit. A very good way to protect them for years to come.
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