HANDWRITTEN LEDGER OF MIDWEST SADDLE & HARNESS MAKER Saddlery/Tack Shop 1866
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:3683881 | Year Printed: 1866 |
| Subject: Americana | Topic: Historical |
| Original/Facsimile: Original | Binding: Hardcover |
| Special Attributes: Signed, 1st Edition, Manuscript |
VERY SCARCE, ORIGINAL 19TH CENTURY MANUSCRIPT ACCOUNT BOOK OF A MIDWESTERN SADDLE AND HARNESS MAKER. This important early volume dates from 1866-1872 and was kept by Silas Reed Crittenden (1835-1896) of Eaton Rapids, Michigan. Majority of entries here date from 1866-1867 and pertain to a partnership with noted saddle and harness maker Henry Clay Mendell (1832-1901). The two men commenced their joint venture on October 12th, 1866 and were in business together for a couple years before e...ach one ventured out on his own. It appears both men continued to work in the leather trade until about 1870 when Silas Reed Crittenden went into lumber work. Later business directories shows Henry Mendell working alone as a saddle and harness maker in Eaton Rapids. (Scroll down below description for more pictures).
Fascinating handwritten volume memorializes the starting date of the two men's saddle and harness making shop and chronicles their joint venture for about two years. The pair of skilled tradesmen made and repaired horse bridles, collars, hames, halters, harnesses, martingales, saddles, saddle pads, straps, buggy seats, coach straps, whips, trunks, etc. Many other assorted entries here include breast collars, bridle fronts and russets, cockeyes and snaps, side straps, neck yoke straps, halter crowns, sets of hip straps, sets of buckles, loops, buttons, rosettes, hame straps, horse blankets, buggy leather, trunk straps, etc. Other entries mention specific work performed at the shop such as strapping neck yoke, putting side strap on coach, sewing sweat collar, attaching crown to bridle, stitching dash, etc. (For more on early saddle and harness maker Henry Mendell see The Only Eaton Rapids on Earth by W. Scott Munn, 1952).
A couple of pages are devoted to local physicians for whom the shop did work, namely doctors Derby, Wilkins, and Hayden. Repeat business from these esteemed local professionals suggest that Crittenden and Mendell produced quality work. All aspects of the business are chronicled here including material purchases, as the shop often bought large quantities of leather by the pound or in bunches. The specific type of leather purchased is also frequently mentioned such as buggy leather, harness leather, string leather, side of leather, etc. Also entries here noting freight from and expenses to Detroit, along with entries pertaining to various parties with whom the shop dealt such as Courter & Webster wholesale saddlery in Jackson, Michigan, Isaac Crane tannery in Ypsilanti, etc. An absolutely fascinating manuscript volume from a 19th century Midwest saddle and harness maker's shop.
Eaton Rapids is located in Eaton County, Michigan. According to recent census figures, the town is currently home to a population of about 5, 214. The city is located in the south of Eaton Rapids Township, on the boundary with Hamlin Township, though it is politically independent of both townships. Its nickname is the "Island City", since the downtown is located on an island, with a public park, in the Grand River. The Potawatomi people established a village in the area of what is now Eaton Rapids in about 1774. This was part of their wide territory in historic times. The area constituting Eaton Rapids was first settled by Euro-Americans around the year 1835, who were drawn there because of the timber and water power in the area. It became a center of industry. The following year, a sawmill was constructed near Spring Brook in Spicerville; it provided the lumber settlers used to build Eaton Rapids. In 1837, the Old Red Mill was constructed by the mill company; it used water power from the stream to grind corn. The mill company later used wood from Spicerville to construct their own sawmill along the Grand River, as well as a wool carding mill.
In 1852, mineral water was first discovered by E.B. Frost, earning Eaton Rapids worldwide fame and the nickname The Saratoga of the West, referring to Saratoga Springs, New York, which had tourism based on such waters. This water was in huge demand, and resulted in many people coming to take mineral water baths, considered to have health benefits, as well as cures from specific ailments. Fourteen wells were drilled in total to supply water for the baths. Only three are still operational. In 1921, John B. Davidson, Sr. came to Eaton Rapids from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He started the only textile mill in Michigan that spun its own yarn. The Davidson Mill supplied 95% of the wool yarn for major league baseball uniforms, as well as high-grade yarns for other applications. After 48 years in business, the mill burned in 1969. John B. Davidson became a politician, elected as mayor of Eaton Rapids, and later representing the area in both the State House and State Senate. In 1927, Irving Jacob Reuter and his wife Janet built Medovue, built a 17-room, 10, 000-square foot, Tudor Revival- style mansion, where they lived for nine years. President of the Oldsmobile automobile company, Reuter was also a financier and inventor. The Reuters donated substantial sums to charity.
Their property was sold to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lansing, and became the private residence of its first Bishop, the Most Reverend Joseph H. Albers. The diocese later sold the mansion. It was purchased by CJ and Mille Sumner, who adapted it and reopened it to operate as an Adult Foster Care Home. They furnished it with antiques and named it "Ivy Manor". The home was sold again in 1990 and was renovated for use as a Bed and Breakfast, known as the English Inn. In 1991 it was recognized and listed in the state List of Registered Historic Places in Michigan. The original 10, 000-square-foot building, complete with many of the original antique furnishings, has 15 acres of gardens and pastoral countryside located on the river. It was purchased by Gary and Donna Nelson in 1996, who also developed a restaurant and pub on the property. It is open to the public for viewing. Their son Erik Nelson has taken over operations.
Along with the city of Eaton Rapids, Eaton County today also comprises the cities of Charlotte (county seat), Grand Ledge, Lansing (partial), Olivet, and Potterville; the townships of Bellevue Township, Benton Township, Brookfield Township, Carmel Township, Chester Township, Delta Charter Township, Eaton Rapids Township, Eaton Township, Hamlin Township, Kalamo Township, Oneida Charter Township, Roxand Township, Sunfield Township, Vermontville Township, Walton Township, and Windsor Charter Township; the villages of Bellevue, Dimondale, Mulliken, Sunfield, and Vermontville; the unincorporated communities of Ainger (called Thurman in 1887), Bismark, Brookfield, Canada Settlement, Carlisle (called Hyde's Mills until 1843), Charlesworth, Chester, Clinton Junction, Delta Center, Delta Mills (originally called Grand River City), Delwood, East Walton, Elmira, Five Points Corner, Gresham, Hoytville, Kalamo, Kelly, Kingsland, Little Venice, Millett (originally called Millett's Station), Moore's Station, Needmore, Oneida Center, Packard, Petrieville, Shaytown, Stalls Corner, Walton (called East Bellevue until 1840), West Benton, West Windsor, and Woodbury; and the census designated place of Waverly.
Condition: Rare book remains in good overall condition (see pictures). Early volume bound in original leather-backed marbled boards; cover worn and rubbed at extremities, mild toning, scattered minor staining and ink smudging, couple of torn pages, etc., generally clean internally with legible entries throughout. Book contains about 65 pp. of manuscript entries in ink and pencil pertaining to the saddle and harness shop, plus a few additional later entries pertaining to lumber shop work and a few collateral manuscripts laid in; and volume measures approx 9.5" tall x 7.25" wide x .5" thick.
Payment and Shipping: Please see our feedback and bid with confidence. Never a reserve and very low opening bid as always. For international shipping quote, please contact us. Bidders with no established feedback must contact us before bidding. Massachusetts residents must add 6.25% sales tax or include dealer tax resale number. Payment must be received within 5 days after close of auction. Thanks for your interest!On Aug-08-19 at 19:20:36 PDT, seller added the following information:
Fascinating handwritten volume memorializes the starting date of the two men's saddle and harness making shop and chronicles their joint venture for about two years. The pair of skilled tradesmen made and repaired horse bridles, collars, hames, halters, harnesses, martingales, saddles, saddle pads, straps, buggy seats, coach straps, whips, trunks, etc. Many other assorted entries here include breast collars, bridle fronts and russets, cockeyes and snaps, side straps, neck yoke straps, halter crowns, sets of hip straps, sets of buckles, loops, buttons, rosettes, hame straps, horse blankets, buggy leather, trunk straps, etc. Other entries mention specific work performed at the shop such as strapping neck yoke, putting side strap on coach, sewing sweat collar, attaching crown to bridle, stitching dash, etc. (For more on early saddle and harness maker Henry Mendell see The Only Eaton Rapids on Earth by W. Scott Munn, 1952).
A couple of pages are devoted to local physicians for whom the shop did work, namely doctors Derby, Wilkins, and Hayden. Repeat business from these esteemed local professionals suggest that Crittenden and Mendell produced quality work. All aspects of the business are chronicled here including material purchases, as the shop often bought large quantities of leather by the pound or in bunches. The specific type of leather purchased is also frequently mentioned such as buggy leather, harness leather, string leather, side of leather, etc. Also entries here noting freight from and expenses to Detroit, along with entries pertaining to various parties with whom the shop dealt such as Courter & Webster wholesale saddlery in Jackson, Michigan, Isaac Crane tannery in Ypsilanti, etc. An absolutely fascinating manuscript volume from a 19th century Midwest saddle and harness maker's shop.
Eaton Rapids is located in Eaton County, Michigan. According to recent census figures, the town is currently home to a population of about 5, 214. The city is located in the south of Eaton Rapids Township, on the boundary with Hamlin Township, though it is politically independent of both townships. Its nickname is the "Island City", since the downtown is located on an island, with a public park, in the Grand River. The Potawatomi people established a village in the area of what is now Eaton Rapids in about 1774. This was part of their wide territory in historic times. The area constituting Eaton Rapids was first settled by Euro-Americans around the year 1835, who were drawn there because of the timber and water power in the area. It became a center of industry. The following year, a sawmill was constructed near Spring Brook in Spicerville; it provided the lumber settlers used to build Eaton Rapids. In 1837, the Old Red Mill was constructed by the mill company; it used water power from the stream to grind corn. The mill company later used wood from Spicerville to construct their own sawmill along the Grand River, as well as a wool carding mill.
In 1852, mineral water was first discovered by E.B. Frost, earning Eaton Rapids worldwide fame and the nickname The Saratoga of the West, referring to Saratoga Springs, New York, which had tourism based on such waters. This water was in huge demand, and resulted in many people coming to take mineral water baths, considered to have health benefits, as well as cures from specific ailments. Fourteen wells were drilled in total to supply water for the baths. Only three are still operational. In 1921, John B. Davidson, Sr. came to Eaton Rapids from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He started the only textile mill in Michigan that spun its own yarn. The Davidson Mill supplied 95% of the wool yarn for major league baseball uniforms, as well as high-grade yarns for other applications. After 48 years in business, the mill burned in 1969. John B. Davidson became a politician, elected as mayor of Eaton Rapids, and later representing the area in both the State House and State Senate. In 1927, Irving Jacob Reuter and his wife Janet built Medovue, built a 17-room, 10, 000-square foot, Tudor Revival- style mansion, where they lived for nine years. President of the Oldsmobile automobile company, Reuter was also a financier and inventor. The Reuters donated substantial sums to charity.
Their property was sold to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lansing, and became the private residence of its first Bishop, the Most Reverend Joseph H. Albers. The diocese later sold the mansion. It was purchased by CJ and Mille Sumner, who adapted it and reopened it to operate as an Adult Foster Care Home. They furnished it with antiques and named it "Ivy Manor". The home was sold again in 1990 and was renovated for use as a Bed and Breakfast, known as the English Inn. In 1991 it was recognized and listed in the state List of Registered Historic Places in Michigan. The original 10, 000-square-foot building, complete with many of the original antique furnishings, has 15 acres of gardens and pastoral countryside located on the river. It was purchased by Gary and Donna Nelson in 1996, who also developed a restaurant and pub on the property. It is open to the public for viewing. Their son Erik Nelson has taken over operations.
Along with the city of Eaton Rapids, Eaton County today also comprises the cities of Charlotte (county seat), Grand Ledge, Lansing (partial), Olivet, and Potterville; the townships of Bellevue Township, Benton Township, Brookfield Township, Carmel Township, Chester Township, Delta Charter Township, Eaton Rapids Township, Eaton Township, Hamlin Township, Kalamo Township, Oneida Charter Township, Roxand Township, Sunfield Township, Vermontville Township, Walton Township, and Windsor Charter Township; the villages of Bellevue, Dimondale, Mulliken, Sunfield, and Vermontville; the unincorporated communities of Ainger (called Thurman in 1887), Bismark, Brookfield, Canada Settlement, Carlisle (called Hyde's Mills until 1843), Charlesworth, Chester, Clinton Junction, Delta Center, Delta Mills (originally called Grand River City), Delwood, East Walton, Elmira, Five Points Corner, Gresham, Hoytville, Kalamo, Kelly, Kingsland, Little Venice, Millett (originally called Millett's Station), Moore's Station, Needmore, Oneida Center, Packard, Petrieville, Shaytown, Stalls Corner, Walton (called East Bellevue until 1840), West Benton, West Windsor, and Woodbury; and the census designated place of Waverly.
Condition: Rare book remains in good overall condition (see pictures). Early volume bound in original leather-backed marbled boards; cover worn and rubbed at extremities, mild toning, scattered minor staining and ink smudging, couple of torn pages, etc., generally clean internally with legible entries throughout. Book contains about 65 pp. of manuscript entries in ink and pencil pertaining to the saddle and harness shop, plus a few additional later entries pertaining to lumber shop work and a few collateral manuscripts laid in; and volume measures approx 9.5" tall x 7.25" wide x .5" thick.
Payment and Shipping: Please see our feedback and bid with confidence. Never a reserve and very low opening bid as always. For international shipping quote, please contact us. Bidders with no established feedback must contact us before bidding. Massachusetts residents must add 6.25% sales tax or include dealer tax resale number. Payment must be received within 5 days after close of auction. Thanks for your interest!On Aug-08-19 at 19:20:36 PDT, seller added the following information:
