[Rarebooks] FS: Baseball broadside, 1887
Powers Rare Books
powersrarebooks at comcast.net
Tue Oct 2 06:37:25 EDT 2007
I can offer...
[BASEBALL]. Broadside announcement of a "Labor Day! Grand Base
Ball Picnic For the benefit of Woodland Park B. B. C. At Woodland Park,
West Medway, on Monday, September 5th, 1887." West Medway, MA: H. A.
Bullard, Printer, 1887.
Measures appx. 12 by 6 inches, printed in a variety of types on
pale olive green paper, with a small (2 1/4 by 2 inches) wood-engraved
vignette of a batter and catcher at center. Two modest stains along
the right edge, one accompanied by a tiny chip; closed tear along the
left edge affecting the large word "Base"; small hole at upper center
costing a small part of the word "Ball"; some other generaal wear, but
overall a very good copy.
The Woodland Park Base Ball Club faced two teams that day, the
Arlingtons of Arlington and the Newtons of Newton (couldn't they think
of more imaginative names?), at 10am and 3pm respectively. Between
games there was a Clam Bake at noon, and a supper from 5 to 7pm with
ice cream, soad, and cigars, as well as dancing both afternoon and
evening with the Vose & Schlief Orchestra. At the bottom there is a
pleasant description of Woodland Park: "Woodland Park, pleasantly
situated on the Charles River, within two minutes waalk from the West
Medway depot, is one of the largest and finest groves in the state.
Among the attractions are 18 cages of Living Curiosities selected from
all parts of the United States, Swings, Croquet Grounds, Ball Grounds,
Boats, and a large and well furnished hall which will accommodate the
largest picnic parties. Good stabling for horses at the entrance."
I've seen and handled a few baseball broadsides, but this is far
and away the most charming--and the only illustrated--example I've ever
seen.
$1250 plus shipping. For a picture visit
http://home.comcast.net/~powersrarebooks/BaseballBroadside1887.jpg
Greg Powers
Powers Rare Books
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