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a charming piece of history with this antique 'Paragon Autograph Album' dating back to 1887. This beautifully preserved album features a vibrant, decorated cover and contains numerous handwritten entries, poems, and well-wishes from friends and family, primarily addressed to 'Willie Platt'.
Notable entries include a dedication from 'Bertha Edison, Teacher' dated January 28, 1887, commending Willie for 'Punctuality, Diligence and Good Conduct'. Other pages feature handwritten messages from individuals like Fred W. Green (Mt. Vision, Otsego Co., N.Y.), Miss Dora Day (Worcester, M.A.), and Lily A. Ashley (Oneonta, Otsego Co.), along with various dates including 1878, 1887, and 1892.
The album also contains delightful period illustrations and ephemera, such as a hand holding a rose, a cherub in a rose, and a cluster of birds and flowers, adding to its vintage appeal. Despite its age, the pages are generally intact, though some show typical signs of wear, discoloration, and minor staining consistent with a collectible of this era, which only adds to its authentic character. This album offers a fascinating glimpse into social connections and personal sentiments from the late 19th century, making it an ideal acquisition for collectors of antique ephemera, autograph albums, or historical Americana.
