Between the Covers

Hardcover. A small archive of five notebooks and ledgers spanning the period 1885-98, retained in a contemporary handmade cloth handbag with the owner’s initials stitched in Old English on the front. The collection documents the activities and records of the “Young Hermits”, a self-styled secret society of young men in Philadelphia whose object “is to cultivate the social, mental, and moral qualities of its members”. It consists of three notebooks (containing meeting minutes, rules and articles for the government of the association, and financial records), one large pocket ledger of miscellaneous notes and a partial draft of a play, and one receipt book. In very good or better condition overall. Of particular interest is the first notebook of minutes dating from 1885-97, fully written out in manuscript in several legible hands by the presiding officers. Typical meetings would include remarks, readings, and occasional music performances. The minutes often reveal both the earnestness and humor of the group’s members, as in this description of “new business” on February 27, 1888:

“Mr. A.L. Sneyd complained of Mr. H.H. Knight having had the audacity to attend the sleigh-ride Feb. 1, 1888, accompanied by a female, who was entirely unknown to any of the ‘Hermits’ (except himself), the cause of which conduct Mr. Sneyd demanded an explanation. Mr. Knight responded that he had not intended to commit any offense, but was accompanied by the ‘young innocent’ only for ballast.”

The other two notebooks and pocket ledger round out the records of the Young Hermits with amended rules and articles, financial records, and various member lists spanning the years from 1890-98. An historically interesting and entertaining collection, presumably retained by a member of the society in a contemporary handmade bag with a nice artifactual feel. A detailed list of all five books is available.

Item #535246