Archives Directory for the History of Collecting in America
Archives related to: Young, William H., Mrs.
| title | Mrs. William H. Young Correspondence, 1883-1895, 1893-1895 (bulk dates). | repository | The Winterthur Library |
| description | A collection of letters addressed to Mrs. Young from various antique dealers in New York and Connecticut. In these letters, the dealers not only described what they are offering to sell to Mrs. Young, they frequently discussed the art of negotiating the purchase of the items from the owners. Mrs. Young apparently was particularly interested in collecting china decorated with American scenes, but she also wished to purchase furniture, candlesticks, and mirrors. One dealer offered to send photos of some pieces; others would sketch the pieces. Most often, however, the dealers offered merely a verbal description. Dealer G. C. Gragg of New York City staked his reputation on being able to tell genuine articles from reproductions and offered money back if he were found to be wrong. Dealer R. T. van Deusen told her about his system of using “country buyers” to scout for pieces. Margaret A. McCollum sent an offer to make Mrs. Young “an old fashioned rug,” assuring her that it “would last a life time.” Eva B. Leete was especially chatty in her letters, writing not only about difficulties in convincing people to sell, but also including news about the health of her family and neighbors, and giving histories of some of the pieces being offered for sale. As well, the collection includes several lists of items being shipped, a sketch of a platter, an obituary of Cornelia Elliot of Connecticut, a photo of two men, and a trade card for George E. Vernon & Co. of New port, Rhode Island. Biography or history Mrs. William H. Young lived in Poughkeepsie, New York. She collected antiques, particularly china. Her husband was interested in items with naval motifs. Language Materials are in English. Notes For the most part, the collection is in good condition. The sketch of the platter is in several pieces. Second pages of some letters have been separated from their first pages. Language Materials are in English. Location The Winterthur Library, Joseph Downs Collection of Manuscripts and Printed Ephemera, Winterthur, DE 19735 Call Number Col. 810 |
| extent | 45 items : ill. |
| formats | Correspondence Photographs Ephemera |
| access | Collection open to the public. Copyright restrictions may apply. |
| record source | http://library.winterthur.org:8000/cgi-bin/webgw |
| updated | 03/16/2023 10:30:01 |
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