19th century drawings, handwriting, penmanship from Long family of Carlisle PA
Carlisle PA & Cumberland County PA: 1820s-1860s. Several items from the Long family of Carlisle PA that were found at the bottom of a box of old books. The best item is a lovely pencil drawing of a girl, 7.5 x 6 inches, pale blue paper, drawn by Emma Long in August 1867 with small note, "She's a gay girl" -- with pencil doodles on verso probably from her brother, who appears to be a John C. Long, and with some handwriting and signature practice. On a similar blue sheet, but undated and unsigned is a pencil drawing of "Dr. Long," probably the father, with his hand on a skull, 9.75 x 7.5 inches, some wear and foxing, a line of pinholes at top border. On a small sheet, 7.25 x 7 inches is an ink drawing of an eagle, clutching in its talons arrows and olive brannch with banner ("Washington") filled in in pencil on lefthand part of banner. Unsigned but likely from an earlier era, paper and work feel 1820s-30s to us, but no science has gone into that analysis. Then there is a handsome example of 1860s penmanship from "Teacher" to John Long, with all sorts of flourishes, 8.25 x 6.5 inches, "John, I am obliged to you the kindness you manifest toward your instructor, and for the improvement you are making under his attention. Go forward my boy with Noble ambition to excel in your studies. Become learned, intelligent and truly pious or religious and then you will answer God's design in your Creation." There is also one sheet folded with 3 pp. sermon on Luke 14.11 ("For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.") and two other slips, one with verse, one with some good advice (Do not talk about your Children in their presence). We did find online that there was an Emma Long, 1856-1940, one of several children of a John Long (1806-1888) of Carlisle PA, and that seems like a good match for an 11 year old's drawing (self portrait?). But we haven't been able to pin down the specifics as to the Long family. Very good. Item #h46574
Price: $150.00