In July I posted an
1890s Autograph Album that once belonged to a young lady named Millie. I love the album's illustrations, and, of course, the quotes within are delightful. Since then, I've run across more autograph albums. One belonged to my grandmother and is circa the 1930s. Most people simply signed their names in that one. A few people posted quotes, but there was none of the creativity and flowery prose that Millie's album had. A second album I found belonged to my grandfather. It had no quotes, just people's signatures and addresses.
Not long ago I came across yet another autograph album. This one belonged to my great-great-grandfather, Frank (born in 1866). While lacking the colorful illustrations of Millie's, it did have some great signatures and notes. I'm posting it below. Enjoy!
* * * * *
* * * * *
To Frank - Kirkville Iowa
Passing through life's field of action
Lest we part before its end
Take within your modest volume
This memento from a friend
August 2 1885
* * * * *
* * * * *
Remember well
and keep in view the
pleasant hours I've spent
with you
the grave will soon
be my bed
remember me
oh when I'm dead.
Remember me when far away
remember me on your wedding day
think of me when half awake
and when you get married
send me a piece of your wedding cake
Your friend,
Ella
* * * * *
* * * * *
The Green Leaves will wither
and the roots will decay
and the beauty of a fair maid
Will never die away
-Thas Green
* * * * *
* * * * *
Dear Frank:
Fall from the ship
fall from deck
fall down stairs and break your neck
fall from the starry heights above
but never never fall in love.
D.W.
* * * * *
* * * * *
Where's the small and simple four
that twines around the humble colt(?)
and in the stillness of the hour, whispers
low forget me not
I will rite by the roses
The girls loves posies
and I do the same
so here is my name
-Wm. Shirman
* * * * *
* * * * *
Dec the 24 1884
To A Friend -
[?] in your happiest hour
when sorrows are all forgot
take one lingern(sic) glance at this
and oh forget-me-not
Bettie C. Harris Lisbon
* * * * *
* * * * *
Dear Frank,
Remember me
For Gods sake
And sent to me
Your wedding cake
Norah Huffin
* * * * *
* * * * *
To Frank - Feb 2, 1885
Forget me not forget me never
Until the golden sun has set
Forever
-Leonard Schroch
* * * * *
* * * * *
Remember me when this you see
Though I am out of sight
And I will do the same
By you with pleasure and delight
Your friend,
Annie Gardner
(1 -30 - 1889)
* * * * *
* * * * *
Jan the 3 '83
When the evening sun is setting
and your mind far from care is free
when of absent friends you are thinking
won't you some times think of me
Yours truly, Fannie A. Bailey
* * * * *
*Sarah Rigsby was Frank's fiancee at the time; they were married shortly after this was penned.
* * * * *
The air is soft
The sky is blue
Honey is sweet
And so are you
Frank
* * * * *
* * * * *
To Frank,
When you are sitting
All alone reflecting on the past
Remember that you have a
Friend that will forever last
Your friend,
Katie Barnes
Feb the 5th 1883
* * * * *
* * * * *
To Frank -
Long may you live happy
May you be sitting on a wood pile drinking onion tea.
-Mollie Wills, Kansas City, Dec 31
Fin.
