Pastkeepers in a Small Place




Early New England



Commonwealth of Massachusetts


Massachusetts — General Interest

The Massachusetts Slave Trade, written by Lilian Brandt. Scholarly article with primary sources cited on the early involvement of Massachusetts both directly and indirectly with the slave trade. Originally published in New England Magazine, 1899.

Boston Area

Mount Auburn Cemetery., by Frank Foxcroft. Reproduced from a 1896 article published in New England Monthly. History of the cemetery and profiles of various buildings and monuments with some discussion of a few of the more famous people buried within. Illustrated, including a cemetery map.

Berkshire County


Ten Days With the Deaf and Dumb, by Mary Barrett. Originally published in 1873. A visitor at the New York Institution for the Deaf and Dumb observes effective teaching methods of the time.

Little Laborers of New York City, by C. L. Brace, 1873.
Article discussing early child labor laws and lack of, jobs performed by young children, wages and reform including early laws implemented to protect the working child. The Work of the Children's Aid Society is mentioned.

Superstitions of a Cosmopolitan City, by Robert Shakleton, 1905
Odd four-page treatise on some superstitions observed in New York City, most culturally related. Somewhat over-simplifed.

Life on Broadway, by William H. Rideing, 1878.
Ode to "the more things change, the more they stay the same" — vintage description of the varied sights and scenes of Broadway, Manhattan in 1878. Descriptions of people on the street, vendors, shops, restaurants and some of the sights.

Romance of the Hudson, Part I and Part II, by Benson J. Lossing, 1876.
A brief history of the Hudson River in the greater NY metro area. Some wonderful descriptions of legends, lore, battles and facts by noted historian Benson John Lossing. Some interesting explanations regarding certain place names in the area, and much more.

The Metropolitan Newspaper, by William H. Rideing, 1877.
Interesting article about early newspapers — how reporters worked, role of the city editor, Associated Press and more. Nice illustrations of some of the old newpaper buildings and editors of the time.

Normal College of New York City, by William H. Rideing, 1878.
Detailed discussion of the Normal College, its history, teacher curriculum, rules and requirements. Some interesting observations on the daily proceedings within the school. Nice article on early higher education for women.

Modern Dwelling, Part I and Part II, by H. Hudson Holly, 1876.
Design of various American "cottages" circa 1876. Some discussion of architectural styles, adaptation in America, choosing a site, floorplans, and much more. Written by H. Holly Hudson, an influential architect of his time.


Books & articles appearing here are modified adaptations
from a private collection of vintage books & magazines.
Reproduction of these pages is prohibited
without written permission.
© Laurel O'Donnell, 1996-2006.