Keep for a Bookmark

by

Laine Farley

Bookmarks often carry stories hidden in cryptic messages that are part of their design or added by their users over time. If part of their design, the maker may assume a context whereby details such as names, dates, and places are understood and don't need to be explicit. These omissions can puzzle and intrigue those who encounter the bookmark out of context. In the case of information added by those who use bookmarks, similar details may be irrelevant to their purpose but lead to more questions than answers for those who follow. Bookmarks carry their own markers of clues, trails, and evidence-data for genealogy and history and another reason for keeping them beyond their original purpose.

This silk bookmark caught my eye for two reasons. In excellent condition for its age of 116 years, its appealing old-fashioned font, and its evocation of the 1890s. The main appeal was not for its appearance but for the hint of a story, a mystery. It appears to commemorate an anniversary of some kind. It might have been a marriage, but curiously, the initials are different—SSW and EBT. Perhaps one set of initials represents the woman’s maiden name. Or is it marking something else altogether? A forty-year anniversary (1853-1893) seems an unusual one for creating a keepsake. If only it had some indication of a place, I might have been able to use genealogy techniques to track it down. There are actually genealogists who specialize in reuniting descendents with the lost relics of their ancestors—bibles, photographs, documents and the like. Although there have been cases involving postcards, I have not heard of any orphaned bookmarks successfully returned. 

Another bookmark of a similar period and style has led me on a slightly more  productive investigation. Titled “Willows Rink 50th Nicht,” this bookmark has a name and place but no date. The seller noted that it was found in a plastic bag with “CA 1900” written on it. I had visited the small town of Willows, California, a few years ago and decided it was enough evidence to pursue a connection. The poem on the bookmark “At the Rink,” was written by rink manager H. E. Reed. I was excited to locate a biography of Henry E. Reed who lived in Willows during the right time period, from about 1871 through at least 1912 according to the biography. Although there is a detailed account of his family, his civic engagements, his various businesses and even his home—described as “a fine two-story suburban home, modern in every detail” which he erected in 1912—there is no mention of him managing a skating rink. 

I wrote to the Willows Public Library to see if they could locate anything about a skating rink or Mr. Reed. The librarian wrote back after a time, saying they had been searching diligently as my question had intrigued them. Unfortunately, the local newspaper for 1900-1901 had been consumed by fire, the fate of so many local records of the last century. The librarian offered to check with the local history museum which is located in the original Carnegie library building. One bit of information she offered was from H.E. Reed’s obituary on July 26, 1928, which stated that he was “a highly respected citizen of the Ord section.” I’ve tried other combinations of searching in case Willows was not the right location, but no luck. One odd thing about it is “50th Nicht,” which translates as “not 50th.” Was it perhaps a mistake and should have been “nacht” for night? Was it perhaps a mistake and should have been “nacht” for night? Or perhaps on close examination, what appears to be a “C” is actually a “G,” in which case “night” would be a reasonable interpretation. For all the ornamentation these old fashioned letters contain, the uncharacteristic simplicity of this letter makes it ambiguous.  

A final example is from a handsome New Year’s bookmark by Louis Prang. The lovely daisy with silvery green leaves and a delicate bee on its way to the white flower is a good example of Prang’s botanical designs. The reverse tells its own story with the first message:

The baby is well. We kissed him for you but he says he rather you would do it for yourself. We all send love & wish you many happy days. 
        Yours Sincerely, Fred & Clara K.
        Dec 31/ 80

And then years later in a different hand: “This speaks for its self [sic].  H.R., Mar. 25, 1926 - Keep for a book mark”

This little story has tantalizing clues in the names and dates, but without at least a last name and a place, again it is difficult to tie it to individuals. What could have been the relationship between the two people who wrote on the bookmark? Were Fred and Clara sending the bookmark to a friend or a family member? Their signature implies that the recipient knew them well since they didn’t include a last name, but suggests it was probably not to a relative. Was “H.R.” the baby who was kissed? In 1926 he would have been 46. What is the significance of the date—a birthday? It’s possible to imagine any number of stories to explain how the bookmark made its journey from one person to another and why it was considered precious. The note to “Keep for a Book Mark” somehow reveals that the person viewed it as more than just a useful object to be recycled. It conveys a special memory, a keepsake in the truest sense of having sentimental value. 

Some collectors may prefer unblemished examples but not me. Rather than detracting from their value, I think these inscriptions add to their worth. Not only do they provide evidence that the bookmark was used and served its purpose, they also mark the memory and sentiment of a time, an event, a relationship. While my efforts to document their origins led to dead ends, it is still intriguing to pursue the clues. Maybe their appearance here will lead to new discoveries.

Bookmark specifications: S.S.W. Jan. 8th, 1853. Jan 8th, 1893. E.B.T.
Dimensions: 2" x 6  2"
Material: Silk
Manufacturer: Unknown
Date: 1893
Acquired: eBay

Bookmark specifications: Willows Rink
Dimensions: 3 1/2" x 9 1/8"
Material: Silk
Manufacturer: Unknown
Date: 1900?
Acquired: eBay

Bookmark specifications: Welcome the coming, speed the parting year
Dimensions: 2 3/4" x 5 1/2"
Material: Paper
Manufacturer: Louis Prang, Boston
Date: 1880
Acquired: eBay


Laine Farley is a digital librarian who misses being around the look, feel and smell of real books.  Her collection of over 3,000 bookmarks began with a serendipitous find while reviewing books donated to the library. Fortunately, her complementary collection of articles and books about bookmarks provides an excuse for her to get back to libraries and try her hand at writing about bookmarks. Contact Laine.