The discussion in one of the other threads concerning a book treasure brought to mind this book "The Album of Autographs of Representative Railroad Men of the United States".
There's no preface, no explanatory text concerning the why and wherefore of the reason for the book and no after word. The signatures are in random order and run the gamut from just a signature to a signature along with a bit of personal information such as residence, railroad of current employment, current occupation, etc. The signature style would suggest the book was compiled in either the late 19th Century or early 20th.
The first 30 pages are an alphabetical index of the signatures listing the name and the page on which the signature can be found.
In alphabetical order the first and last names are Ackert, L.H. and Zugen, Henry H. In case you are wondering Ackert indicated he worked for the EJ&E and Mr. Zugen worked for the CNJ.
This is the most unusual book of railroad history I have seen.
That is kind of unusual, I wonder what the purpose of the was originally? Still it's a great find.
The closest I've come to the same was at an antique show where the seller had a turn of the 20th Century book titled "The History Of The Baldwin Locomotive Works" by Samuel Vauclain and autographed by Vauclain. I was really tempted but I didn't want to spend the $100 the seller wanted. I'm not sorry I passed on it though.
The only use I can think of for a book like that would be for forging passes.
Same me, different spelling!
A strange book and curious book indeed.
The only books I have with signatures are those of the authors.
David
To the world you are someone. To someone you are the world
I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought
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