“In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: It Goes On.”
Robert Frost

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

The Egg Tree

Since Easter is right around the corner, I thought it would be a good time to pull out a book from my recent haul and share it with you. This is an original 1950 edition of the book illustrated and written by Katherine Milhous. This book was published by The Junior Literary Guild and Charles Scribner's Sons, New York. This sweet book has a few condition problems, but it is still beautiful to me.





 

The story is based on the true story of Carrie May Umberger Palsgrove who many years ago, created an Easter Egg Tree for her children, and it eventually (circa 1950) was displayed in the Historical Society of Berks county, Pennsylvania.

The designs in this book by Katherine Milhous were taken from original eggs painted by the artist grandfather of Hattie and Anna La Ross Gross. The decorative motifs of the border designs of this book are from designs by Frances Lichten. The story and art in this book are a result of the influence on Katherine by the people of the Red Hills, also known as the Pennsylvania Dutch. Their love of bold color and designs and steadfast hold on their traditions are evident in every part of this book.






Rooster with his zigzag chest design




Love these borders.







Colors are still vibrant in this old book!

















Tears, Tape and Chew Marks







So what do you think? As you see, the book has been ripped, bug chewed and taped back together. Should I try and sell it as is, it's worth about $5.00. Should I cut it apart and sell the art work?  Ideas please. I don't plan on doing anything right away, so I have plenty of time to think it over.


Linking with Common Ground Vintage Easter Inspiration.

11 comments:

  1. I think its lovely. I don't mind 'condition problems', I think they give vintage books character. My old books are sometimes in terrible condition but I love them all the same.

    I would try to sell it as it is first - you never know someone might be looking for just this book and snap it up regardless. If it doesn't sell you could reconsider but I'd give it a chance first.

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    1. Thanks Sharon, I have some time to think about it. I pretty much missed the boat trying to sell it this season, so it will go into storage for a few months. ~~ Diane

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  2. How scrumptiously precious! It reminds me of the early versions of The Velveteen Rabbit for some reason. Maybe its the nostalgia kicking in. Either way, I love it!

    Happy seeing beautiful!
    http://seeabeautifulworld.blogspot.com/

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  3. I would sell it as is, like Sharon, I don't have issues with the condition of a book if I love it. Everything about this one is simply wonderful, even the chew marks, lol!! I really like Mr. Rooster's Easter egg zigzagy chest :) A few years ago I started to notice egg trees for sale - I thought this was simply a recent marketing invention, seems there's some history behind them after all.

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  4. I love visiting you blog always so beautiful and peaceful. I could never part with such a beautiful book. My suggestion would be to sell it to a caring buyer, let me know if you plan to do so. Cheers and happy Easter

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  5. I think it's still beautiful even with the tears and other markings. I'm sure someone would still want and treasure it.

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  6. The egg tree is beautiful please don’t cut it up! If I were you I would keep it and enjoy it or sell it to someone who will love it. It may only be worth $5 now but it could be worth a lot more in the future. Visiting your pretty blog is always such a treat.

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  7. Thanks for being so optimistic! I would love to sell the book whole! Now that I know there are a few people out there that might not be put off by it's condition I will try and sell it as it is. Thanks for all your comments!

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  8. It looks so cute. Don't cut it up! I'd save it, just to take out and display at Easter time. Thanks for this post, it reminded me of one of my very favorite Easter children's books: "The Country Bunny and the Little Gold Shoes" which I think I'll have to track down and read. Happy Easter!

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  9. Sell it as is! I think it looks perfect just the way it is; it has CHARACTER!

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