SteveH

This is pretty cool!

It is a letter written 2-1/2 months after the end of the US civil war.

This letter is regarding a "a magnificent painting of scenes in New York life" to be displayed "all over the country commencing in August".

I love the idea that they will "paint in" the singer store.... sounds like modern marketing

I am trying to do the following:

1. Figure out the name of the signer
2. Determine if the painting happened and was shown
3. Determine if the paintings are viewable today
4. Determine of Singer store is portrayed in the paintings

[ATTACH=CONFIG]511020[/ATTACH]

sdhaevrsi

Cool! And, what beautiful penmanship from that era.

QuiltingVagabond

I think the signature is somebody West & Co. perhaps Lenard? Very interesting letter once again Steve!

jlhmnj

Steve,

Possibly a 19th Century version of junk mail with a heads up on sales rep call (?) I suppose the paintings or pics would have been viewed at Fairs and other large public gatherings if undertaken.

Jon

just joan

What a great letter. I would have loved to the picture of the business. The building and letter writing were an art back then.

Tink's Mom

Signature looks like Menard Nest (?) & Co. Not positive on the T.
This letter really looks cool...will keep checking this out.

barny

Singer Sewing machine co. Broadway NY. To Call your attention to a valuable advertising method. We have in process of construction a magnificent painting of scenes in New York Life, which we propose to exhibit all over the country commencing in August, and we will "paint in" a fine picture of your business house for a moderate sum. The painting will be shown before tens of thousands in it's first season and will bring your business forcibly before the public. Our agent Mz Moore, will call upon you in a few days and give you particulars. Yours respectfully, ....... .......& Co.

QuiltingVagabond

I thought it was a "w" in West/Nest? because of the similarity to the w beginning the second sentence.

melmerr1

I agree.. It looks like "Lenard West & Co". And what a shame this penmanship has been lost.

Jeanette Frantz

Barny, I would point out that "Mz" was not a term in use in 1865! I don't pretend to be able to decipher any of the rest of of the letter.

Jeanette