This is the October 1, 1853 issue of GLEASON'S PICTORIAL newspaper, which in later years went by the name of Ballou's pictorial.  It is much like the more popular newspapers of the time, Harper's Weekly, and Frank Leslie.  All of these newspapers were highly illustrated with wood engravings. This issue is in very good condition, with the exception of some age spots that do not affect the print or the pictures.  The pages are flat. As you can see from the list of articles below it gives a good insight into the issues and life of that time, along with some very nice literary articles and poems. Additional are pictures available upon request.  Please include your e-mail address.

ARTICLES:

PARTRIDGE SHOOTING – This sport is much practiced in the Eastern and middle States.  Partridges are found in the temperate parts of Europe and America.  The article is accompanied by an engraving by drawn by Mr. Croome, of New York, who loves sporting themes, and therefore does them full justice.

LIONEL AINSWORTH - OR - THE YOUNG PARTISAN’S DOOM - A TALE OF THE REVOLUTION - by Mrs. Caroline Orne

TUTTLE’S CONTRIBUTION TO THE PALACE – Tuttle, a manufacturer of fancy goods, novelties and toys, was given a display space near the head of the leading staircase in the Crystal Palace Show, New York.  The specimens of dressed dolls here exhibited certainly surpassed anything that had ever been seen, both in tasteful design, and beauty of decoration.  An engraving, which depicts this display is presented.  (See picture)

CAST IRON STATUETTS FROM VIENNA – The Royal Iron Foundry of Vienna displayed two statuettes of horseman, at the Crystal Palace Show, New York that are among the finest specimens of casting that have been seen.  Engravings of the statuettes are presented.

INFLUENCE OF COMMERCE – Whatever increases mental vigor, or purifies and elevates the affections of men, is so much gain to the community.

BALL, BLACK & CO.’S EXHIBITION – Hurrying passers on Broadway have been so often arrested by the flashing splendors of Ball, Black & Company Treasure House of Silver, Gems and Gold, they are not surprised to find, among the masterpieces of the world’s art in the Crystal Palace, nothing so surpassingly gorgeous and exquisite as the original merchandise.  An engraving of a gold ornate tea set, and another depicting some of their other wares, which was part of their exhibition, is presented. 

ALFRED THE GREAT – Alfred’s name will always be placed amongst those of the great spirits of the earth; and so long as men regard their past history with reverence, they will not venture to bring forward any other in comparison with him who saved the West Saxon race from complete destruction, and in whose heart the virtues dwelt in such harmonious concord.

ON THE BUILDING OF CHURCH –A poem by Park Benjamin.

THE NEW MINISTER: OR –“CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME” – A fictional story by William Adams

EDITH’S WEDDING, AS DESCRIBED BY SIR E. L. BULWER – A poem by Alice Carey.

CAPTAIN AND MADAME VON WEBER - by Sarah Beecher

THE NARROWS, FROM STATEN ISLAND – An engraving, which many will at once recognize as illustrating the Narrows, at Staten Island, New York harbor is presented, along with a historical article of it’s discovery by Hendrick Hudson. (See picture)

STEAMBOAT LANDING, FOOT OF LAKE GEORGE – Travelers up and down Lake George, cannot but recollect with pleasure their trip on that excellent little steamboat, the “John Jay,” nor the dock at which she lays, near the foot of the lake, both of which are finely represented in an engraving.

AN IMMENSE TREE – For some time past the papers of the day have been chronicling the discovery on an enormous tree in California, of such gigantic proportions, as to be at once a wonder and curiosity to behold.  An engraving depicting the Great California Cedar tree is presented with this article. (See picture)

WE MAY ROAM ROUND THE WORLD - A poem by J. D. Johnson. M. D.

THE WIFE’S GIFT - OR - TWO GLASSES A DAY – A fictional story by Mrs. S. P. Doughty.

BOSTON PULPIT - SOUTH BAPTIST CHURCH - REV. GEO. W. BOSWORTH, PASTOR - by Rev. Luther Farnham – A biographical article, which includes some history of the church.

THE MIND – A poem by R. T. A. Macey

 THE WAYFARER – A story by Rev. H. Hastings Weld

AMERICAN YACHT SYLVIE – Brother Jonathan has lately sent over another yacht to astonish the English in their own waters.  The Owner, Louis Depau, of New York, has sent the Sylvie to England to sail against anything that offers, not excepting the pioneer craft, the America.  An engraving of the New American Yacht “Sylvie” is presented.

THE ROYAL EXCHANGE, LONDON – An engraving, which represents the Royal Exchange Building, London, with a view of the busy thorough-fares that immediately surround it is presented with this article.

PROGRESS OF RUSSIA – there is something really grand and imposing in the steady march of Russian dominion since Peter the Great first consolidated his empire into a substantive state.  The article goes on to give a history of the advance of the Russian empire.

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