This is the October 22, 1853 issue of GLEASON'S PICTORIAL DRAWING-ROOM COMPANION 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. It is in very good condition, the pages are clean and 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 pictures are available upon request. Please include your e-mail address.                                                        

ARTICLES:

RUFFED GROUSE SHOOTING - The Ruffed Grouse, Pheasant, or Partridge, as it is variously called, builds its nest early in May.  The article depicts the birds habits and their favorite habitat.  The cover engraving drawn by Mr. Crome, of New York, is a finely drawn scene of this woodland sport. (See picture)

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

RAISING OF JAIRUS'S DAUGHTER - In the east gallery of the Crystal Palace there is a painting, by S.E. Brown, of extraordinary beauty and effect, being a representation of the scriptural text relative to raising of Jairus's daughter, as described in the fifth chapter of Mark.  (See picture)

AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS – The firm of Parker & White has made vast improvements in agriculture within the last few years, and the entire role of field labor and cultivation has been wholly changed by the improvements introduced in farm implements.  An engraving of the exhibit at the Mechanics’ fair in Boston is presented. (See picture)

SPECIMEN OF FLINT WARE - The fine engraving given herewith relates to the United States department of the Crystal Palace, and shows the articles contributed by the Bennington (VT.) Pottery Company, including a great variety of useful articles and ornaments, such as can be made of earthen and stoneware.  An engraving of the exhibit of porcelain and flint ware is presented.

"THE FIRST STEP" - Which our artist has represented below, is a little gem in marble, now an exhibition at the Crystal Palace, New York, and illustrates the idea of the first step taken in childhood.  An engraving of the sculpture is presented with the article. 

THE FIRST FROST – A poem by I. Antony Hoxie

 WHAT'S IN A WORD – A story by Henry William Herbert

"MY BURIED LOVE" – A poem by Mrs. Sarah Dawes

MR. AND MRS. BARNEY WILLIAMS – Ragged Pat, a character in the drama “Ireland As It Is”, is played by Mr. Barney Williams; and his wife plays the heroine of in “The Yankee Girl.”  They have been so magnificently received by audiences, that they have played thirty-five consecutive nights at the famous Odd Fellows’ Hall, New Orleans. (See portraits)

CROSSING OF THE PENNSYLVANIA RAILROAD - We present an engraving of the Pennsylvania Railroad, as it appears at the point where it ascends the Alleghenies, by the inclined planes, between Harrisburg and Pittsburgh.  The scenery delights the travelers by its wild and picturesque beauty, at that time.

TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF EDMUND MARCY – A poem by Mrs. L. H. Sigourney

A LITTLE DEED – A story by Rev. Henry Bacon

A CURE FOR ENNUI – A story by Dr. J. M. Robinson

BOSTON PULPIT - BROMFIELD STREET CHURCH - REV. JOSEPH CUMMINGS, PASTOR - by Rev. Luther Farnham – A biographic article of rev. Cummings, and historical account of the Methodist Church on Bromfield Street.  A portrait of Rev. Cummings, and engraving of the Church are presented.

THE BRIDE – A poem by Phoebe Carey

LOVE IN DONGOLA – A story by Jerome V.C. Smith

THE LAMAS OF PERU – An engraving depicting a group of Peruvian Lamas in the midst of their native mountains is presented, with an article that discusses the idea of exporting these animals to various places around the world.