The Scriptural Album with Floral Illustrations. J. C. Riker, New-York. Decorated red leather boards re-backed onto a modern red cloth spine, 52 leaves - no pagination, six hand-colored plates (including vignette title page), owned by Hannah J. Larkin of Concordsville, PA. 7.75 x 6.25", 8vo. 

In fair condition. Boards are scuffed at edges and bumped/worn at corners. Rear boards top edge exhibits a bump. Gilt deco on rear board exhibits a chip (see last photo). Cloth spine rubbed at head and tail, but intact. All edges gilt. General shelf-wear to boards. Small piece of clear tape found at bottom edge of front board. Ownership inscription on front fly-leaf: Hannah J. Larkin, Mt. Cuba, Delaware, 1889. Front gutter split, cording exposed. Hand-colored plates & their tissue guards exhibit normal foxing, but still present well. Almost every page includes a note to the owner. Some leaves remain blank. Binding intact. Please see photos and ask questions, if any, before purchasing. 

Hannah J. Larkin of Concordsville, PA joined Westtown Boarding School in West Chester, PA in November, 1854. Westtown is believed to be the oldest, continuously operating co-educational boarding school in the country. The school first welcomed students in May 1799. Members of the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) established the all-boarding school so their children might have "a guarded education," one based on useful learning in a setting which promoted mindfulness of God's continuous presence. Students were given training in practical skills: reading, penmanship, bookkeeping, geography, and a strong exposure to mathematics and natural sciences. Girls were instructed in sewing; boys surveying. In the 1830s, Greek and Latin classes were added and the school year was divided into two sessions ending with examinations. 

Notes & signatures included in this album book: Katie Hall of Concordsville, October 1859; A. Benington of West Town 9th Mo. 1855; M. Benington of Hilston Farm 9th Mo. 1855; R. Benington of West Town [n.d.]; Abigail Williams of Westtown 8th Mo. 27th 1855; Rebecca J. Roberts of Moorestown 1855; Beulah Larkin (Hannah's sister) of Chichester, 12th mo. 30th 1855 who writes "Remember thy sister."; Elizabeth P. Lankey of Westtown 9mo. 28th 1855; Rachel M. Johnson of Philadelphia 1855; Mary P. Lee of Exeter 9th mo. 1855; Mary Anna Cope of Fairfield 9th mo 1855; Mary E. Allison of Locust Hill 1855; Matilda B. Walter of Strawberry Ville May 16th, 1858; Mary White of N. Carolina, 1855. 

An interesting note from Hannah's friend Mary B. says: 

"Oh Han never get in love. Unless you mean to marry." 

Followed by a poem: 

"Miss Larkin was your name; 

And single was your station; 

Happy is that little man; 

That made the alteration." 

Incredibly interesting and attractive. Pennsylvania history. 

RAREA1855DOQB

03/24 - HK1362