I am listing for sale, an Extremely RARE, Antique (1856),  Memory Album, Mourning Collectible, written in Mobile Alabama. Filled with Handwritten Verses, Poems, a Baby Hair Mourning Momento, Gold Paper Scrap, and Engravings. This Rare, Original Album, is a mirror back in time. The lovely writings are both haunting, and breathtaking, at the same moment. Beginning in 1856, and continuing thru 1858. The Album was presented to Sallie E  Keys, January 2, 1856, by Captain W B Shelley, Mobile Alabama. Inside, you will find, Original Poems and Verses, Handwritten, (from the heart), by Sallies friends and loved ones. The 3 page poem most heart-rending, is Sallie's Memorial Poem, written upon the death of her baby daughter Beadie, 1857.

Below I have inserted a portion of the poem-

"On The Death of My Sweet Little Beadie."

"Our Father sent an angel child

Within our home to dwell.

Of all her gentle winning ways

How weak our words to tell.

Her beaming eye and tender glance

Oft filled my soul with joy.

She was my idol and my pride

Though well I loved my boys.

And often on my furrowed brow

Her tiny hands were placed.

Ah now alas I miss the clasp

Of that soft dimpled arm.

But well I know my loved one safe

From future care and harm.

The footsteps of my darling were

Sweet music to my ear.

In dreams I start and fondly dream.

I still their echoes hear.

I vainly strive to catch the sound

Of infants laughter wild.

With yearning heart my arms streatch forth

To clasp once more my child."

It continues on, and here are the last few verses-

"I would not though my heart is weary

By selfish gain the while employ.

I would not dim one joy of hers

My suffering to uswhile.

Though do not chide me though I weep.

Nor strive to check my tears.

Though earth seems less fair to me

Yet heavens delight her must appear."

On the page, is still attatched, her Baby's Lock of Hair. Sweet auburn strands, tied up in black Mourning Bow. See photo. The Album itself, is  Crimson color, Hardbound, with deeply Embossed  covers. Printed in New York. Some Engravings still have their Rice Paper Covers. I am not anxious to let it go; but I am getting older now, and want to find this treasure, a new loving home. This Antique Album is Americas History, told in Stories and Verse.

This Exceptional Album measures approximately 8"× 6"×3/4". It is in Beautiful, Clean Antique condition. It is unimaginable, that there are no missing, or detached pages, in a Book, of this age. Expected age patina and wear of an Antique. Pages untorn, and none missing. It was stored away, and forgotten, until I discovered it, many years ago, in a box of antique momentoes. It is a "ONE OF A KIND" Antique Treasure.