Up for auction is a fantastic, instant collection of six (6) scarce vintage publications detailing the rich maritime, commercial, and architectural history of Providence, Rhode Island. Spanning from the late 19th century through World War I, these pieces are packed with historic photographs, local lithographs, and highly collectible period advertisements.
This lot includes:
  1. Board of Trade Journal / Providence of To-Day (July 1907): Features a beautiful rose-colored cover illustration and pristine early 1900s advertising inserts from local icons like the Industrial Trust Co., Eastern Oil & Supply Co., and Starkweather & Shepley Insurance.
  2. Providence Magazine (October 1917): WWI-era issue published by the Providence Chamber of Commerce. Notable for its period wartime cover text ("Eat Less Meat, Conserve Food, Buy Liberty Bonds"). Features a local provenance stamp on the back cover from the Journal of Commerce Co. on Sabin Street.
  3. Providence Antique Souvenir View Book (1897): Tan landscape booklet, copyrighted by Leander Baker. Contains high-quality early views of the city, including a striking full-page historical print of "Providence in 1849."
  4. Old Providence (1918): A centenary historical retrospective booklet published by the Merchants National Bank of Providence, featuring facts, illustrations, and traditions of historic buildings and sites.
  5. Providence: A Reference Book & Guide (1910): The tall "World Known" promotional pocket guide compiled and issued by the Providence Board of Trade. Includes two large historical maps and 150 illustrations inside.
  6. Ships and Shipmasters of Old Providence (1919): Bright blue booklet published by the Providence Institution for Savings. Features excellent maritime history, biographies of sea captains, and historic portraits (including Benjamin Hoppin). Clean, sharp printing.