Almanac Collection, 1812-1938

Summary

Extent:
0.56 Cubic Feet 1 box. and 0.85 Cubic Feet
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

Almanac Collection. [box #,volume #]. Local History and Genealogy Division, Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County N.Y.

Background

Scope and content:

This is an artificial collection consisting of 65 almanacs published in the vicinity of Rochester, New York between 1812 and 1938 (accession 2020.011). An additional group of 47 almanacs donated by the Honeoye Falls-Mendon Historical Society (accession 2021.018) was added to the collection in 2021. The almanacs in the original collection have been housed individually in acid-free envelopes. They are arranged in chronological order. The Honeoye-Falls-Mendon donation consists of almanacs mostly bound together with simple chain stitching. The have been wrapped as a group and placed in a box.

Biographical / historical:

Almanacs were amongst the most common books in early America. With their information on astronomical events and weather predictions, almanacs provided information of benefit to a largely agrarian society. Besides this practical role, almanacs could also provide entertainment through comedic writing, disseminate medical information or provide information on special interests or specific groups. By the later nineteenth century, it was not uncommon for local newspapers or organizations to produce almanacs for their subscribers and members. This collection of almanacs from Rochester, New York bears witness to the these trends. An Anti-Masonic Almanac from 1829 speaks to the era's great political fad. Newspapers such as the Democrat & Chronicle and Evening Express produced almanacs in the 1870s and 1880s. Finally, we see almanacs used as advertising for patent medicine companies, like Dr. Morse's Indian Root Pills, in the late nineteenth century.

Custodial history:

This is an artificial collection consisting of materials removed from the collection of the Rochester Public Library, and of materials received in multiple gifts.

Arrangement:

This collection consists of 2 boxes.

Physical description:
Generally good condition, with minor abrasive wear and yellowing/foxing of pages.
Dimensions:
16 x 10 x 6 inches
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of the collection.

Terms of access:

Permission to publish, reproduce, distribute, or use in any current or future manifestations must be obtained in writing from the Rochester Public Library Local History and Genealogy Division.

Preferred citation:

Almanac Collection. [box #,volume #]. Local History and Genealogy Division, Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County N.Y.

Location of this collection:
Rundel Memorial Building
115 South Avenue
Rochester, NY 14604, United States
Link to repository site
Contact:
585-428-8370
lochist@libraryweb.org