I find it touching that a wealthy and powerful business-magnate like Philadelphian John Wanamaker (1838-1922) would go to the trouble to print this little volume of important American historical documents for distribution to the general public:
and that the general public would take them home and sign Wanamaker’s pledge to “carefully read” the whole thing:
Isabella Rosenbach (1830-1906) and John Wanamaker deserve a salute as true American patriots. With more citizens like them, Lincoln’s words may hold true for yet another four score and seven years.
* * * * *
Wanamaker, by the way, also gave us the department store, the price tag, the department store elevator, the white sale, and is responsible for giving this little musical instrument a permanent home
here:
Isabella Rosenbach was a leader of Philadelphia’s Hebrew Sunday School Society and gave us Philip H. and A.S.W., founders of the Rosenbach Museum & Library. She was their mother.
Images, from top:
1. Unknown photographer. Portrait of John Wanamaker.
2. Ro3 887souv. Front cover. Souvenir of the Constitution Centennial… Philadelphia: John Wanamaker, 1887.
3. Ro3 887souv. Back cover. Souvenir of the Constitution Centennial… Philadelphia: John Wanamaker, 1887.
4. The Los Angeles Art Organ Company. “Electrolian…” St. Louis, Missouri, 1904.
5. Raymond Binswanger. [The Grand Court, Macy’s, Philadelphia, Pa.] Philadelphia: ND.
6. 2006.1732. Horning. Portrait of Isabella H.P. Rosenbach. Philadelphia: 1888.