When I was a little girl and my great-grandfather Charles Mulder and his wife Margaret sold the farm and moved to a different house, I was given my great grandfather’s old books. These were books which dated back to his childhood and youth. One of the books was signed with the date December 25, 1903; I shared that on a recent post and will re-post a thumbnail here. However, I think these books date to the late 19th century. Great Grandpa was born in 1885.
The most beautiful set were little bone colored books with light blue and gilt, and I read every one of them. 
My favorites were the one which were rags to riches stories with strong morals. These were similar to Horatio Alger stories in that the riches were not truly great wealth, but the ability to have self-respect within our society and to do good for others. My least favorites were the ones which sounded too much like prayers.
These were published by The American Tract Society, which is still in business. 
According to Wikipedia:
The American Tract Society (ATS) is a nonprofit, nonsectarian but evangelical organization founded on May 11, 1825 in New York City for the purpose of publishing and disseminating Christian literature. ATS traces its lineage back through the New York Tract Society (1812) and the New England Tract Society (1814) to the Religious Tract Society of London, begun in 1799. Over the years, ATS has produced and distributed many millions of pieces of literature.
I wish the books were in better shape, but in the nearly 50 years I have owned them, they have really started to show their age. They are spotting, and the bindings are getting loose. Before too long, I will have owned them for half their lifetime.
Book #89
I wonder how many there were!
In case you would like to start reading one:
The Family Kalamazoo 
Simply sweet. Several generations reading the same books, what a nice thought. I love these little books.
Barb, it is such a nice thought. I wonder if our kids’ grandkids will be reading “Where the Wild Things Are”!
Lovely post. They are beautiful little books aren’t they – so carefully made and dainty.
But hey! What happens to poor Mrs Blyth – just tell me that hers is one of the rags-to-riches stories and I’ll sleep easy 🙂
Yes, very dainty. Haha, good question, and I can’t remember. I’m out of town this week, but dying to open up the book and re-read that story. I hope her husband managed to stop drinking at least.
love this story! it seems a shame they dont really make books like those anymore! makes me wonder how any of our newer books will hold up when they have been around for as long as those have. I love the bookplate too very cool thank you for sharing!
I used to think those book plates were the most elegant thing I’d ever seen. It was hard to imagine that they came from a small library in a typical rural Michigan farmhouse. And I know what you mean about the books. To think of the gilt on them!
Just a suggestion for the books…might help preserve with acetate covering. Demco is the brand we use for ours. So great to have them!
Sheila, I’ll definitely look into that. Is this a temporary covering so it doesn’t ruin the underlying book cover?
In many ways, you were a lucky child. What a wonderful gift!
Thanks, Wilma. I know. Since I was the oldest grandchild, I did get many benefits, especially knowing the older generations.
You are so fortunate to have the books. On the first page of Angel’s Christmas, it sounds like Mrs. Blyth has an incredibly difficult life–I hope things get better for her as the book progresses. 🙂
I am going to re-read the book. What a name, too–Blyth, like Blithe. How ironic.
I love the bindings on those books. I would have raided grandpa’s library too.
I love books like this, I still have a book from my childhood published by the Religious Tract Society. It is called ‘A Peep Behind The Scenes’ by Mrs O.F. Walton in 1877. One of my favourite stories, and so nice to see all your books.
I love that you know what these books are and have one in your possession. Those old stories are sentimental, but they really do touch your heart.
I love books but how special to have books that have been in your family. Extra special!
Thanks, Linda. It does feel really special!
What a wonderful personal and family treasure…. Thanks for the post.
What a WONDERFUL collection… I am so so so jealous!!! 🙂
I feel awkward saying thank you for being jealous ;), but thank you so much for your compliment about the collection!
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