Many of the Estate sales I frequent are from older farming households and there is often lots of documents to review. I don't usually get to engaged in these items as they can smell funny and be in bad shape. These three items I have collected buck that trend!

#1 - 1954 Jan- Feb Issue of THE FARM BUILDER For Better Homes and Farm Buildings. This was a publication that was distributed through Johns-Manville Building Materials Dealers and published by Agricultural Associates, Inc. out of Ardsley NY. It was published 6 times a year, this being the first issue in the 1954 Volume. It appears to have been started in 1948.

The Issue contained 24 pages, including the front and back cover. Articles include Sam Slater and his Spinning Machine, Tested Ideas for Household Storage, Lift the Load from Bended Backs, We Used our Spare Time to add a Wing, Sew It Now, Easy to Follow Patterns to Help you Build, 100 Year Old Bargain, and What's New and Free Helpful Booklets.

The pages are in very nice condition other than the curling of the top right hand corner of the cover and most of the pages. It appears to have had some water damage along the top of the piece as well as it is slightly wavy but there is no obvious water staining. The bottom right hand corner of the cover is also curled up but the remaining pages are not. The cover and the middle spread are in color, with the rest in black and white. Many detailed diagrams and building plans are included which lend itself to some interesting reading!

Dimensions: 7" x 10"

#2 - Crop That Did Not Fail Illustrated Booklet sponsored and distributed by International Paper Company, Southern Kraft Division, Mobile Alabama COPR 1951. Prepared by the Mercer, Howard Company.

This booklet contains 16 pages, including the front and back cover. The booklet was illustrated by Ken Bald and used a comic book layout to educate on the importance of scientifically managing the woodlands as part of agricultural processes. Forest fires and hurricanes are used as the "foils" for the follies of mismanaging the trees on your property. There is an ad for becoming a Junior Forest Fire Fighting Warden on the back page as well.

Kenneth Bruce Bald (August 1, 1920 – March 17, 2019) was an American illustrator and comic book artist best known for the Dr. Kildare and Dark Shadows newspaper comic strips. Due to contractual obligations, he is credited as "K. Bruce" on the Dark Shadows strip.

The pages are in very nice condition with only the slightest of curling on the bottom right hand corner of the cover and most of the pages. The entire booklet is presented in color with hand drawn detailed imagery. I love the nostalgia of the clothing, vehicles and language used. This is quite a collectible item and is listed for sale on other sites for $40 - $50 alone!

Dimensions:

7 1/8" x 10 1/8"

#3 - Fertilizers for fruit crops, Cooperative Extension Service, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Extension Folder F-224, First Revision, March 1962. Authored by A.L. Kenworthy, R.P. Larsen and H.K. Bell, Department of Horticulture

This is an informative booklet that describes in practical terms the following topics:

Nutrient Needs, Soil Test Limitations, General Suggestions, How to Apply Fertilizer, Small Fruits, Cover Crops and Sods, Mulchies and Manure. This booklet contains 16 pages, including the front and back cover. It is presented on heavy weight light green paper and contains no illustrations, just text.

The pages are in excellent condition with no rips or tears, The stapled binding still holds securely. There is slight spots of discoloration on the front cover and the top opens slightly when laying flat.

Dimensions:

4" x 9"

This set of three would make a wonderful addition to your Agricultural Collection or to use as scrapbook or craft items celebrating the mid-century. Maybe your father was a builder or farmer and this would bring him great joy to read?

Sold as a set of Three.