A Folk Art School Workbook

1811 mathematics and accounting workbook kept by John Jones of Weston, Massachusetts is presented in original wallpaper wrappers with colorful calligraphy

This 1811 workbook was kept by a young man, age 16, Massachusetts learning arithmetic, bookkeeping, mercantile basics such as discount, barter, interest, percentages, and profit and loss factoring.

Also gathered within were copied out adages of wisdom and and patriotic statements such as: “Elbridge Gerry [Declaration of Independence Signer from Massachusetts] for Governor, halloo!” or “William Gray for Lieutenant Governo[r]” “Christopher Gore! No more! No more! Ha!” Gore and Gerry battled for the governorship in 1811, perfectly situating this manuscript. Tensions were high; the War of 1812 was coming to bear.

Visually, the workbook starts with a striking and large naïve folk art designed heart-shaped “bookplate,” being the first of its kind we have seen affixed within a New England exercise book, especially this early. It boldly reads as follows:

John Jones. Manuscript. Weston. Maschts. 1811.

“Be lively in play; but cautious of noise; no secrets betray; no quarrel for toys” and similar sayings are also seen. About 4–5 hand-drawn and colored illustrations were accomplished as well as exercise headings lettered in colors.

Unusually, a copied out poem from a Noah Webster school book is seen in a bright yellow double ruled box; the bottom border is designed with alternating symbols in red and blue.

The manuscript would seem to have been kept by the John Jones of Weston, Massachusetts we identify as living from 1795–1865. Jones is described as becoming the town’s favorite and an esteemed auctioneer. Clearly his educational endeavors here supported such pursuits.

What We Are Talking About — John Jones. [1811 Folk Art School Workbook of John Jones of Weston, Massachusetts]. Weston, [Massachusetts]. 1811. [88]pp. School workbook in wallpaper wrappers. Folio. 12 x 8 inches. Manuscript with one mounted folk art illustration; several modest folk art illustrations within (approx. 4–5); numerous calligraphy in various designed colors. Some binding rubbing; initial light stains inside cover and first leaf; pp.63/64 with small trimmed-out piece at top; very good. An excellent survival. [372348]

American History via rare books, early letters, diaries, manuscripts, ephemera, graphics, bought and sold. Thanks for stopping by.