Antique 1880s Victorian Autograph Album Mary Lay Dubuque IA Folk Art For Sale

For saleis a charming, authentic Victorian-era autograph album dating primarily between 1884 and 1886. This album belonged to Mary Lay of Dubuque, Iowa, and serves as a beautiful time capsule of 19th-century friendship and social customs.

The album is filled with handwritten sentimental poems, "friendship links," and well-wishes from friends and family. It features several vibrant, multi-colored Victorian die-cut "scraps" (chromolithographs) including roses, birds, and winter scenes.

Key Highlights:

• Provenance: Explicitly signed by "Mary Lay, Dubuque, Iowa."

• Unique Bookplate: Features a fascinating graphic on the inner flyleaf: "As a Token of Remembrance from Ulysses S. Grant" surrounding an illustration of a book.

• Hand-Drawn Folk Art: Includes beautiful hand-inked calligraphy and a large pencil/colored pencil drawing of a dove with a religious verse dated April 11, 1885.

• Humorous Verse: One entry from March 1886 includes a witty period poem comparing the love of man to "Scotch Snuff"—“Take one pinch and you have enough.”

• Dated Entries: Notable dates include Oct 15, 1885 (Katie Zogg), April 4, 1886 (Emma Kenney), and others from 1884.