The Philadelphia Club 1834-1934

Philadelphia: Privately Printed, 1934. Limited edition of 510 copies, this being number 379. Octavo, 224 pages, bound in quarter blue morocco over cloth covered boards. Spine with small raised bands and gilt lettering. Top edge gilt. Permanent silk place marker. Illustrated in black-and-white. Privately printed in 1934 in a limited edition of 510 copies, The Philadelphia Club, 1834–1934 is a handsome centennial history issued to commemorate the first hundred years of one of Philadelphia’s oldest and most exclusive social clubs. The edition was bound by Albert Oldach & Son, the distinguished Philadelphia bindery, adding to its appeal as a finely produced example of local Philadelphia printing and bookmaking. The volume presents a concise history of the Club from its founding in 1834, together with lists of officers and members, making it an important record of Philadelphia’s old-line civic, social, and family networks. This copy is especially notable for its fitting provenance, having belonged to L. Caspar Wister, Princeton Class of 1908 and noted early football All-American, a member of the prominent Philadelphia Wister family. Further enhancing the association is a typed letter signed, tipped in, from S. F. Tyler, Secretary of The Philadelphia Club, dated December 22, 1939, addressed to L. Caspar Wister. The letter expresses the Board’s appreciation to Wister and members of the Wister family for their gift to the Club of an antique silver ladle, described as having a long association with the family and as an appropriate memorial to the Club’s late President. A desirable copy of this scarce privately printed Philadelphia institutional history, with strong local provenance and related Club correspondence. Some signs of rubbing and wear to hinges and corners. Some occasional marginalia, else in very good condition. Item #409

Price: $350.00