Call Number:

Ms. Coll. 1364

Repository:

University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts

Extent:

1 box (.12 linear foot)

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

William Aiken Kneeland scrapbook, 1897-1904, Ms. Coll. 1864, Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts, University of Pennsylvania

Date:

1897-1904 (inclusive)

Creator:

Kneeland, William Aiken

Form:

Business cards, Scrapbooks, Visiting cards, Forms (documents), Booklets, Blank forms, Announcements, Manuscripts, American -- 20th century, Manuscripts, American -- 19th century, and Printed ephemera

Abstract:

A scrapbook comprising printing samples created by William Aiken Kneeland. He began his printing business named the Amateur Publishing Company at the age of 12 in 1897 and produced his last printed item in 1904.

One of five children born to clergyman Martin Dwelle and Sarah Lord Kneeland in Fredonia, New York. The family moved to Roxbury, Massachusetts on Wyoming Street. Kneeland attended the Boston Latin School and was awarded the Franklin Medal. At the age of twelve Kneeland began a printing business named the Amateur Publishing Company. He went on to Dartmouth College and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 1904. Kneeland then attended Boston University School of Law where he received his J.B. degree. He opened his own law practice and was an instructor at Boston University. Kneeland married Mabel M. Loomis in 1907.

A scrapbook with decorative, embossed covers comprising printing samples created by William Aiken Kneeland. He began his printing business named the Amateur Publishing Company at the age of 12 in 1897 and produced his last printed item in 1904. The scrapbook contains a printed samples with annotated notes in pencil specifying the print job number, quantity of printed items, the date, and price. The jobs are numbered 1 to 75. The samples include notices of events at the Roxbury Presbyterian Church where, his mother was active, and various items for the New England Sabbath Protective League, where his father was secretary and an editor. Kneeland also produced announcements and other items for the Boston Latin School. He also printed items for local businesses and the community. Printed samples include advertisements, announcements, booklets, business forms, calling cards, and notices. Some items are printed on colored paper. Laid in the volume is Kneeland's business card and a written note with expenses including the cost of a foot power press. A handwritten yellow label is on the cover with notes in pencil. A label for Mark Twain's scrap book is pasted on the inside front cover.