Heart Throbs, the Old Scrap Book; and similar items

Excerpt from The Old Scrap Book Among the pear and apple trees stood the old home. Its windows and its porches were embowered in clematis and wild grape vines; its walls were buried in ivy; its rooms were large and lofty and filled with the happy laughter of boys and girls; and now like last year's nest it is deserted. In the beautiful quiet of God's acre sleep the Father and Mother; the boys and girls have gone to new homes; business houses have crowded it to its very doors; automobiles and street cars rush by every minute; the beautiful old orchard is destroyed, and the house is abandoned. Heart throbs: In Prose and Verse Dear to the American People and by them contributed in the $10,000 Prize Contest initiated by the National Magazine, 1904-1905. "In the National Magazine for September 1904, the following announcement was first published: "I WILL GIVE $10,000 FOR HEART THROBS." I am editing the National Magazine for what Lincoln loved to call us, "The plain people of America." President McKinley told me I could do it, and the magazine has been a success beyond all expectations. Now, I want you to help me edit the National, and I am going to give ten thousand dollars to those who will do it. What I want is real heart throbs - those things that make us all kin; those things that endure - the classics of our own lives. Send me a clipping, a story, and anecdote, or a selection that has touched your heart. It is in the American homes that I am searching for the literature that endures - those things that touch and pulsate with the best and noblest emotions and sentiment. It may be in that old school book in the attic; it may be between the leaves of the family Bible; it may be in mother's scrap-book, yellow with age and hallowed by sacred memories; it may have been given you when you could scarcely read through the tears; it may be one of father's jovial jokes pasted on the side of his desk, or in that drawer long since unopened; it may be that clipping well worn from taking out of the pocketbook often to show a friend for a hearty laugh. Wholesome good cheer, humor, comfort, hope - those things that make dark days endurable and sunny days enduring. In this way I hope to get those priceless little gems which you have always looked for in your favorite periodical. Heart throbs - yes, heart throbs of happiness, heart throbs of courage, heart throbs that make us feel better. Those things that appeal to you must appeal to others; that note of inspiration laid aside - bring it forth. If this book affords the reader the pleasure and inspiration its creation has afforded to its contributors and compilers it will richly repay the heavy cost, in time, labor and expense, involved in its preparation. It is certain that such sentiment and humor are dear to all Americans, and these heart throbs of the sons and daughters of the people are the pulse beats of the nation." - excerpt from the Foreword. Inscription on the front pages from former owner.