Two early local Cornwall NY related books including: The first, a book titled "CORNWALL" by Lewis Beach, a local congressman, published in Newburgh N.Y. by E.M. Ruttenber & Sons 1873 - first edition. This was the first book describing the history of Cornwall. The inside of the front cover with book plate of "Mountain House, Cornwall-on-Hudson P.O. N.Y." and the inside of back cover with a print of "Pavilion Cornwall-on-Hudson" and also marked in script above the print "Mountain House Pavilion 1874". Note that the Cornwall Mountain House was built by Mead and Taft in 1867 on Storm King Mountain, and it was originally a sanitarium. After the resort closed its doors around the turn of the century, the building was sold to be used as a tuberculosis sanitarium. Before it could reopen, the building was partially destroyed by a fire. James Stillman purchased the property, and his son removed the remains of the building and built a new home. The second book entitled "WILLIS'S POETICAL WORKS" by N.P. Willis (Nathaniel Parker Willis 1806-1867), published in NY by Clark, Austin & Smith, first edition 1849. While traveling up the Hudson from New York City, Willis noticed a piece of land that he subsequently purchased on the edge of a plateau by Moodna Creek. It provided a view of the Hudson River and the surrounding mountains. In 1852, with the help of his architect friend, Calvert Vaux, Willis built a Gothic style 14 room home on this property which he named "Idlewild", a phrase he took from the previous owner who called the property worthless and “an idle wild of which nothing could ever be made.”. Also included in this sale is a stereoview card of "Idlewild, Front View" from the "Beauties Of The Hudson River" series No. 5762 published by E & H.T. Anthony & Co. NY City - very good condition. The house has gone through renovations over the years, and is now in private hands located on Spruce St, Cornwall-on-Hudson NY. Note that Willis, a famous author and magazine journalist, was inspired by the natural beauty of the river, its mountain vistas, scenic trails, fresh country air and convenience to New York City via riverboat or railroad, and wrote many magazine articles about this region. This helped spur its growth as a summer resort area during the mid to late 19th century. Both books with use wear and minor losses on ends of spine, otherwise complete in fair to good condition. Provenance: From the James Becker collection, Walden NY.

Please Note: Most dolls, toys, ephemera and photography sold in this sale are from local collections and estates and sold without reserve. We guarantee the authenticity and condition of each item as written within each description. However, we do not make any guarantees concerning any items sold in group lots, so please call ahead if there are condition concerns. Most dolls have not been undressed to determine the condition of the covered anatomy, but we still stand by our written descriptions, so when we say an item is in good condition it will also pertain to the bodies. In the event of conflict with the written condition report and the corresponding photography, any damage as shown by the photography will take precedence. This guarantee only applies to items in this sale that are paid for within 2 weeks of start date. After this time, all warrantees are voided and everything is considered sold in as-is condition and no refunds will be granted for any reason. By bidding at this sale, you agree to these terms.