Return of a 130-Year-Old Library Magazine

A remarkable piece of history has made its way back to the Concord Public Library in New Hampshire after being overdue for more than 130 years. This fascinating story revolves around an 84-year-old man, John Hanson, who recently stepped into the library with an edition of The Century Illustrated Monthly Magazine from September 1894. This incredible return not only surprised library staff but also ignited curiosity about the magazine’s long-lost journey and the mystery behind its initial checkout.

A Historic Return

Library staff were taken aback when Hanson entered the library earlier this month, presenting what was described as “a relatively well-cared-for edition” of the magazine. Taking advantage of a fine amnesty program, he seized the opportunity to return this relic, thus avoiding a staggering potential late fee of $12,055 for what amounted to a 48,220-day loan.

“Yeah, when I saw that, I said to myself: ‘Boy, this would be a good time to bring it back’,” Hanson shared with the Concord Monitor.

The Mystery Behind the Checkout

The original borrower of the magazine remains a mystery. According to Hanson, the magazine came into his possession during a house move in 1966. He clarified that neither he nor his parents ever had library cards. While his late first wife, Carol, was a frequent library visitor, he noted she would never allow any item to go overdue, not even for a moment, let alone for 1,583 months.

About The Century Magazine

The Century Magazine, published between 1881 and 1930, was more than just a periodical; it was a blend of history, literature, poetry, and current events. Its prime years were in the late 19th century, a time when it extensively covered the aftermath of the American Civil War. The magazine played a significant role in introducing readers to notable writers such as Henry James and Mark Twain, featuring excerpts from their works, including passages from Twain’s famous Huckleberry Finn, released in the US in 1885.

The Library’s Reaction

The returned magazine bore a Concord Public Library bookplate, indicating that it “may be kept for one week.” Jennifer Needham, the library’s archivist and outreach coordinator, was at the circulation desk when Hanson made the return. She recalled the moment vividly:

“I have a book to return, and I bet you haven’t seen anything like this,” Hanson told her.

Needham initially expected the item to be from the 1980s or later, but her curiosity peaked when she saw the antique magazine.

“I am just so curious. Like someone obviously checked this out, and why didn’t they bring it back, or did they lose it and then they were ashamed and were afraid to bring it back?” she pondered.

Content of the September 1894 Edition

The articles in the September 1894 edition of the magazine included a captivating piece discussing the need for more outdoor playground spaces for children in urban public schools. Needham remarked on the intriguing historical context:

“I didn’t know this history, that they were arguing that more city schools should have outdoor spaces for children to play. It sounds like during that time, that just wasn’t a priority,” she said.

The magazine also featured numerous advertisements for products of the era, including Beeman’s Pepsin Gum, marketed as “a delicious remedy for all forms of indigestion,” and Hernan Cortez Cigars, hailed for being produced in Key West, Florida, “under the most favorable climatic conditions” aimed at the “men of brains.”

Conclusion

The return of this historic magazine not only highlights the interesting stories that libraries can hold but also raises questions about the past and the individuals connected to these artifacts. It serves as a reminder of the value of history and the unexpected places it can resurface.

Key Takeaways

• A 130-year-old magazine was returned to a New Hampshire library after being overdue for over 48,000 days.
• The magazine, The Century Illustrated Monthly Magazine, offers a glimpse into late 19th-century literature and culture.
• Returning the magazine allowed the individual to avoid a substantial late fee due to a library amnesty program.
• The story sparks curiosity about its original borrower and historical library practices.