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Lot 1247

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Rare 1856-1860 California Pioneer Correspondence

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Rare & important family scrapbook containing 28 letters written between 1856 & 1860 by Oliver & Charity Waters, most from Consumnes, California to family in their native New York State. The Waters were farmers who joined a wave of Easterners attracted to agricultural homesteading opportunities in central California after the 1849 gold rush. The letters contain extensive detail of pioneer life in this environment and were the subject of an historical monograph written by their great-grandson, Howard W. Crocker. The marked-up final typescript draft of his work is inserted in the scrapbook. Also present are approximately eight letters written to the Waters in Consumnes by family from home, together with related family correspondence & ephemera spanning the late 19th & early 20th centuries and vintage photographs of the pioneer couple on their New York State homestead after their return East. CONDITION: Most letters and other ephemera tipped in with old tape; the 1856-60 correspondence series in generally good condition, with occasional foxing, but with one exception lacking covers; other correspondence generally contained folded in original covers; ephemera frequently with typical toning & wear.

Most letters & other ephemera tipped in with old tape; the 1856-60 correspondence series in generally good condition, with occasional foxing, but with one exception lacking covers; other correspondence generally contained folded in original covers; ephemera frequently with typical toning & wear.

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