Ottawa, Illinois. J. E. Porter Co., Circa 1880?
Eighty-page catalog, 9 1/4 x 6 inches, profusely illustrated in black and white, featuring farm equipment: hay carriers, sling carriers, grapple hay forks, pulleys, barn door hangers, harness hooks, and many other mechanical devices "adapted to the real needs of the farmer and dairyman." The company began the manufacture of farm equipment in 1868, but by the 1920s it had transitioned to manufacturing playground and gymnasium equipment. The present catalog is undated, but illustrations indicate an absence of steam driven equipment and a reliance on horse power to accommodate farmers' needs. The cover of the catalog shows wear, and the staples holding the catalog together are rusted; however, they remain viable (the last blank page is beginning to come loose), and the illustrated pages are remarkably clean and bright. No WorldCat listing has been found for this item, although there appear a number of listings focusing on the community of Ottawa and its history, including maps and city directories. An uncommon item reflecting the extensive farm-related manufacturing activities of J. E. Porter Company. The company is still in business as Porter, maker of sports equipment. Item #54860

Price: $175.00