Childcraft, 1949 edition
When I was a child, we had a set of Childcraft books which were published in 1949, like the ones above. I don't know what happened to them, but I do know that by the time we kids had passed from childhood, they were well worn and most likely falling apart, especially Volumes One and Two.
Years passed. I grew up. I got married and had children.
Years passed. I grew up. I got married and had children.
When our last daughter was born, the ladies of the church held a baby shower for me. It was wonderful. We received many beautiful outfits for our new little girl. Some were for the newborn, some to be worn later when she was a size 24 mo. or so. They were all lovely, lovely gifts.
What I didn't know is that two of the women had conspired to find me a set of the 1949 Childcraft, like I had had when I was a little girl. It was the last gift to be given. After all the other gifts had been opened, a large box was dragged out of the bedroom and into the living room. I had no idea what it contained. This is starting to sound like a fairy tale, isn't it. Enter the jealous fairy who foretells of horrid things to take place in my future...
UNfortunately, when I opened the box, I couldn't suppress my surprise and delight at seeing those Childcraft books. They were beautiful, and in great condition. Technically, I suppose the first few volumes were in 'good' condition. I opened them to look through to all the favorite stories I'd known as a kid. All the beautiful baby clothes lying about were nearly forgotten in this moment of excitement. (Actually, not much has changed in that department. Books always seem way more exciting than clothes.)
Looking back on it, I wish I hadn't made quite the fuss I did over the Childcraft set, but really...it was an extraordinary gift and obviously, someone knew that I'd been trying to track down that 1949 set.
I could recite so many of the poems from those books, including 'Eletelephony.' (Still can, by the way.)
And then there was 'The Highwayman.' LOVED IT.
Just look at the beautiful artwork in that 1949 edition of Childcraft. It was enchanting!
Here's what Childcraft had looked like in the 1970s (above)
B.O.R.I.N.G.
Just take a look at the difference between the artwork of the late '40s and the '70s. It's really sad, isn't it!
And here's a little grandson, another generation enjoying 'The Sugar Plum Tree' from the old set of Childcraft, the 1949 edition. They're still residing on the bookshelves in the living room.
Do you have any books you loved as a child? Do you still have them? Have you been on a search for them and still not found them? My best source for used books has been Abebooks.com. (or you might try the ladies in the church.) :-)
Do you love to browse used bookstores? When we visited our daughter and son-in-law in Texas, they took us to HalfPrice Books in Dallas. What a treat!!!
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