Topics of the Summerthing

So two of the major components of the Deerfield Program are the research paper and the object study papers. I delayed writing about my topics because I didn't want to jinx it, and then the internet and me went through a silent contest phase. But now that we're friends again, let me tell you what I've chosen to do.

For my object study, I'm going to look at Deerfield's recently acquired 1835 map of Springfield (Mass), done by George Colton. I'm looking at who Colton was (unclear), how it was printed, why, and all that kind of thing. It's really cool: it's a wall-hung roller map. It has rivers and creeks and streets and labels and stuff all over it. It's cool. Paper front, linen glued on the back. It has an engraving by "R. O'brien based on a sketch by Elwell" -- he grew up to become a famous engraver, and Elwell became a famous painter. But I have no idea who Colton was! There are a couple of possibilities, but no way to know for sure, or even if my different possibilities are actually the same guy. Whatever.

For my research topic, I'm doing a study of a newspaper (and job) printer in Greenfield, Mass. The library has one of his account books from 1818 - 1826, although it would be much more helpful & interesting if there were more than just one... I'd like to get to Greenfield to see if they have any other things of his. He wasn't an astounding printer, there's a copy in the library of something he printed in which he misspelled "benevolent" and "school" (which he spelled "sgool"). Anyway, he printed the town's newspaper for 58 years while also doing job printing (including books). I'm not sure yet what kind of equipment he had, although I'm hoping to learn more about that. Also, he had some rocky business partnerships throughout his career, on again off again with several different partners. So I want to look at why that happened. At some point in there he was also a Colonel in the militia and in 1855 was on the governor's council, so he clearly became an important dude. I'm mostly fingers crossed that this works out at this point.

Anyway, here's hoping my brains don't leak out of my ears. Again. I had to duct tape my ears while I was comping (thesis) to keep my brains in -- may have to do that again.