-------- Original Message --------
Subject:        Need advice on old Cram "Portable-Washable Map and Atlas" that
were stored in a public library
Date:   Sat, 26 Nov 2011 20:16:26 +0000
From:   Michael M Noga <[log in to unmask]>
To:     [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>



Greetings,

Sandy Ward would like some advice on the value of some maps that were
discovered at the Holyoke Public Library before a renovation.

She writes:

I'm curious about a metal box that contains Cram's "Portable - Washable"
Map and Atlas Outfit. Each folded map has grommets on top for hanging.
Library property stamps and circulation slips indicate that these maps
circulated in the 1930's-1950's. None of the maps are dated. The
earliest library stamp I saw was for 1929. These are clearly maps for
school teachers. (See photos attached)

We're about to start construction for a remodel/expansion of our 1902
building. I'm taking inventory and trying to figure out whether there
are "treasures" hidden in the old stuff that will otherwise be trashed.

You can see photos of items I've selected for POSSIBLE sale/auction
(items that might be worth cleaning* and selling).

http://sward.smug.com/Libraries/HPLinventory/Maps/

*the basement was condemned as "moldy" years ago, and is off-limits to
the public. Staff have used it for storage of unwanted stuff.

Any advice about the value of such maps and/or the best ways to ensure
that they won't carry mold to a new location? I don't see mold on them,
but the room where they have been has a slight moldy smell. I called the
New England Document Conservation Center. One suggestion was to freeze
the maps for a week, to kill mold spores, then carefully wipe them with
a special sponge.

Maybe these old school maps --probably common in their day-- are not
worth the trouble?

Sandy Ward

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413-532-4306

P.S. Inside the same box I found 3 other maps NOT by G.F.Cram. One by
Rand McNally shows the dividing up of territory in Central Europe after
a world war. I think THAT map (undated) is the most fascinating of the
lot. I'll post photos in my Selected Items album so you can see them.

**************
Michael M Noga

Collections Strategist

MIT Libraries

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617.253.1290