Civil War broadside calling on women to knit socks for soldiers. Philadelphia: Bryson & Son, printers, [ca 1864]. With related images.

9 5/8 x 7 5/8 in. letterpress broadside (creased, with some repaired tearing and light spotting). Undersigned in type by "S.H. Hester, Associate Manager, U.S. Sanatary [sic] Commission." Broadside announces the Sanitary Commission's central fair, which is to be held in Philadelphia in June, and urges women to "Let our brave Soldiers know and feel that they are remembered, and cared for...by knitting one or more pairs of Socks. And to distinguish the CHESTER COUNTY Socks...let the ribbing at the top be red, white, and blue..." Left side of broadside features large illustration of a sock, with ink inscription reading "any plain color" on the foot of the sock. Women are left with the entreaty to "Ply fast your Needles."

[With:] Sixth plate ambrotype portrait of an elderly woman knitting (some deterioration to emulsion, image clarity good; case with surface wear). Housed in a half pressed paper case.

[Also with:] CDV portrait of an elderly woman knitting ( some pinholes to upper right, stray marks throughout, and wear to edges and corners of image and mount; image and mount taped to cover glass). Housed under a pressed paper frame with backing cut to remove image. 2 1/8 x 3 1/2 in. albumen photograph on cardstock mount.

The Civil War Collection of James C. Frasca