(RHODE ISLAND.) Group of 8 Rhode Island carrier addresses. 5 broadsides ranging up to 24 inches in height, plus 3 pamphlets; various conditions as noted. Providence, RI, 1863-1892; and Newport, RI, 1893-1896
Most of these are the traditional New Year's poems handed out by newspaper carriers in search of holiday tips. The 1867 address was actually issued for distribution by letter carriers.
"New Year's Address of the Carriers of the Providence Journal," 1863. Broadside, 18 1/2 x 11 1/2 inches. Sets the battle of the Monitor and Merrimac to verse, among other war events of 1862.
"Providence Letter Carrier's Address, Happy New Year To All," 1867. Broadside, 12 x 6 3/4 inches, repairs at fold. Providence: John F. Greene.
"New Year's Address of the Carriers of the General Advertiser," 1870. Broadside, 18 x 11 1/4 inches, illustrated with a cut of a mariner with anchor; moderate foxing, folds.
"Carriers' New Year's Address to the Patrons of the Evening Press and Morning Star," 1884. Broadside, 20 3/4 x 14 1/2 inches; folds, chipping. In the year when Providence would claim the world baseball championship, it looks back: "Those who had no occupation / Gave their time to games of base ball / Betting who would be the winners / And therein becoming sinners."
"Carrier's New Year's Address," 1892. Broadside, 24 x 16 inches; separations at folds. Discusses the shocking murder of the widow Josephine Barnaby. [Providence]: E.A. Johnson & Co.
"Twenty-Third New Year's Address of the Veteran Carrier of the Newport Enterprise," 1893. [1], 10 pages, 5 1/2 x 4 3/4 inches.
"A Happy New Year: Newport Enterprise New Year's Offering and Carrier's Address," 1896. Frontispiece plate, [20] pages, 8 3/4 x 5 3/4 inches.
"The Newport Mercury Carrier's Address," 1896. [8] illustrated pages, 7 3/4 x 5 inches. Provenance: collection of Russell J. DeSimone.
