Stevens, John Pym & Anon

[REPURPOSED] [MANUSCRIPT] ASTON PLASTER MINES near DERBY

Chellaston, Derbyshire, England: 1843-1950. Hardcover. 23 x 19 cm. This intriguing repurposed correspondence book was originally used by an individual connected with The Aston Plaster Mines near Derby. Written in an exceptionally neat hand, it contains copied records of the firm’s business transactions. The book’s earliest owner appears to have been John Pym Stevens of Chellaston. The Chellaston Old Plaster Mine, once worked as an open quarry, ceased operations in the 1880s after heavy financial losses attributed to the depletion of the rock’s valuable properties. Later, the book was taken up by another hand—possibly around the turn of the century—to transcribe educational material such as “Chief Events in History.” This same writer also filled seventeen pages with recipes, including Marrow Jam, A Plain Plum Cake, Pork Pie, Marmalade Pudding, and others. The volume was utilized in the dos-à-dos style, with entries beginning from both ends. Four newspaper clippings from the Kentish Times, chiefly concerning the Dartford Township Women’s Guild, are laid in. The pages are disbound with some edge chipping, and the volume retains its patterned paper boards. Patterned paper boards. Poor. Item #4369

correspondence.

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