With the holiday season behind us and the deep freeze of
winter upon us, I can think of no better time to write about a subtly celebratory
find here in the State Library's preservation lab. In 1903,
Wilson Publishing Co. released the Encyclopedia of State Laws: Governing the Sale of Liquor in the Various States throughout the Union, Also Embracing a Complete Collection of Fancy Mixed Drinks and How to Mix Them, for $1.00.
The book contains Massachusetts public statues dating back
to 1882, and while reading through the chapters, which include references to the
sale of cider and obtaining special liquor licenses during the summer months,
was interesting, my favorite part was the Appendix: Clear and Practical Directions for Mixing all kinds of Cocktails,
Sours, Egg Nog, Sherry Cobblers, Coolers, Absinthe, Crustas, Fizzes, Flips,
Juleps, Fixes, Punches, Lemonades, Pousse Cafes, Etc.
With cocktail creations such as
Medford Rum Smash, Hot Irish Punch, and Boston Egg Nogg, perusing the names and
ingredients of this extensive list is impossible to resist.
The text itself is a paperback with a sewn binding that needs to be reinforced. Loose pages will be reinforced with Japanese tissue and
adhesive, and the cover will be reattached with Filmoplast cotton fabric book
cloth. That type of hard work calls for
a Champagne Velvet!
Kelly J. Turner
Preservation Librarian
