Old Books, Ephemera, and Family Papers
Interview with Steve Dobbs
As the world becomes increasingly digital, we risk losing the papers that preserve our history, culture, and what we pass on to future generations. We spoke to Steve Dobbs, owner of S&M Coins and Collectibles in Ridgecrest, CA, for his views on the subject.
Showcase: Are there a few simple tips for novices who find old books at yard sales?
Steve: Any old history books are still very desirable. We are fortunate here in Ridgecrest to have a climate that is mild enough to protect old books. It is very important to look at the copyright date and see if it is a reprint or original.
Showcase: What about literary ephemera? What might be of value?
Steve: The meaning of ephemera is an item made of paper to be used only for a short period of time. An example would be a cardboard display for a brewery to showcase their beer for a month in a supermarket etc…. There is quite a bit of value in the remaining specimens, especially advertising that wasn’t meant to last, but was rescued.
Showcase: As time marches on, family papers will be harder to come by. We won’t find our parents’ love letters and journals, because it’s all in computers now. What advice do you have for leaving these memories behind?
Steve: That is a tough question, as already the current generation is mostly electronic. The best way to get memories on paper is the old-fashioned way of taking your photos and printing them and putting them in a memory box. I do still see cards given to loved ones.
Showcase: What’s the best book, poster, or letter you ever found at a yard sale or rummage sale?
Steve: Personally, I have not looked too much for books or letters at a yard sale. I did purchase a nice collection of early 1900s postcards on a pick once. There was a postcard from the railroad that had a value in excess of $200. Another story to tell is a person in town purchased an old book at a yard sale for 25 cents and found a note worth $1,100. It was a large five-dollar silver certificate in great condition.
Showcase: What’s the biggest mistake, book- or ephemera-wise, that you ever made?
Steve: I purchased some old Wizard of Oz books by Frank Baum and it turned out several were not first editions. Cost me some time and money.
Showcase: Why should people keep these things? Does it matter?
Steve: It only matters to historians and people who have a need to collect items. I have found that there is a collector for everything on this wonderful planet of ours. Right now, there are items we are used to seeing around and we don’t give them much thought, but it will not take long before some of them disappear.