Antique 1906 Valley City North Dakota Souvenir Booklet "The City of Homes" RARE
This is a remarkably preserved 1906 souvenir booklet titled "Valley City, North Dakota: The City of Homes." Issued by the local Commercial Club and printed by The Times-Record Press, this piece was designed as a promotional tool to showcase the burgeoning prosperity of the Sheyenne Valley at the turn of the century. It serves as a fascinating time capsule of the American West during a period of "phenomenal" population growth and industrial expansion.
Inside, you’ll find high-quality black-and-white lithographs and detailed statistics regarding the city's resources—from its three solid banks and ten churches to its boast of having the "largest flour mill in the State." Notable historical landmarks featured include the Residence of Dr. E. A. Pray (a prominent local physician and later mayor), the First National Bank Block, the Platou Hospital, and a stunning panoramic view of the city. The booklet even includes handwritten annotations from a previous owner, adding a layer of personal provenance to this 120-year-old artifact.
Product Specifications
Title: Souvenir of Valley City North Dakota "The City of Homes"
Year: 1906 (Circa early 20th Century)
Publisher: Issued by Commercial Club; Printed by The Times-Record Press
Location: Valley City, Barnes County, North Dakota
Material: Heavy cardstock cover with paper interior pages and original string binding
Dimensions: Approximately 9" x 6"
Subject: Local History, Americana, Town Promotion, Early Photography
Condition Report
Factual condition is Vintage/Good for its age, though it shows clear signs of its long history.
Cover: The tan cardstock cover has some light staining, edge wear, and a small "1906" pencil mark in the upper corner.
Binding: The original red and white decorative string binding is still present and functional, though the spine edge shows some chipping and paper loss (see photos).
Interior: The pages are generally clean with crisp text and images. There are light pencil notations throughout, including labels on some photos (e.g., "Looking west from mill vicinity"), which provide helpful historical context.
General Wear: Expect some minor foxing, corner bumps, and age-toning typical of 100+ year-old paper ephemera.
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