An exhibition of samples of English and American chap-books and broadside ballads is being shown in the Widener Treasure room this week. The collection is now twice as large as it was when started by the late Professor F. S. Childs many years ago. The Chapmen, from whence the book gets its name, existed several centuries ago and travelled all over the country visiting town and hamlet. He became the purveyor of literature, and was the only means whereby the people could get literature of any sort.
His material covered a multitude of subjects, and were the means of preserving the records, customs, superstitions, and prejudices of the time.
Some of the titles are as follows: "An Affectionate Address to Young People on Filial Duty", "A Parent's Household Medical Guide", containing all the amusing and peculiar beliefs and prescriptions of the time. "The Evils of Illicit Distillation, "Saved in a Cell", and "The Profane Coachman's Conversion."
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Mareel to Lecture on April 17
