Summary

Creator:

Bailey, Lydia R., 1779-1869., Baskin, Lisa Unger, Sallie Bingham Center for Women's History and Culture, and Lisa Unger Baskin Collection (David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library)

Abstract:

Lydia Bailey was a prominent 19th-century Philadelphia printer. The Lydia Bailey account statements itemizes two printing jobs commissioned by John Steele of the Port of Philadelphia. The jobs were for use by commercial ships.

Extent:

2 items
1 Folder

Language:

Materials in English

Collection ID:

RL.11390

Background

Scope and Content:

Includes two manuscript documents. The first, signed by Lydia Bailey, listing 65 itemized expenditures dated March 8-29, 1823, totaling $141.50 for "Printing certificates of spirits, wines & teas imported in the first quarter of 1823." It begins "Genl. John Steele, Collector of the Port of Philadelphia/To Lydia R. Bailey," and concludes with a certifying statement and a receipt for payment in full signed by Bailey. Each entry specifies the quantity of certificates printed and the name of the ship for which each lot is destined. There is also a single entry for "1000 copies blanks for inspectors." The second manuscript itemized 268 expenditures dated April 3-June 25, 1823, totaling $664.25, entitled "Genl. John Steele, Collector of the Port of Philadelphia/To Lydia R. Bailey." Again, each entry specifies the quantity of certificates printed and the name of the ship for which each lot is destined. There are water stains on this document.

Biographical / Historical:

Lydia Bailey was a prominent printer active in Philadelphia from 1808 to 1861. She was appointed the City Printer of Philadelphia from 1810-1850 and was the only woman to ever hold that position. She trained many employees who went on to establish careers in their own right.

Acquisition Information:

The Lydia Bailey account statements were received by the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book Manuscript Library as a purchase in 2015.

Processing information:

Processed by Megan Lewis, February, 2017. Addition processed by Alice Poffinberger, December, 2022.

Accessions described in this collection guide: 2015-0050-MSS110, 2015-0050-MSS111

Rules or Conventions:

Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Subjects

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Subjects:

Women Printers -- Philadelphia
Accounts

Names:

Port of Philadelphia and Camden.
Bailey, Lydia R., 1779-1869.
Steele, John, 1758-1827

Places:

Philadelphia (Pa.) -- History -- 19th century
Philadelphia (Pa.) -- Commerce -- History