Harris Broadsides

Broadsides are single-sheet publications, often issued as ephemera or announcements. The Harris Broadsides Collection is a comprehensive collection of American poetry published in broadside format from colonial times to the present. The collection offers materials covering a broad spectrum of American life, and includes poetry of every description: 18th and 19th century ballads, verse describing newsworthy events, poetic effusions of sentimentality and patriotism, comic verse, and much more. When completed, this digital project will include over 20,000 titles.
This collection is part of Brown University Library, hosted by Brown University.

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Items in this collection

The midnight ride

The midnight ride

Brown University

Dr. J.C. Gallison. Title on page [1] within ornamental border. On page [4]: Massachusetts House Representatives, June, 1896.

The midnight breakfast

The midnight breakfast

Brown University

At head of text: Young ladies will not go into each others rooms after nine night ..

The messenger boy's holiday greeting to his patrons

Describes messenger boys' work, hopes of becoming telegraph operators, and desire for a tip. Describes messenger boys' work, hopes of becoming telegraph operators, and desire for a tip. Poetry. Within single-line border with ornamental corners on pages [1] and [4]; no borders on pages [2]-[3] At head of text on page [1] cut signed: W.E.S. Trowbridge of uniformed messenger boy walking on lightning across clouds, with Santa Claus at left in reindeer-drawn sleigh inscribed: Merry Christmas 1891, and cherub at right holding scroll inscribed: Happy New Year 1892; cut of bald man holding pen below, captioned: Ye poet; below text on page [4] cut signed: W.E.S. Trowbridge des. of two messengers holding caps full of coins and dancing on top of telegraph poles, with caption: A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Initial block.

The merits of printing: a song

Printed in two columns. Poem in eleven three-line stanzas with two-line chorus beginning: Then carol the praises of printing. "Reprinted by Wm. P. Barlow, Jr. at The Nova Press from John Bell's The Oracle of January 7, 1796, on the occasion of the Roxburghe-Zamorano joint meeting September 9-10, 1972."

The memory of Franklin

The memory of Franklin

Brown University

On page [1]: Read at a dinner on the 20th of April, 1906, in commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the birth of Franklin.

The mellow horn, Auld lang syne, & Bride of Henry

Printed in two columns divided by line of advertising with single line at each end: Sold wholesale and retail corner of Cross & Fulton Sts., Boston. First line: At dawn Aurora gaily breaks.

The mechanic's dream

The mechanic's dream

Brown University

Air: Things that I don't like to see. At head of text: Respectfully dedicated to the Charlestown Navy-Yard Boys.

The McKees: father and son

Within double-line border. Poem in five six-line stanzas. At end of poem: June 30, 1871. C.A. Warfield.

The Master's way

The Master's way

Brown University

Printed in gold and colors on heavy white paper. Text superimposed on illustration of cross and crown; borders of gold and blue flowers at sides. At end of poem: "He will teach us of His ways, and we will walk in His paths." Isaiah 2:3. Suggested publication date from acquisition date of Brown University copy.

The Master's way

The Master's way

Brown University

Printed in gold and colors on heavy white paper. Text superimposed on illustration of cross and crown; borders of gold and blue flowers at sides. At end of poem: "He will teach us of His ways, and we will walk in His paths." Isaiah 2:3. Suggested publication date from acquisition date of Brown University copy.

The Master's way

The Master's way

Brown University

Printed in gold and colors on heavy white paper. Text superimposed on illustration of cross and crown; borders of gold and blue flowers at sides. At end of poem: "He will teach us of His ways, and we will walk in His paths." Isaiah 2:3. Suggested publication date from acquisition date of Brown University copy.

The Master is coming

The Master is coming

Brown University

By Mrs. Emma A. Lent. Poem in eleven eight-line stanzas. Suggested range of publication dates from internal evidence.

The Master I met

The Master I met

Brown University

by Wayne T. Sinclair. Printed on heavy white paper. Poem in three stanzas of varying length. Suggested range of publication dates from internal evidence.

The Massachusetts boys on their way to Dixie

by J. Ward Childs, of the Washington Guards, 53d Massachusetts Vol. Militia. Caption title. Without tune or music. Printed in two columns divided by double rule; within border of type ornaments. At end of text below border: Harrison's Steam Presses for Cheap Printing, 80 and 82 Duane street. Mention in poem of the actor Ed Forrest at Niblo's Gardens in New York and Laura Keene suggests possible imprint date. Both Keene and Forrest were in New York at the same time in the fall season of 1861/62.

The Maskers announce the production of Mrs. Jack: an original comedy set to music, at the Talma Theatre December 8-9,...

Theater program for amateur performance of musical comedy with book and libretto by Laura E. Webster, lyrics by Grace Sherwood and music by Marshall B. Martin; Webster and Sherwood are in cast. Theater program for amateur performance of musical comedy with book and libretto by Laura E. Webster, lyrics by Grace Sherwood and music by Marshall B. Martin; Webster and Sherwood are in cast. Page [4] blank. Printed in purple on grayish-tan paper within single-line border crossed at corners. Title from first lines on page [2] Place of publication from internal evidence, especially Weybosset Street address for ticket sales.

The Marylander at Manassas: A fact

Caption title. Poetry in thirty-three two-line verses printed in black within double line border. Between title and subtitle cut of Maryland state flag. At end of text: Type-signed: N.G.R. Baltimore, Dec. 16, 1861.