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(VERMONT). WARDNER, EDWARD A. Windsor, Vermont Merchant?��s Accounts, 1853-1867. Four (4) Volumes. About 1300 pp. Small folio. E.A. Wardner?��s ?��Day Book?�� on spine, contemp. calf, three spines worn. Lined blue paper. Ink entries. $1,250.00

 

     A wonderfully detailed set of books for a Vermont general store. Henry and Edward Allen Wardner (1827-1910+) were sons of Allen Wardner, president of the Windsor [Vermont] Savings Bank. Elder son, Henry Wardner, began a general store and brought in his brother, Edward, to keep the books, and assist in daily operations and merchandising.

     The store operated for many years in Windsor, selling everything from food, fabric and sewing supplies, patent medicines, to brooms and sperm oil. Hundreds of customer names are mentioned, along with the date, item, and price. The Vermont State prison was also a customer, purchasing on one occasion, ?��4 oz. vinigar of squills and 2 oz. of wine of ipecac?��.

     Wardner probably knew most residents of the town of Windsor since the population at the time was around 3,000. A frequent customer was Isaac Paine, who bought ?��1 doz. mahog. knobs .08?�� on Nov. 3, 1853. Business continued throughout the Civil War and Wardner notes: ?��Jan. 19, 1863. Pd. Soldiers Aid festival. 5.00?��. On another occasion, he paid .50 for ?��dinner for soldiers?��.

     A few of the many customers included are Rev. Malcolm Douglass, Charles H. Tarby, William M. Evarts, William H. Sabine, Judah Dana, Cyrus Wheeler, Mrs. C.P.P. Searcy, and Mrs. Angeline Townsend. Wardner also kept his personal expenses and one entry from 1867 shows purchases for postage .05, for supporting the Rector for the year 6.50, taxes, 4.80, hair cut .20, highway tax .60, cigars, sodas, presents, wafers, the ferry, and the Mite Soc.