Notable Transcript, Spring 2008 - I'm looking for information about a baseball league called the Potters League
Who
Message
Patron
I'm looking for information about a baseball league called the Potters League, which played in the Trenton area in the late 1800s.
Librarian
Patron's screen name: PATRON
Patron
I believe the teams were all from companies that were based in the Trenton area. One company was called "Clark Bros.", and I believe that they were some sort of pottery company based in Trenton at that time.
Librarian
Librarian 'Sam at APL' has joined the session.
Librarian
Hi PATRON
Patron
Hi Sam
Librarian
Where have you looked?
Patron
All over the net. I collect baseball memorabilia from New Jersey teams, and unfortunately am unable to get to Trenton to rummage through any libraries or historical societies. I recently acquired a really great picture, and would love to learn more about the league.
Patron
I've also got a few books on NJ baseball - no mention of a Potters League.
Librarian
Well, I found a cached page from ebay with a picture of a team: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?...
Patron
I understand that Trenton has a pretty rich history as far as pottery and glassmaking go, but can't find anything on Clark Bros., other than a handwritten invoice someone is selling on eBay.
Patron
That's me who won that picture!
Librarian
wow
Librarian
So i guess you know all that info!
Patron
It is REALLY cool, if you're into that sort of stuff. In real life it looks much nicer than the photos.
Librarian
It looks pretty good from here too.
Patron
But I collect the items, but like to learn more about the history of each of the teams. This one is particularly intriguing to me because it's such an elaborate photo. Most photos are more like postcards, or cabinet-sized. This one is really big.
Librarian
Well, let me look some more.
Patron
ok
Librarian
Perhaps a local historical society, such as http://www.jerseyhistory.org/
Librarian
Here's probably a better one: http://trentonhistory.org/His/journalism.htm
Patron
Wow, I was not aware of either of those.
Librarian
Other than that, I'm sort of at a loss, but we do have an email service where someone who has more time can continue looking.
Patron
OK. Do you handle NJ history only?
Patron
I've never used this service before.
Librarian
No, actually, I'm a librarian in Oregon.
Patron
No way! This is a national thing?
Librarian
We are part of a cooperative service that does online reference.
Patron
Got time for another one?
Librarian
So, I can refer your question to someone in New Jersey who probably will have more resources than I do.
Librarian
Sure, I'll try another one.
Patron
ok
Patron
OK, here's the other one:
Librarian
Guess it's a long question!
Patron
I'm looking for information on a company called Henry A. Johnson Wholesale Confectioners. They were based in Alameda, CA roughly around 1921. The company stamped ads on the back of baseball cards, which I also collect. I've gone to all the Alameda and County websites and cannot find anything, and do not know how to search business records to find any info.
Patron
I've also reached out to the Alameda historical societies and not gotten any response, unfortunately.
Librarian
Okay, let me give it a try.
Patron
There's a lot of stuff to sift through when your name is "Henry Johnson"
Librarian
Well, of course, you probably have done a google search (I just got something about the baseball cards). The best bet is probably the city library. They will have access to old city directories, and newspapers.
Librarian
Their website is http://www.ci.alameda.ca.us/library/
Patron
That's probably my website you found.
Patron
Pretty funny, I just realized that the website link is actually showing on the right side of my screen. Duh.
Librarian
Oh.
Patron
That's cool. You've given me some good places to look.
Patron
Who funds this service?
Librarian
In Oregon, it's supported with a grant and the state library. I don't know about new jersey.
Librarian
I will refer your queations on, though
Librarian
You should get an answer in a couple of days.
Patron
Thank you. I'll make a point of finding out who funds it in NJ and seeing if there's a way I can make a contribution. This is really helpful.
Librarian
Gret!
Patron
I appreciate all your time.
Librarian
Oops- spelling!
Patron
story of my life. :)
Librarian
Thanks, have a great evening!
Patron
You too.
Patron
Patron ended chat session.
Librarian
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