MORSE, S.R. - Untitled Seaweed Herbarium [Handmade, n.d./c1880s]

[Seaweed, Atlantic City] MORSE, S.R. Untitled Seaweed Herbarium.

Atlantic City: Handmade, n.d./c1880s. Booklet tied with one string (and formerly stapled), 8.25” x 4.75”, 16 leaves + a single 4” x 2.5” card. The card contains a red algae sample and specifies it’s “Ex Herb, S.R. Morse” and that Morse was a collector from Atlantic City. The booklet contains 6 additional, unlabeled dried algae samples as well as handwritten poetry from Longfellow, Tennyson, Celia Thaxter and more. Several of the leaves have “Atlantic City” printed at the top, partially hidden by the tie, and appear to be stationary from a Deaconsfield Hotel. While sourced together, it is not certain whether or not the bookplate and card originated from the same collector, just that they originated from the same city. Pages lightly toned and edges quite ragged. Missing second tie and rather fragile. Complete and Good+

Seaweed albums like this one were prized keepsakes of seaside holidays, reflecting the Victorian enthusiasm for both natural history and sentimental craft. Often assembled by women, they combined aesthetic arrangement with personal reflection, making each example unique. The inclusion of named collectors like S.R. Morse adds provenance and connects the piece to the broader networks of amateur science and tourism that flourished in resort towns like Atlantic City. This booklet offers a rare and intimate glimpse into that world.