Collectibles
Horatio Alger First Day Issue
- Item Number
- 142
- Estimated Value
- 19 USD
- Opening Bid
- 6 USD
Item Description
Horatio Alger was born in Chelsea, Massachusetts, on January 13, 1832. Alger was the son of a Unitarian minister and his forefathers had settled Plymouth, attended the Constitutional Convention, and fought in the War of 1812.
Alger was a talented but sickly child and his father was determined that he’d one day enter the ministry. To this end his father tutored him in classical studies and invited him to sit in while he ministered parishioners.
While attending school, Alger published his earliest works in local newspapers. After graduating from preparatory school at age 15, Alger was accepted to Harvard. He was a bright student, earning scholastic prizes and awards. Alger’s writing also blossomed during this time, as he studied under Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. In fact, Alger often used Longfellow’s writing as a model for his own. During this time he also explored the works of other modern writers including Walter Scott, James Fenimore Cooper, and Herman Melville. In 1849 he became a professional writer when he sold two essays and a poem to the Pictorial National Library magazine.
His legacy lives on through the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, which gives out annual awards to “outstanding individuals… who have succeeded in the face of adversity” and scholarships “to encourage young people to pursue their dreams with determination and perseverance.” And in 1982 the musical Shine! Was based on his writing.
Item Special Note
item shown is exact item up for auction
Shipping charges apply if not a local pick up
Donated by Bo Coburn- Rotarian
Donated By:
Bo Coburn--Rotarian
Irving Sunrise Rotary stores data...
Your support matters, so Irving Sunrise Rotary would like to use your information to keep in touch about things that may matter to you. If you choose to hear from Irving Sunrise Rotary, we may contact you in the future about our ongoing efforts.
Your privacy is important to us, so Irving Sunrise Rotary will keep your personal data secure and Irving Sunrise Rotary will not use it for marketing communications which you have not agreed to receive. At any time, you may withdraw consent by emailing Privacy@frontstream.com or by contacting our Privacy Officer. Please see our Privacy Policy found here PrivacyPolicy.