On the Tarbell Trail

[Anita]

Need some help.

I'm now printing out Tarbell's Lincoln-related correspondence, which means I have to actually read it now.

On September 28, 1895, Tarbell wrote to Osborn Oldroyd the following:

My Dear Mr. Oldroyd,
Is this the same as your Magic picture? Mr. Phillips [John S. Phillips, publisher of McClures Magazine] says you have it in your collection. This is the picture that Mr. Power [?] sold at the monument as a Magic. I shall be greatly obliged if you can let me know at once returning picture as we wish to have it copied. Address me here in N.Y. care of Mr. McClure.

Very Truly Yours
Ida M. Tarbell

At the bottom of the letter, Oldroyd wrote back:

Yes, this is the magic picture.
In haste
O.H. Oldroyd

I looked through my copy of Oldroyd's book at the list of illustrations and I didn't see anything mentioned as a "magic" picture. Can someone help me understand what is meant by this?

Best
Rob

You may have the answer to this by now, but if not check out Magic lantern(aka stereoptican) slides. The were called magics and date back to the mid 19th c. Photographic images were made into slides.

I'm a new member who has not read Tarbell but thanks to your posts I just started Lincoln's bio. Your book is quite an undertaking-so much to keep organized. Best of luck and stamina.