Historical Collections of Ohio facts for kids
Historical Collections of Ohio is a famous history book about the state of Ohio. It was first published in 1847 by a writer named Henry Howe (1816–1893). To create this book, Howe spent over a year traveling all around Ohio. He drew pictures, talked to many people, and gathered lots of information. The first version of his book was very popular and sold more than 18,000 copies!
In the 1870s, many important people in Ohio asked Henry Howe to update his book. They wanted him to travel around the state again and add new information. In 1885, Howe didn't have enough money to start this new journey. So, he tried a new idea: he asked people to pay for the book in advance. This meant people paid $10 for a copy four years before the book was even finished. He was one of the first Americans to try this method.
Henry Howe's Big Ohio Tour
Henry Howe started his new tour on November 21, 1885. He began at the home of President Rutherford B. Hayes in Fremont, Ohio. He traveled all over Ohio and finished his journey in March 1887. It took him two years to complete the first part of his updated book.
When the first volume was released, people praised it a lot. However, it did not sell very well at first. Howe then asked the Ohio Legislature (the state's law-making group) for help. They bought 1,200 copies of his book for $12,000. This money helped Howe finish his project. He was able to create a three-volume set of books, instead of the two volumes he first planned. The full set was completed in 1891.
Challenges and Legacy
Even after the state bought copies, sales of the books were slow. Many people thought the state would give the books away to schools and libraries. Henry Howe ended up deeply in debt because of this big project. He passed away in October 1893.
After Howe's death, the State of Ohio decided to help his family. Important leaders like Senators Sherman, Brice, and Thurman, and Governors Cox, Foster, Foraker, and McKinley asked the state to act. The 71st General Assembly agreed to buy the book's copyright (the legal right to print and sell the book) and the printing plates for $20,000. This helped Howe's widow pay off his debts. For many years after, the state continued to print and sell these important history books.
Online Copies
You can find copies of Historical Collections of Ohio available to read online.
