Two scarce ephemeral items regarding the dinner for him on December 19, 1895, given by the society of Philistines
From the Bart Auerbach Collection. 1) "The Time Has Come," the Walrus Said, "To Talk of Many Things". [East Aurora, NY: Elbert Hubbard, 1895]. 8 pages, 9 x 6 1/4 inches, large illustration by Collin on the front cover, stitched with red thread (first and last leaves separated along spine).
The program of a dinner given by the Society of the Philistines, Thursday evening, December 19, 1895, in honor of Stephen Crane, signed in pencil at top of first text leaf "Stephen Crane. 19 – 94." The signature compares very favorably with assured examples, though it is unclear what the "19 - 94" connotes (the 19th was the date of the dinner, though it was in 1895). The back wrapper contains the first appearance of a poem by Crane, “ ‘I have heard the sunset song of the birds. ” ” Four pages of this leaflet contain quotations from telegrams and/or letters from various authors, etc., including Ambrose Bierce, W. D. Howells, Hamlin Garland, expressing regret at not being able to attend the dinner,---probably the only appearance in print of these passages. Very rare. BAL 4072. Item #409687
2.
"The Members of the Society of the Philistines Very Cordially Request the Honor of Your Presence to Meet Mr. Stephen Crane at Dinner in East Aurora New York Thursday Evening December 19th Eighteen Hundred and Ninety Five." [East Aurora: Elbert Hubbard, 1895]. 7 x 4 1/2 inches, printed folded outer wrapper, bifolium loose as issued inside containing the text of the invitation to Crane and his reply. Not in BAL. Rare. Both items (along with the third printed piece Hubbard created for the occasion) are discussed in detail by Stallman, pp. 242-243.
Price: $2,500.00