That’s because the museum just recently received a donation containing written works and photographs pertaining to one of its most notable early 20th century figures, Academy Award-winning screenwriter and producer Charles Brackett.
Earlier this month, Palmer received a phone call from a man named Ernie Duval, who informed him he was the last surviving member of the Brackett family tree. Palmer recently published a piece in the latest edition of Simply Saratoga Magazine regarding the history of both Charles Brackett and his father, politician Edgar Brackett and their old home located at 605 Broadway.
This led to Palmer, Duval and the museum’s executive director Jamie Parillo meeting December 11 to personally donate dozens of books, newspaper clippings and photographs including things neither historian had ever seen before.
Standing out among the donations was a book of caricatures which left Palmer and Parillo with more questions than answers.
“I called Jamie yesterday, and asked him if he’s even heard of this. He said he hadn’t, and neither had I and I’ve scavenged a lot of libraries and everything else,” said Palmer. “This is a book of caricatures of some of the most famous men in Saratoga throughout the 1890s.”
The leather-bound book of caricatures is labeled “JUST FOR FUN” on the front cover, and while the binding may have not held up over time, the drawings are in pristine condition. Both historians agreed this was the most intriguing piece among the new collection.
“Le t me put it to you this way, if there are other copies of this, there aren’t going to be very many,” said Palmer. “In all fairness, if someone bought this back then they would have cut it up, mounted them individually and sold them for $40 to $50 apiece. Instead we’ve got the whole collection together.”
Palmer theorizes that these were likely created in limited numbers simply for each person caricatured to have a copy. With only 60 pictures in the collection, the likelihood of other intact copies remaining is dismal.
“These were all the players in the community poking fun at each other,” added Parillo.
Since the collection had just arrived at the museum, Parillo had yet to pour over it more closely, but provided a general idea of what happens when new items are received.
“I’ve seen this stuff for about five minutes,” said Parillo with a laugh, “But what we’ll do is send these up to the archives and will be accessible for researchers to use. Certain pieces will go out immediately. Other things will be available for future exhibits.”
Parillo specifically notes the photo of the Brackett gate dedication marked with the date of 1914, adding that he’d “never even seen that photo before.”
“That’s definitely a rare one,” added Parillo. “I haven’t seen most of these books. They’re very unique pieces. It’s good too that you can connect it to an actual city resident, someone who was influential in the city. It’s really great to get these pieces.”
One of the biggest questions surrounding the book of caricatures is identifying the illustrator in question.
“We have no idea who drew these. What we know now is that there will forever be at least one complete copy here,” said Palmer.
As for the collection’s previous owner, Ernie Duval, he said providing the city with further glimpses into its rich history was something he had always planned to do.
“I’ve always planned to donate this stuff. I’m 81 now, so I thought it was time,” said Duval.
Other pieces included books written by Brackett, a copy of his wedding announcement and his memoriam. There was a published book of poetry from when Charles was a senior in college.
While Parillo and Palmer will get to work trying to fill in gaps in the city’s history, they are simply grateful for the opportunity to learn more about the Spa City’s past.
“These are now, proudly, the possession of the Historical Museum,” said Palmer.
