Kids a Make Stitch Book and Stamp at Wilton Historical Society on Jan. 19

In the colonies, the chore boy or youngest apprentice in the print shop was called a “printer’s devil”, a reference to the air of mystery and magic which surrounded the early days of letterpress printing. Educated in setting type and working the handpress, these workers sometimes became master printers, publishers, or writers. “The bookbinder took the printed pages and made them ready for sale.

The binder’s work included folding, pressing, sewing, and trimming the pages to construct the finished pamphlet or small book. Small inexpensive books were called “stitch books” . . . The most common bound book sold by a printer was a blank book used by planters for their crop records, tradesmen for their business records, churches, and courthouses.” (Colonial Williamsburg). What printer’s devils learned and more will be explored at this workshop. Museum Educator Laurie Walker will teach children how to make simple books they can use for journals, notes, art, and gifts. Book-making techniques will include folding and learning an easy stitch with thick cotton thread. Each child will make a blank “stitch book” with a decorative cover, stitched and glued, and a stamp for printing. Snack of fruit salad.