Opening the Envelope
Posted by: Ellen Terrell
In December, with Christmas cards and annual family update letters keeping mail carriers busy, it seems like a good time to look at the envelope.
Posted in: Business
Category: Business
Risky Business: Let The Ratings Decide
Posted by: Natalie Burclaff
Did you know that insurance companies get rated on their financial strength? The Library of Congress holds a wide range of insurance ratings guides from various agencies going back to the 19th century.
Posted in: Business, Business Reference Guides
Hair from Over There: Centuries of Human Hair Trade Data
Posted by: Ellen Terrell
In 1876, human hair imports to the United States were valued at $4.5 million in today’s dollars. Where did all this hair come from and what was it used for? We investigate the hair industry and Library of Congress resources relevant to trade data, including our new research guide on international economics and trade.
Posted in: Business
New Science and Business Additions to Thomas Jefferson’s Library
Posted by: Ellen Terrell
As the Library of Congress continues to acquire material, some of the titles from Jefferson’s library that were lost in the 1851 fire have returned to the shelves. This year, the Library acquired one business title and two agricultural titles that were part of Thomas Jefferson’s original collection.
Posted in: Business, Rare Books and Special Collections, Science
Business Collections Orientation September 24
Posted by: Natalie Burclaff
The Library of Congress Business Section invites you to a 30-minute webinar at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, September 24. The session will highlight collections featuring materials related to the hospitality industry.
Posted in: Business, Lunchtime Lectures and Videos
A Wall Street in New Orleans
Posted by: Ellen Terrell
Looking at an edition of Investment Bankers and Brokers of America opened my eye to New Orleans' past investment community.
Posted in: Business, New Orleans
Black Friday and Gilded Age Robber Barons: Examining the 1869 Gold Crisis through Political Cartoons
Posted by: Natalie Burclaff
Railroad industrialist Jay Gould and stockbroker Jim Fisk artificially drove up the gold market in 1869 in a scheme that resulted in a dramatic price crash on September 24, 1869, known as Black Friday. This post looks at three political cartoons that depict the players involved in the 1869 Gold Crisis.
The Tea is Brewing about the Tea & Coffee Trade Journal
Posted by: Ellen Terrell
This last post about the Tea and Coffee Trade Journal is all about tea! It includes a wonderful chart looking at both coffee and tea consumption from 1886-1925.
Posted in: Business, Cookbooks and Food, Favorites From the Fifth Floor
Five Questions, Intern Edition: Abigail Bowers, 2025 Junior Fellow
Posted by: Ellen Terrell
Learn about 2025 Junior Fellow Abigail Bowers! She is working on Gilded Age entries for the "This Month in Business History” guide.
Posted in: Business, Five Questions