Presented is one of the most extraordinary autograph books we have ever handled, both for its duration of use, and by the variety of signatures within. Included among the sixty-three signatures are not only those of eight United States Presidents, but Supreme Court Justices, actors, prominent businessmen, authors, and musicians. This book was obviously a family heirloom, with multiple generations serving as both caretakers and acquirers. The earliest entry is dated March 21, 1890, while the latest dates from February 24, 2004. The book is accompanied by various additional signed pieces, telegrams, letters, newspaper articles, and other material, most of which in some way relates to one of the signers of the book. The letters are addressed to members of the Whitney family of Massachusetts. While there is no history accompanying the book, given the number of signatures belonging to important political and business figures, we can only assume that this book was once owned by a member of the prominent Whitney family, whose descendants include Eli Whitney, inventor of the cotton gin. What makes this book especially appealing is that many of the signers have included lengthy inscriptions, imparting pearls of wisdom to the recipient. The signatures, written in a variety of inks, grade 8/10 on average. The leatherbound album (6.5x8") remains in Excellent condition. 1890s-1940s Signatures: Includes P.T. Barnum, John Greenleaf Whitter (includes short poem dated two years prior to his death), Oliver Wendell Holmes, Edward E. Rice, George Francis Train (page signed four times), Thomas Bailey Aldrich, Henry E. Dixey, Edward Bellamy, Richard Mansfield, Julia Ward Howe, John Boyle O'Reilly, Elizabeth Bacon Custer (wife of General George Custer), Frederick Burr Opper (includes cartoon sketch), David Rubinoff (with music bar drawing), and Dave Elman. Presidents & Politicians: Includes Grover Cleveland (plus wife Frances), Benjamin Harrison (plus wife Caroline Scott), William McKinley, Dwight Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan (plus wife Nancy), George H. Bush, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Sandra Day O'Connor, Ted Kennedy (plus wife Rose), John Glenn, and Barry Goldwater (includes original photo of Goldwater signing this album). Sports Figures: Includes Ted Williams (dated July 20, 1959, he adds "hitting .235 at the moment"), Carl Yastrzemski, a Boston Bruins page with Bobby Orr, and Red Auerbach.