Sanitary Fairs

The Sanitary & Christian Commissions played major roles during the Civil War in making soldiers' lives more tolerable by helping to overcome disease & misery among Union soldiers. On June 13, 1861, President Lincoln signed the order creating the Sanitary Commission but provided no funds for its operations. Money was raised through Sanitary Fairs. Over two thousand fairs were held throughout the war. The story is told through letters & stamps from these fairs. The book is for stamp collectors, Civil War enthusiasts, autograph collectors, reference librarians, & medical historians. Twenty-two chapters cover the fairs, the Refreshment Saloons, Northern & Southern prison & hospital mail, medals, & music of the fairs. Valuations are given for Civil War letters, stamps, covers & autographs. With extensive bibliography, indexed, over 400 photos, some in color. Hardcover, over 300 pages, 9 1/4 X 12. Shipped prepaid--regular price $75.00; prepublication price of $60.00 if ordered before September 1, 1992. ISBN 0-9632603-0-8, LC 92-61024. Order from: SF Publishing, A-Three Services Agency Ltd., 3125 Commercial Ave., Northbrook, IL 60062, (708) 480-0870; Visa, MasterCard accepted.Kantor, Alvin R. is the author of 'Sanitary Fairs', published 1992 under ISBN 9780963260307 and ISBN 0963260308.