On Thursday, September 8 at 7PM there will be a presentation about Brattleboro’s Stephen Daye Press to be held in the Brattleboro History Center at 196 Main Street in Brattleboro. This event is open to the public and admission is free.
Founded in 1932 by John S. and Marion R. Hooper, the Stephen Daye Press (SDP) published books about New England. It is now considered the first in the field of regional publishers in the United States. Children of the SDP founders, John, Mary Ann and Steve Hooper, all formerly of Brattleboro will give the presentation about the Stephen Daye Press. In addition, there will be a display of SDP books, photos, tools of the trade, original promotional materials and other items.
The name, Stephen Daye Press, was to honor the very first printing press in the colonies, brought from England in 1636. The SDP published over 125 titles during the ten years of its existence, 1932-1942. Most were hard cover books but it also published pamphlets, folios, soft cover books and other materials.
Brattleboro’s own Vermont Printing Company facilitated the start-up of the SDP and was its printer. The SDP not only acquired and cultivated its authors, but also focused on craftsmanship in all aspects of its publishing operation that included: type selection, book design, dust jackets and many other details.
The Brattleboro Historical Society and the Friends of Brooks Memorial Library are sponsoring the SDP presentation and exhibit. The event is part of the Historical Society and Friends collaboration on bringing to light Brattleboro’s important and distinguished publishing and printing history.
CONTACT: Mary Ide, maryi@myfairpoint.net or call 254-7755
Glad to see recognition of Stephen Daye Press
When I first cane to Vt quite awhile back, I thought a good way to learn about the state would be to acquire & read bunches of Vermont books, & quite a few of the ones I found, & still own, were published by Stephen Daye. A great labor of love, & cool books. Then along came the slightly similar-sounding Stephen Greene Press, also very local (HQ was originally in the Book Cellar bookshop, owned by the Greenes. ) They also specialized in Vermont authors & such. Delighted to see this recognition & info event on SDP.