In my quest for anything vintage I have those rare moments when things all fall into place. It does not happen often, but when it happened this time it was more then any one person could ask for. Well, it is some of the Slingerland photography from the 60's that was taken by the original photographer. When I say some, I can only imagine how many photographs were taken, but this is a nice selection of about 100 envelopes.

Let me explain in more detail. These are brown envelopes that were printed for the photographer that include the clients name, address, date, order number, ordered by and billing date information. The envelope has writing of what is inside and then a column of what it cost to reproduce from the negative or create proofs, or special orders that were shipping to different publications etc. For the most part it is accurate, but over the years things must have gotten very crazy and items are mixed up and in different envelopes. Opening each envelope is like an amazing discovery and an excitement that can't be explained.

So, inside the envelopes are a variety of items. I say that, because each envelope is a tad different in its contents. They range from the original proof, negative film, hand written notes, form letters, and original photos.

This is a daunting historical task to keep it together, keep it organized and also structured so I can display it to the world. I arranged the envelopes into 6 different categories; parts, people, sets, marching, percussion, snares, and single drums. It would be nice if each envelope was organized that way, but many envelopes have multiple categories so I put them in the category they had the most information about.

Here is a small list of items in this collection. Bud Slingerland, Don Osborne Sr and Jr., HH Slingerland, Exterior Building, Interior Building, Aerial Photographs of factory building, Catalog Covers, Drum Sets, Snare Drums, Parts, Stands, Endorser Shots, Salesman Shot, Percussion Instruments, Marching Percussion, Sticks, Mallets, Misc People,

Here is an example of what a folder looks like and items from other folders. The drums set is an actual photo that has a negative to go with it and the snare set on the end was the original negative that I scanned with a special scanner.

I'm still in the decision making mode about what to do with all of this unique stuff. I would like to display all of the photography on the web site, but would also like to sell copies of some of the images to people so they can frame them and add them to their collection. The interior shots are just amazing and who wouldn't want that hanging on a wall? How about a small collection of Bud at his desk, the factory interior and a nice shot of the exterior? If any one out there reading this has any special requests or would like to purchase photos then contact me directly.

It is a project that would keep me busy for a long time, not including all of the other projects I have and changes and additions to the web site. Also, the forum is really kicking in and getting good hits and members and I guess the ultimate goal for any Webmaster is to have the best web site possible devoted to the topic they love the most, vintage drums.

Thanks

David