by Jeanne Gehret
by Jeanne Gehret
It almost cost Frederick Douglass his home to publish his newspaper in the Talman Building in Rochester, pictured here; and Harriet Jacobs, an author who operated a reading room with her brother one floor up, couldn’t make her rent, either.
Later, Susan B. Anthony’s publishing ventures racked up six years of crushing debt. People who write and publish, including yours truly, usually do so out of a true passion that defies budgets. If you enjoy this blog, please “like” and “share” it to keep it going, and get your very own copy of The Truth About Daniel to savor.
As we near the end of Black History Month, consider these stairs where Frederick Douglass’ son said fugitives often awaited his father when the abolitionist came into work at the Talman Building in the morning.
If the image were clearer, we would see above the second floor is engraved the word “PRINTING.” Rose O’Keefe’s book on Douglass stated that he confessed his printing equipment cost too much, making his paper unprofitable. As he began to book more lucrative speaking engagements, he gave the daily management of the paper over to friends, who separated his business finances from those of his family and saved the family’s home.
Exterior photo courtesy of the Democrat & Chronicle, ca 1870 (after A.C. Wilder purchased the building). Interior images by Jeanne Gehret
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