By Mark Abromaitis

THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

For one Maris Grove resident, an old book was a connection to his family’s history.

So when Frank Bicking presented a rare original copy of e History of  Delaware County, Pa. (1884) to the Maris Grove library, he hoped to help current and future residents of the community connect with their own family histories.

“My family has always treasured this book and I thought it would be an appropriate gift for the residents of Maris Grove who may also be researching the history of their families and the local area,” Bicking says.

The history of a book

Written by Henry Graham Ashmead of L.H. Everts & Company, and printed by J.B. Lippincott, the book is indeed rare. Delaware County government offi cials are the only ones Bicking knows to possess another original copy.

Bicking’s family was involved in the printing business, and the book is a family heirloom. It was passed down to him through the Darlington side of his family,Quakers who have been in the Delaware and Chester County area since 1690.

Restoring history

Bicking, chair of Maris Grove’s history and genealogy clubs, wanted to share the book with the community but feared that while it was in good condition, it would not hold up well due to its age. So he brought in a  professional.

He called Nancy Nitzberg, a book conservator and owner of Book Care in Elkins Park, to restore and repair the book. Her expertise spans many types of book restorations. Over the years she has worked on a 12th century Greek gospel as well as many 20th century deteriorations.

“Even with books that have been gently used, the eff ects of age can take a toll,” Nitzberg explains. “In addition to pages tearing, adhesives can dry out and disintegrate, allowing the entire book to come apart.”