57. HELENA BOARD OF TRADE. Helena Illustrated, Capital of the State of Montana A History of the Early Settlement and the Helena of To-Day Showing the Resources of the City, Its Commercial Advantages, Manufactures and Wonderful Growth With Illustrations of Public Buildings, Prominent Business Blocks, Beautiful Homes, Portraits and Biographical Sketches of Leading Citizens Helena Montana March 1, 1890. Minneapolis: Frank L. Thresher, 1890. 68 [4] pp., numerous engraved and photographic text illustrations (portraits, scenes, views, architecture), map on last page:  Northern Pacific Railroad and Connections [above neat line at lower left]:  Rand, McNally & Co., Engrs.: Chicago, neat line to neat line:  18.2 x 25.2 cm. Oblong folio, original lithograph tan, white, and sepia pictorial wrappers, stapled (as issued). Light marginal browning to wraps, a few inconsequential chips or tears to wraps, one tiny spot on lower wrapper, overall very fine and fresh.  Tipped in is a printed ad for T. H. Clewell, as exclusive agent to sell this book.

     First edition of a work that proclaims itself to be “the most beautiful and costly of the kind ever produced in Montana.”  This publication was meant to boost Helena’s financial and commercial prospects by depicting the town as prosperous and growing, a fit place for investment. The illustrations in this refined promotional include some unexpected offerings, such as photographs of H. J. Lowry’s studio (exterior, interior, the photographer at work, portrait of Lowry). Most of the engravings are by publisher Thresher.  ($200-400)

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