Historical Publishing Company, Dayton, Ohio

In 1888 the Historical Family Record Publishing Company of Dayton, Ohio changed its name to the Historical Publishing Company. This firm was in business until at least the mid-teens. Charles C. Houser was apparently the owner/operator. Houser died in 1917.

Not much else is known of this company or its booklist.

This publishing house printed at least one T. S Arthur title: Three Years in a Man-Trap. Whether it produced other Arthur books is unclear at this time. Interestingly this reprinted title has been seen in two different formats

One format is from The Star Library which was a publisher's series. There is a January, 1889 inscription which indicates that the book (and the series) was published in 1888. The only illustration is the frontispiece. It is 7.5" x 5".

The second format appears to be a more deluxe edition with decorated endpapers and a sturdier binding. Arthur's signature in gold gilt is on the cover with the title in gold gilt lettering on the spine. The only illustration is the frontispiece. 7.75" x 5.75".

Interestingly this identical format was used by another Dayton company, United Brethren Publishing House, in 1890 to publish this same title. The relationship between the two firms is unknown.