Henderson, MN Forums History Henderson History Henderson Then & Now

Question: Are copies of the Henderson history (Then & Now)still available? I run into people who are interested in purchasing. If it is out of print--does a second-hand (used) market exist? Can Chatter play a role in recycling existing books? It would seem they would have a good second-hand market value. Can anyone help me with answers?

Welcome to the "chatter", Don!

I believe the Henderson history book was in a second print. I will find out the details.

Don and Jeff: If there are a couple Henderson Then and Now books out there either Doris Wigand or Arlene Busse would know where they are at. A second printing was not made, but some loose pages were added to the original book as copies.

To Ion--and others: What was the reason a second printing didn't happen? Cost, maybe? Has it been reconsidered lately? I can't help but think there's a new crop of people out there who would be prospective buyers; even in a soft cover version. Is there a way to get these messages in from of Doris and Arlene? Seems a shame to have an unfilled demand. Plus: This website would be an excellent way to sell extra copies.

Don, I'll see Arlene tomorrow at a JRB meeting to find out what might be around locally. Saying there was no second printing as I noted above may not be exactly right either-after the book committee took their initial orders and it looked like they would sell out the Tourist Club printed additional books to sell and if there are any around this would be the batch that is left. These books were printed through the Gaylord Hub and Crow River Press if I remember right. The version of this additional batch of books was of the same content as the first. Over time Arlene has added some additonal pages with updated information. It took four of five years to sell these initial book offerings, but if some person or group wanted to reprint or update the original version we do have everything on disk in whatever format the Hub needed to do their printing 10 years ago. There is also a looseleaf set that Arlene uses to make copies for various purposes.

Don, Arlene said this morning that there are not any books available that she knows of. She said one sold on an auction a month or so ago but that was the last one she knew of that sold. The unbound book is available for copies-a few of the pages have flaws, but for the most part it is in good shape.

Lon: Thanks for helping to chase down the status of the Henderson books. I've just returned from British Columbia so this is my first chance to respond. I can appreciate the complexities of keeping track of the books. Earl Lieske, who lives in Grand Rapids, and his brother Claire (in California) have inquired about buying the book. If anyone out there has or knows of a stray book or two please let me know.

Thought I'd try one more time: Have any stray copies of the Big Blue Book: HENDERSON Then and Now surfaced? I suspect there's pent-up demand and a good re-sale market. Let me know. I'll buy and resell at the same price. Given the non-availability they have likely increased in price over the original release. --Don Osell

Don,

From what i've been told, there are no copies available. To reprint it would be $60. However, i believe we need to reprint in a large quantity to drive down the cost.

Anyone else interested in purchasing a Henderson History Book?

How much would they be again Mr. Steinborn?

I would think you'd have to get a relatively large number printed for it to be cost effective. With printing like this, the bulk of the cost is in the film, plate, and press set up. So, the more you can run/sell, the less per unit it would be. I would think if there would be another print, maybe a new section could be added to bring it up to date?

I think the initial cost was 25-30 bucks a book. I saw one sell at an auction 2 years ago for 55. Maybe I should put mine on e-bay

Good point Tom...and Tom. I was told the price would be $60 to reprint. I think it would be a great idea to add another section that documents the changes of Henderson in the last 10 years.

I just heard from Claire Lieske--born in Henderson, moved away during elementary school years, now resides in California--that a Calif. bookstore located one copy for him; someone in Colorado owned it. Claire bought it for $25.00. A bargain. Yes, I think the originals--like 500 printed, maybe? sold in the mid-$30s. At some point in time a Revised version would make sense, I would think. Easy for me to say, right? Meanwhile, the original manuscript copy that exists is priceless.I do believe there is a second hand market if the word were to get around. With all due respect for this website (a useful source of info) a blurb in the Independent might yield results. Owners of the copies would tend to skew older in age and may not be surfing the Internet a lot. Finally, there is a lot of information in the above messages and if Arlene Busse and Doris Wigand have not monitored same it might be of interest to them. Sorry this has gotten so lengthy. --Don Osell

From Arlene:
Re: Henderson, Then & Now.

1000 copies were printed, sold out rapidly. Henderson Ladies Tourist Club borrowed money to do a second printing of 300 copies, they received 318 (press overrun) and sold at $40-$45. Made a nice profit. All sold out.
Crow River Press has not been asked if they could do a new printing from the original negatives (entire book films are stored at the Sibley County Museum). A reprint company out east was contacted. They reprint by taking an original book apart and scanning each page. It would cost about $60 each for 100 copies if I remember right. Kinkos or some area printer might also make copies by scanner. No one has checked.

No revised pages have been done - just an error sheet with originial distribution of books. Arlene.

I have contacted an on-line printer. I'm waiting to hear back. I'll let you know as soon as i do.

From what i've found Crow River would be the best option. The question is, who would pay for the initial cost of printing?

If a reprint were to be done, i think a new chapter could be written about the resurgence of Main St.

I've talked to a few people again this week about a reprint of the Blue Book. The original film is intact and a quote is being gathered from Crow River.

My thoughts.. 500 should be printed. I think a selling price of $40 would be fair. The question is, would there be enough of a demand to justify printing 500? I've heard and read requests of maybe 10 to 15. Any more?

Yassir. I'd buy one. With or without a new chapter.

After talking with Arlene Busse about the History book, have found out that the Tourist Club is investing a third printing of the book. The next step is to check to see if the Crow River Printing equipment can still read the negatives.
They are thinking of about 300 books at the selling price of $40 for the existing books. If an updating chapter would be added it would probably affect the price.
Some one would be needed to do the updating chapter...
Will keep you posted.

After more thought, i think a new chapter wouldn't be needed. A new chapter would stand well on it's own. Something like "Henderson, MN... a 21st century rebirth". Besides a new chapter would take some time to put together. It would be great if the reprints could be ready for what i see as Henderson's biggest tourism season ever! Also, if affordable i think a minimum of 500 should be printed. Just my 2 cents.

These comments are from one quite removed from the day-to-day scene in Henderson but one who nevertheless stays interested. I endorse the idea to do another printing of "The Big Blue Book," and would strongly urge a new chapter be added; even if it adds to the cost. The current restoration project in itself is exciting news. Properly done, it would induce owners of the original book to want to also purchase the revised edition--that alone expanding demand. I would be happy to be of assistance in any way I can in contributing to this project. Good luck.

The Henderson Ladies Tourist Club has decided to do a reprint of the Henderson Then & Now, with corrections and a four page forward. 1000 copies will be printed and will sell for $40, (same price as the second printing) + $5.00 for shipping. The goal is to have them available for sale by the end of June.

Details on Preorders will be available shortly.

Any work on updated information from the early 1990's to the present will be left to another group.

Bravo!

Bought one in like new condition at the Swap meet. Might be for sale.

I just acquired a copy up here as well. It is listed for sale on this board.

A third printing of the "Henderson, Then and Now" is being printed and will be for sale once again, thanks to the Ladies Tourist Club, General Federation of Women's Clubs. They probably will be ready before Sauerkraut Days and will sell once again for $40 and if it is necessary to send them $5 will be needed to go for postage and handling.

So be prepared to save yourself $5 and buy the "Henderson, Then and Now during Sauerkraut Days the end of June, 24th-26th.

Doris Wigand 507 248-3500 and Judy Loewe 248-3345 are taking orders now but the cost remains the same.

The new "Henderson, Then and Now" were delivered to the city office today. They are being delivered to businesses around town. Cost is $40.00, + $5.00 for the book to be mailed to you.

The book is still blue and i must say that the changes made to the front and back cover look great!

The Henderson, Then and Now history book has been published for the third time. The Ladies Tourist Club, GFWC took the project up for the second time. The first time they did it 300 were printed. This time 1,000. The price is $45 for each book and if it is necessary to send it to you, $5 each is added for each book.

Doris Wigand is the project chairman. Her address is 32987 300th St Henderson, MN 56044-4004. Her phone number is 507-248-3500.

The Henderson Public Library will eventually be the benefactor of this project.

Just think, this makes 2,318 books have been published over the three printings! What a fine job the committee did when they took this project on. It is a jewel!