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Epsteins, Reprints & More

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05 February 2002
Since the last post, I have been informed that the Epstein Estate has been settled, Most of the research related material has been sent to USM- De Grummond Collection, As previously reported their collection of their published writings are in the Special collections section of the Southold Library. Other book assets were distributed among family, friends, and the Southold library. I was honored to receive some memorabilia of the Ken Holt series, and a few items given to the Epsteins by other series book authors. I hope to be able to share some updated publishing information in the future.

01 February 2002
This is a recent posting on the Yahoo Groups - Ken Holt Message board: - This message board hosted by Steve Servello, a co-author of the Ken Holt Guide, and I recommend visiting.

From: ToweyJ@a...
Date: Thu Jan 31, 2002 1:38 pm
Subject: Re: [Ken Holt] Digest Number 151-Epstein update

First I would like to thank , David and Steve and Frank , and all others that have help support my reprint efforts. The biggest rewards I got from embarking on this retirement hobby was to have had opportunity the opportunity to get to know, love and share many many enjoyable meetings with the Epsteins, and second to that would be the many nice words and thanks from collectors that I have helped. In the coming YellowBack (February issue) I have article on reprints and my DJ recreation hobby. While the Epsteins were living I drew great pleasure from updating my homepage with reprint status and details of the Epstein and other trips, Since then I have amiss in keeping the many Ken Holt Fan Club members updated. I will try to remedy that ASAP. Basically my last visit to Southold was last fall when their was a special day at the Southold Library with sessions honoring the Epsteins works, I was honored to be asked to give a short presentation. Also in attendance that day was Jim Ogden who has been a big supporter and has helped me in past with the ken Holt Homepage. While there I was asked by Epstein lawyers to again visit homestead with them, to try and identify Which book related assets should go to the
University of S. Mississippi, " DeGrummond Collection" this was done. The actual copies of Epsteins works, are now in the special collection section of the Southold library where Sam and Beryl were very active and in fact the Childrens room is dedicated to them. This past week, I was appraised by Lawyers that the research related material is being sent to USM. While at the meeting, I had opportunity to meet people who will be buying their house, a nice English couple who are interested in keeping as many Epstein's mementos and nature of house intact.

Jim Towey
249 Hartland Rd.
W. Granby, CT, 06090
860-653-7447

14 August 2001

Since the death of Sam and Beryl, I have delinquent in updating homepage. This is first update in over a year.
This coming November, there will be a Sam and Beryl Celebration day in their memory at the Southold Library with guest speakers . I will keep updating homepage with details as they emerge.

On the reprint front, The Margaret Sutton license has expired, and I am sorry to report that Margaret has also passed away. Only books currently in inventory or those printed before expiration will be available through me.

Over 1600 used series books for sale on homepage, most new since last update!

31 January 2000
On 1/31/00, less than seven weeks, after the death of Beryl, his wife of 61 wonderful years, Sam Epstein joined his wife in the hereafter. All those who have been touched by their many works or who have been blessed by their friendship will miss them, but can be comforted by the knowledge that their wonderful writing legacy that has influenced and entertained millions of readers will live on. Some of their works have already been archived, at the McCain Library and archives, University of Southern Mississippi, deGrummond Collection. I will attempt to keep homepage viewers appraised of further archives. The site can be visited at: http://avatar.lib.usm.edu/~degrum/findaids/epstein.htm

12 January 2000
It is with heavy heart, that I write to inform my homepage visitors of the death of Beryl Williams Epstein.
( 11/15/1910 -12/16/1999) at her home in Southold, New York.

Beryl and Sam Epstein were married on April 26, 1938, and both individually and collectively wrote over 125 books for children. Many Series book readers may not be familiar with the total and diverse scope of their writings or of their integrated writing partnership. In addition to their " Mystery or Adventure" series books, i.e. Roger Baxter, Tim Penny, Ken Holt, they wrote over 25 books in the "First Book of", "Real Book, and " All About" series, Over 20 biographies of famous people, and miscellaneous novels and works on medical history, travel and sports. These writings have influenced and entertained millions of young readers.

It has been a privilege for my wife Charlotte and I to have enjoyed many visits with Beryl, and too have received permission to do limited reprints of their works so that their many fans, collectors, future generations and children's literature researchers can still enjoy.

Beryl, you lived a remarkable life, and have left a lasting legacy, you will be missed by all your fans, and family.

11 January 2000
Charlotte and I visited Sam, this was first actual visit since Beryl's death, although, I had been in touch with Sam , his family, and friends by telephone. Beryl's niece, and Sam's cousin and many neighborhood friends were also there, it was a nice visit. Sam seemed to perk up with all the visitors, seemed to be able to enjoy the discussions, and occasionally participate with one of his witty comments. My impression is that there has been some improvement since last visit, Hopefully with the thoughts and prayers of all his fans and friends the improvement will continue.
Sam was an avid fisherman, and one of the visitors shared that passion and there were some good fish stories told, which Sam seemed to enjoy. The Epstein's live on the waterfront in an old colonial farmhouse on one of the tributaries to Peconic bay and eventually to open water. In this very picturesque and beautiful setting Beryl's ashes were spread onto this tributary.
Sam and Beryl had been very active in the local Southold library, and in fact had been honored with the Children's room being dedicated to them. I know they were both very proud of that room, as they had given me a personnel tour a few years ago. Currently, a family memorial get together in the library is being discussed.

22 November 1999
On October 15,1999, Charlotte and I visited Long Island, to pick up more new reprints at bindery ( Judy Boltons #25 & #26) and to visit the Epsteins. The last actual visit was 5/26/99, but in between, I had made a few phone visits with Sam. Sam and Beryl now have 24hour nurse care, and in these phone calls, I got to know Liz, who is their daytime caregiver, and seemed really nice and caring for their welfare, She drives each day all the way from NYC!. On these calls, I was able to talk to Sam, and asked Sam and Liz to give our regards to Beryl who is still in coma. Liz advised that Beryl who can not communicate probably understands when spoken too. On these phone calls, Sam would be initially confused, but then recognize me, and we would be able to carry out our usual conversation, with Sam always remembering to ask about Charlotte and my family. With this background, We were concerned but looking forward to our October visit.

On our arrival, We were greeted, and met for first time, by Naomi, who is Sam's 81-year-old cousin. Naomi is a wonderful person, who reminds me so much of Sam. She possesses the same intellect and wit and getting to meet her was a nice surprise. As a youth, she was sent to the farm community in New Jersey that Sam's family was involved with. Sam was her mentor, and favorite cousin, and for those Epstein's fans who have had the opportunity to read " Dynamo Farm", I suspect that Naomi's trails and tribulations played a role in the creation of Terry Dunham, the main male character in that book.

We also met Liz, the nurse/ caregiver who impressed me with her obvious fondness for Sam and Beryl. With friends and relatives like Liz, Naomi, and Judith( Beryl's niece) the Epsteins are being well cared for in their later years.

We visited with Beryl at her bedside, and we believe that she realized we were there. Liz advised that she has noticed slight improvement. Sam was initially at a senior center, when he returned, We had nice visit, both out visit and Naomi's visit was a surprise. After some initial confusion, Sam recognized first Naomi, and then the Towey's. His wit and humor was still there, and his obvious pleasure with these visits made trip worthwhile.

26 July 1999
On 5/26/99 Charlotte and I visited with Sam and were able to give him copies of the recent reprints, and the signed Ken Holt Guide which had a get well message for Beryl and was signed by attendees at the SJSC meeting. He was especially touched by that greeting and the TIM PENNY reprints. Beryl was not able to receive visitors, and she has had a very hard time since being into and out of hospital and is in a mild coma. She is now home. On 7/26/99 I talked to Sam by phone. He was initially confused, but after short time recognized me, and his legendary wit again surfaced. When I stated that He was a witty as ever, His reply -- "nit-witty". on a previous call When I said that I was glad to see that he got his wit back, His reply -- " 1/2 of it anyway". He reminded me that he had 9 years ( actually 10) to be a century old, I replied that I hoped he would have another century, His reply-- Gee, then I would have to shave alot more". These examples are but a few of the many enjoyable exchanges that I have been privileged to partake in.

As always Sam asked about my family, and hoped in future " When Beryl was not under the Weather" to again visit, I asked Sam to give our best to Beryl. He indicated that He would and she would be pleased. I will try and contact
Beryl's niece and get a update. As I understand, Beryl's condition is such that she may be able to understand, but can not communicate. I am sure all our prayers are with this wonderful couple.

21 April 1999
Update-- Beryl Epstein suffered another fall, was hospitalized, and is now home. I talked with Beryl and Sam before the SJSC meeting, and their spirits are good. They now have 24 hour live at home care. They were enthused to learn that the long awaited reprints of the Tim Penny series, " Jacknife for a Penny" and "Change for a Penny" are now available, and I look forward to upcoming visit when I can provide them their copies. I think this Revolutionary War
period Historic Novels are some of their best writings, and I believe these are also some of Sam and Beryl favorites.

On 4/17/99, Charlotte and I traveled to the SJSC meeting, We brought my Epstein Collection for display, as well as many reprints for sale. It was a nice gathering of series book enthusiasts.

On the Wednesday before the SJSC, I traveled to Concord New Hampshire to get the reprint copies from the bindery, other titles available include:Ken Holt #15, #'s 29 & 31 Judy Bolton, Radio Boy's to the Rescue, Ralph and the Train Wreckers, and #1 Boy Fortune Hunters in Alaska. The Ken Holt Guide was also introduced at the SJSC meeting.

16 March 1999
Update-- Beryl Epstein broke a bone in her left shoulder, she is now home from hospital, I talked with her last night, and her spirits are good. Any One wishing to email get well greetings can do so through my email address:toweyj@cox.net. My wife Charlotte I and I hope to visit Epstein's before the SJSC meeting, Hopefully,
will have the latest "Tim Penny" and Ken Holt #15 reprints to give to the Epstein's. Hope to see you all in Sea Bright!

Also it is expected that the " Ken Holt Guide" written by Jim Ogden, Steve Servello, and I will be available at the meeting. The Author's will have a special copy for their and attendees greetings to be added and then later delivered to Epsteins. If you are at SJSC please stop by our table and sign " !

I am also acting as a reseller to help publishers of Baum's aka Akers Boy Fortune Hunters books. i.e. Boys fortune Hunter's in Yucatan, and BFH in the South Seas. Based on the success of these reprints the entire rare Boy Fortune Hunter series will be reprinted!

Hopefully, the reprints of the Radio Boys to the Rescue , Ralph and the Train Wreckers , and Judy's #29 &#31 will be done by show time.

6 January 1999
Update-- My wife Charlotte and I again visited the Epstein's for their 88th and 89th Birthdays in mid November. We brought and read the many many email greetings that were mailed to this homepage, and they were very appreciative of all the nice messages. We also turned on the Bindery to do Ken Holt #15, and both Tim Penny Books.

In late December I had nice discussion with the Epstein agent and friend " Dorothy Markinko of McIntosh and Otis". Dorothy hopes to be able to visit the next SJSC meeting, she has been the Epstein's agent and friend for many years. I pre-paid the royalties on the three books and I hope that the final check will be delivered before the holidays.

More on reprint front- I left off copies of Judy Bolton #29 & 31, Radio Boys to the Rescue, and Ralph and the Train Wreckers. Hopefully they will be available by Spring.

Also Charlotte and I visited Jack Dizer. Jack graciously loaned me some super titles for future reprints. With his help and with needed help from other collectors, maybe Boy Fortune Hunters, and ?? will be forthcoming.

I am requesting help from collectors to recommend titles, Please respond. With the credibility that I now have established with bindery, Thanks to the Judy Bolton Collectors and the Ken Holt Fan Club, I have opportunity to get more titles printed, but I need help from collectors to keep the ball rolling!!. Thus far all the Judy's except #27 and #28 and the Roger Baxter's have broken even (i.e.>50 copies). The Roger's and the lowered numbered Judy's are selling less than 30 sets. Thus far I have personally been responsible for 17 new reprint titles, most have sold enough to maintain credibility with bindery.

Exciting work in process on a Ken Holt Guide- Work is being accomplished Thanks to efforts of Jim Ogden, Steve Sevello, and a small assist from me. Jim mailed me a draft of Guide and it is really professionally done, Similar to the fine job He did on the Rick Brant Guide. Stay tuned to this homepage or Jim's homepage for availability.
( Spring 1999)

03 November 1998
Update-- Expect to see Epstein's before their birthday- Please read reminder below!

03 October 1998
Update-- I have been extremely busy, I never knew retirement could be this hard, but I am having fun with my books, reprints, more Epstein visits, major landscape projects and helping other collectors. This summer visited Couldersport, PA, and met Margaret Sutton, and many of the Judy Bolton Collectors that have helped make those reprints successful.

On September 11,1998, Jack Dizer, Author of Tom Swift &Co., and a well known series book researcher visited us, and then Jack, My wife Charlotte and I took an enjoyable Ferry trip to Long Island to both visit the Bindery where all the Reprints are printed, and ALSO to visit the Epstein's . This was both Jack's first trip to the Bindery where I had his earlier book reprinted, but most important this would be his first visit with Sam and Beryl. The visit was great, as usual, although We did cut it shorter than planed as Sam was not feeling well, ( stomach Problems). I hope to be able to make another visit soon.

A reminder to all Epsteins Fans, Their birthdays are coming soon , Beryl 's on November 15th and Sam's on November 22nd. They will be 88 & 89 respectively. In past years, I brought a Birthday card with a montage of some of their Dust Jacket images on card, and signed by attendees at SJSC, and Judy Bolton meetings(ME), I also brought list of Ken Holt Fan Club Members. On my last visit with Jack, I brought an early surprise, Loose bound copies of all their magazine articles. At this point in their life answering mail is very difficult. What I would like to suggest to all interested fan's that you e-mail me with your greetings and I will bring all emails for their birthday, I also encourage sign up in Fan club if interested. Please try and do this before November 1, 1998 to give me time to prepare and fit into my next trip. That is all for , Happy Book Hunting!

11 May 1998
Update-- Today was another banner day, My wife Charlotte and I visited the Bindery, picked up a limited quantity of copies of all Roger Baxter Books. Then Visited the Epsteins, gave them their copies, congratulated them on the reprinting of these books. Also picked up copies of all Judy Bolton Reprints, and I now have in stock reprints of all books advertised in Current YellowBack and Whispered Watchword. Please continue to support reprint efforts, Sales of latest reprints are going slowly. YellowBack advertisement pasted below.

REPRINTS

KEN HOLT * ROGER BAXTER * JUDY BOLTON

LONE RANGER * JACK DIZER'S "TOM SWIFT & Co"

Book Descriptions: ALL REPRINTS

High Quality, Library Grade Hardcovers, acid free paper, stitched binding, varied colored cloth boards with quality metallic stamped information. Board height is 8.8"(oversized) a Bindery standard. Laser DJ recreation to fit book, DJ Picture ( front image) is recreated from original.

KEN HOLT & ROGER BAXTER REPRINTS have printed signed Foreword by Sam and Beryl Epstein, aka Bruce Campbell, Martin Colt etc.

KEN HOLT #'s 16, 17, 18 now available @ $30each.

ROGER BAXTER, #3 " The Riddle of the Hidden Pesos", now available @$30, " #1 Stranger at the Inlet" & "#2 The Secret of Baldhead Mountain" will be available by 7/98 . ( NOTE: NOW AVAILABLE)

JUDY BOLTON REPRINTS-"Now include DJ's" -

Now available- #'s 1,2,3,10,17,21,22 @ $23each,

And 2nd reprint of #36 " Pledge of the Twin Knights" @ $30.

Availability( 7/98) #'s 27,28,30,32,33,34,35,37,38 @$30 ( NOTE: NOW AVAILABLE)

LONE RANGER, " Red Butte Trail" @$23

JACK DIZER'S"TOM SWIFT & Co" @$30 ( No DJ)

LASER DJ's available for early reprints & many series.

More Reprint and series related information on:

"Ken Holt Homepage"http://members.aol.com/brentwooda

or email me "toweyj@cox.net"

Priority/Insured Postage; 1 book @$3.75, 2 books @$4.60, Buy 3 or more, from inventory, and I will include postage.

Send order/check, include postage to: Jim Towey,

249 Hartland Rd. W. Granby, CT, 06090, 860-653-7447.

07 May 1998
Update-- Roger Baxter #3, and Tom Swift & co. Available will visit bindery and Epsteins next week.

01 May 1998
Update-- Received 20 more sets of #'s 16,17,18 from Bindery. Plenty for all, Thanks to those who have already purchased and supported this reprint effort. Continued success will promote more quality affordable reprints and DJ's .

I am hoping to hear shortly on the Roger Baxter Reprints and the reprint of Jack Dizer's" Tom Swift and Co."

21 April 1998
Update-Today was a banner day, My wife Charlotte and I visited the Bindery, picked up a limited quantity of copies of #16,#17, and #18 Ken Holts. Then Visited the Epsteins, gave them their copies, congratulated them on the reprinting of these books.

Sam and Beryl were delighted, and again we really enjoyed our visit.

I hope to do other Epstein Titles, The Three Roger Baxters are in process.

02 March 1998
Update-- greetings to my many trading partners , friends and book customers.

Booklist #23 will be posted by 3/2/97

SPECIAL NEWS-- Ken Holt 16,17,18 & Roger Baxter1,2,3, Reprints in Bindery- In early January, My wife, Charlotte and I again visited the Epsteins, This was our first visit after the reprints were authorized, We spent a pleasurable visit working with them on a very brief introduction, and forward, subsequently, We dropped off the paperwork at the Bindery for the Last three Ken Holts and the Three Roger Baxters. Unlike the Judy Bolton Reprints where Aeonian has reprint rights. On these books, I have made the arrangements, This has been a labor of Love, and is a great honor to have had the opportunity to meet these wonderful people. and to be given opportunity to reprint some of their works. I am projecting 4/31/98 as a publication date for those and hopefully late Summer for the two "Tim Penny Books"

I will keep Ken Holt Fan Club Members ( Please Join) and Homepage visitors updated of my progress, and of
Charlotte and my upcoming visit with the Epstein's .

Special Thanks to the Judy Bolton Collectors who have supported my reprint efforts on the last six Judy Bolton Titles. The first reprinting of those titles have been sold out ( see below). This has established both mine and the Series book communities creditability with a book reprinter(Aeonian) and has also given me the confidence to take the risk with more series book titles. My first Love is the Ken Holt Series and more recently other Epstein titles(See Below). The Judy's were selected originally because a republishing agreement was in place through Aeonian, and because of the very high demand for those books.

I am also trying to help Aeonian market some early far less successful Judy Bolton Titles. #'s 1, 2, 3, 10, 17, 21, 22 which were done in the 1970's. Inquire toweyj@cox.net

19 November 1997
Updated: My wife Charlotte and I visited Sam & Beryl on 11/17/97 between their Birthdays. We brought a few surprises: 1) A Birthday card with a Collage of their books, signed by Ken Holt Fan Club respondents, a list of the Ken Holt Fan Club Members(50+), Phantom Friends who signed card in Maine, and I still am in contact with the Epstein's agents. Everything is looking good, Hoping to get permission to reprint soon the last three Ken Holt's, Three Roger Baxter, and two great Tim Penny Series Books. Please advise of your interest in these books either individually or hopefully in sets.

Good News on the Reprint Front __ A second re-printing of Judy's 33,34,35,36,36,38 is Planned ( June 1998), and also

27, 28, 30, 32 reprints in Bindery.

Special Thanks-- to all who have signed up for the Ken Holt Fan Club, and to those who have helped me research copyright status on images for upcoming Reprints. -- All help such as this on Homepage appreciated.

ALGER NEWS

"Alger’s School Dialogues" -- The rare recently discovered Alger publication as described in "NEWSBOY" (March-April 1997) has been reprinted in a paperback bound facsimile edition with a restored authentic- like color cover. Alger collectors will recognize these dialogues as the first six from the rare " Seeking his Fortune" co-authored by Alger and his sister, O Augusta Cheney. LIMITED EDITION --$12 each, Postpaid Reprinting done by HAS members: Contact me : toweyj@cox.net Reprinting was done to support Alger Collectors, not for profit, I personally only collect series books and Stratemeyer/Algers. Support of this reprint has been POOR! Please do not misinterpret above, I am not asking, my many great series book customers/trading partners to support. I had hoped that Alger collectors would be interested at $12 postpaid.

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