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May, 2018 The Antique Shoppe Page 19
Not too surprising, Scott-Foresman was the dullest family in the history of the earth. Oh boy they were boring.
also published Catholic editions of the Even for a first grader, the stories were stupid. My generation, the Baby
Dick and Jane primers in the 1940s, Boomers, had Dick and Jane primers, and they couldn’t convince me to
1950s and 1960s. Dick, Jane, and Sally keep reading. But Batman and Superman could. They were much more
were renamed John, Jean, and Judy after interesting than Dick and Jane.”
Catholic Saints. Catholic editions added Today, there has been a resurgence of interest in Dick and Jane primers,
crosses and crucifixes in the books. especially among collectors. A recent search on eBay for “Dick and Jane
Sharp remained close to the Dick books” showed 1,265 results. The most expensive book that day was Fun
and Jane primers her entire life, often with Our Friends, which the Seller described as a 1962 “full color, original
referring to Dick and Jane as, “My art, used in printing to illustrate books.”
children.” The offered price was $1,750.
In the early 1950s, at their peak, Dick I’ve read that 1st edition Dick and
and Jane primers were published in five Jane books cost as much as $225 on
languages and used as primers around the today’s secondary markets; however,
world. I learned to read using a Dick and a 1940 1st edition Fun with Dick and
Jane primer at Central Park Grade School Jane primer was offered on eBay for
in Omaha, Nebraska. $195. An Elson Basic Readers edition
By the 1960s, Dick and Jane primers of Dick and Jane, published in 1931,
faced strong opposition from Women’s ↑Fun which was a 1st American edition, is
and Civil Rights groups. Women accused Sharp’s Dick and with Our valued at only $50, and it offers the
Father characters of sexism while Black Civil Rights groups Friends, a same story line, opening with, “See
accused the primers and everyone involved with racism. 1962 Dick Dick. See Dick run.”
Sharp resented sexist attacks, arguing that she was an and Jane Scott-Foresman published some form
independent, successful woman who supported such women. book that of Fun with Dick and Jane every year
To combat accusations of racism, there were no characters of was offered for 30+ years, allowing collectors an
color in Dick and Jane primers, Scott-Foresman Publishing on eBay for entire potpourri of Dick and Jane books.
hired Richard Wiley as Dick and Jane’s main illustrator in $1,750. And finding them is relative easy since
the early 1960s, and Wiley was, in 1965, the first illustrator many garage sales, flea markets, estate
to include African American characters in Dick and Jane ↑ sales, and antique stores have several of
primers. One could easily argue, though, it was a little too late 1940 1st edition the books to choose from.
and, perhaps, a little too token. Fun with Dick and The true fun in collecting Dick and Jane primer books is in the nostalgia
Respected authors and educators also began attacking Dick Jane was offered of having been taught with one. Some dealers, though, believe the fun is
and Jane primers. One author, Theodor Seuss Geisel (better on eBay for $195 finding one at an estate sale for $5 and selling it on eBay for $50.
known as Dr. Seuss) wrote, “Dick and Jane and their dog Spot “Ka-ching goes the cash register. Oh, ka-ching, ka-ching, ka-ching!”

DELAND

ANGEVINE’S
FINE SILVER, INC.
Over 30,000 Pieces of Sterling
DeLand’s Oldest Antiques Shop
Asparagus Servers to Sardine Forks
Baby Cups to Tea Services

3 2899 S. Woodland Blvd.
4 4 DeLand, FL 32720
386-734-3553
M-F 10AM-5PM; SAT 10AM-4PM 3
Purchase on the web at:
angevinesfinesilver.com
1

ANGEVINE’S JEWELRY, INC.
Graduate Gemologist, GIA
Fine selection of Antique, Estate
& New Jewelry. Buy & Sell
Authorized Moorcroft Retailer
Jewelry Appraisals while you wait
1/2 By Appointment
Family Owned & Operated
Since 1959
Hours M-F 10-5, Sat. 10-1
2899 S. Woodland Blvd.
DeLand, FL
dflawless@embarqmail.com Vintage Furniture, Mid-Century Modern, Retro, Upcycled, Repurposed,
(386) 734-8553 2 Rustic, Industrial, Antique, Primitives, Pottery, Vintage Lighting,
Vintage Clothing, Jewelry and Accessories! 4