THE PANAMA CANAL CLUB STORY.

Privately published, , 1978.. First edition -. Very near fine in stapled printed olive green wrappers. . First printing in wrappers. Includes a page of explanation about how this came to be printed by "A.Z." - in 1915, young Joe Zimmerman - 15 years old - was one of 51 boys who won a prize in a nationwide contest by the Crowell Publishing Co for selling the most magazine subscriptions. The prize was a trip to the San Franciso Exposition and then returning to New York City through the newly opened Panama Canal, The leaders of the trip were 5 members of the YMCA. Although Joe actually left from Ft Wayne, this account begins in Moose Jaw on a the train heading West in Canada and covers August 13 through September 20. Detailed, informative and with a sense of humor, it is understandable that Joe also won the $25 prize for the best essay reporting on the tour. It was years later these papers were found. Among the events recounted was a concert at the Expo by Paderewski who expressed sorrow for his country then in the midst of war - the ticket was $2.50 but "worth it." Appears to be very scarce, with no copies in WorldCat - and yet it is of interest in many ways - a glimpse into the life of a young Mid-Western boy who is taking a trip of a lifetime, an example of a creative sales campaign by a publisher, a look at the role of the YMCA at the time, and more. 60 pp.