The Mrs. Evan Noyes Collection of Children's Books

(Gift of Clara Noyes, 1989)

Bookplate from the Noyes Collection of Children's Books

Nicholas Noyes served on the board of directors of Eli Lilly and Company from 1913 to 1976 and was married to Marguerite Lilly, a second cousin to Eli Lilly, Sr. Although it belonged to Nicholas' grandson, Evan, the collection contains material from other Noyes and Lilly family members. Some items are signed by brothers Eli, Jr., and Josiah K. Lilly. The bookplate to the left is the one most commonly found in this collection. The collection consists of children's books dating primarily to the first half of the twentieth century. Some of the works include editions of Robert Louis Stevenson featuring artwork by N.C. Wyeth, a beautifully illustrated edition of The Waterbabies by Charles Kingsley, and a picture-book by renowned children's artist Randolph Caldecott.