Joseph Gauthier store ledgers

A collection of four bound ledgers, with manuscript entries in various hands; the ledgers are associated with Joseph Gauthier's mercantile business, with the entries dating from 1859 to 1871, with a concentration in the years 1860 to 1861. Together they contain hundreds of records for dozens of customers, the great majority of whom were tribal members and are listed by their Menominee names. Among the range of recorded perishable goods are sugar, molasses, flour, cranberries, pork, tobacco, coffee, and tea; the household merchandise includes fabrics, sewing materials, goods for hunting and fishing, and general items such as smoking pipes, looking glasses, blankets, hats, shoes, copper pans, utensils, bowls, and soap. Besides the purchaser and items purchased, the price and quantity are listed for each purchase. The four volumes are all different styles and bindings, which suggests that Gauthier may have used whatever materials were available for his records.