When the Werner Company, a book manufacturing and publishing company in Akron, Ohio, decided to dispose of its book publishing department in late 1899, the manager of the department, Arthur J. Saalfield, purchased the business. On January 1, 1900, he started what was to become one of the largest publisher of children's books, activity books, and reprints in the world. Saalfield soon began to publish original works, such as Frances Trego Montgomery's Billy Whiskers (1903), the first book in the popular Billy Whiskers series, and titles by James A. Braden such as The Lone Indian (1903) and The Cabin in the Clearing (1904). By 1906, the company needed more space and Saalfield bought the Globe Sign Company in Akron. This facility enabled them to produce children's books made of muslin, which became important in the firm's line. The company began to specialize in the production of children's books, concentrating on low-priced reprints of popular classics or recently out-of-print titles. These books sold well, demand for children's books increased during and after World War I, and the company grew steadily. Saalfield's sons, Albert G. and Arthur J. Saalfield, Jr., both joined the company. The Saalfield Publishing Company's search for new markets led it into a publishing enterprise that proved to be a great success: "royalty properties," involving the acquisition of exclusive rights to publications related to motion picture stars and other entertainers. In 1933, the firm secured the rights to publications featuring Shirley Temple books and paper dolls. Many motion picture personalities, cartoon characters, and later, television figures, were added to the Saalfield list, among them Mary Martin, Bing Crosby, Jane Arden, the Quiz Kids, Jane Russell, Marilyn Monroe, Mickey Mouse, L'il Abner, Peanuts, and Woody Woodpecker. The company maintained its specialization in books, games, and activity books for children throughout the rest of its existence. Albert G. Saalfield's son, Henry R. Saalfield, who had joined the firm in 1936, was president when the company ceased operations in 1977.
From the description of Publications collection, 1899-1976. (Kent State University). WorldCat record id: 48447207
