Another notebook that was probably manufactured in the late 1970s to early 1980s: a slim lined memorandum book by the Northern Central Co. of Milwaukee. The cover has a textured fake-leather look, but it’s just glossy card stock, stamped in gold foil. Dig that cool logo on the front!
I didn’t use very many pages in this notebook. Below, I was trying to learn some unusual or commonly mis-used vocabulary words– I was always asking my Dad to teach me about things like that. I still had a few years to go before the SATs, so it was just for geeky fun.
I liked the paper in this notebook– the fine double red line at the top contrasting with the blue ones below.
I tried to keep a diary, briefly, on a trip to visit family. And then, I guess, I was trying to figure out how to win at some kind of dice game.
I have no idea what this drawing was all about! Did I see this guy on a trip into New York City? Did I dream him up? He looks like a 1980s version of an organ grinder with a monkey, reinterpreted as a stoned Jimi Hendrix type with a boom box.
Another nice old “Made in U.S.A.” relic, Central product no. 2420. I wonder what else they used to make? It’s sad to think that all these companies are long gone…
Old school. I like it and that drawing is sweet. Nr
I love when you do these…
I’ve been using these notebooks for decades, bought dozens of them from the maker after Woolworth’s stopped carrying them. The paper is of extremely high quality, hasn’t yellowed even slightly since I got my supply. As a full-time writer I’m never without pen and paper, and this is my paper of choice. I’m down to about four or five blanks, would love to get more, any idea how I might accomplish that? They changed their logo at some point to a simple outline type of the word “Memos” and I was sad to see the old design bite the dust. The leatherette went to a finer grain from the more highly textured former model. I still have all the old ones with the original logo you show.
Wow, Alan, that is very cool that you stocked up! I’d love to see a photo of the updated cover design that yours have.
Envious of all your books from your youth. I wish I’d kept mine.
I have a small address book that I’ve carried in my wallet for over 30 years. the UPC is 30131 01801.
It has served me very well, but it’s time for a new one. I hope you still have some.
Please let me know how to order.
Thank you,
Pat Zimmerman
Sweet Home, Oregon
I have used your small address books
and have shared them with my family.
It is time to re-order. Do you still make
them # UPC 30131 01801. Where can I
purchase. Please e-mail me back.
Thank you, Sue
I’m still looking for those notebooks. Odds of finding any dim with time, four years now. Haven’t found a suitable substitute, though European and other manufacturers overseas have vastly different approaches to paper than American firms, have found some interesting products there. Nothing beats the original so far though.
I used a “Year Book” from this company ( Northern Central) for years and loved them. Sure wish they were still around.
I have had a couple if Northern Central Memo Books since 1978, using them to record auto expenses. I need a couple of refills. They fit in a 6 ring binder. There are 40 sheets to a refill. The size is: 5 in. x 3 in. Instructions say to ask for:
” No 1362F – RULED”.
I live in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area of NC. Do stores like Office Depot or Staples carry Northern Central Co. products? If not, can they be ordered from suppliers on the internet?
As far as I know, this company doesn’t exist any more. But 3×5″ refills for pocket size 6-ring binders are still available from Mead:
Mead 46530 3″ x 5″ Memo Book Refill, 80 Sheets, White
I would like to get two more address books No. 2310 if you have any or know where to find them. I carry them in my purse all the time. I am lost without them.
Thanks, Teresa
I am looking for Central 6 Columns, 100 pages, No,. 4049-6. If you no longer make these marvelous yearly notebooks can you help me to find something very similar. I have 2 years left in my yearly book after starting in 1989.
Thanks, Lois
I have a small address book ( 3 1/8 x 2) that I have had in my wallet. The number on the back cover is 180-A.
Can I get a replacement for it as it is getting worn out?
Where can I get additional NO. 1332F – RULED VIRGIN VINYL MEMO BOOK? And at what PRICE?
I happen to have a prestine, leather bound w snap and key chain. (Back has a screaming eagle tooled on it). Inside is a 180-A address book that has never been written in and I think that I am the first to unsnap it’s cover! Make me an offer.
My Grandmother worked at Northern Central Co in Milwaukee in the 60’s & 70’s. I grew up loving the smell of that leather in one of my grandma’s drawers. Every year she’d give me a Autograph book so all my classmates could sign it at the end of the year in middle school. I still have some of her unused address & note books & it makes me smile.
I have an account book I have used since 1995.
No. 4044C
Excellent product- 7-1/2×4 3/4 “.
Ready to buy another!
Got one?
Unfortunately, no!