The George F. Cram Globe

If the light had not gone out suddenly in the old illuminated globe last week, I would not have searched for information on its company's founder: George F. Cram. I don't usually Google stuff just because the bulb goes out, but this globe -- this globe -- has never had a blown bulb. And, this globe was purchased around 2002, when this school opened new doors to educate students in 6th-8th grades. I think that's kind of impressive. As with everything that is added to the collection, this item has a barcode. This globe is a George F. Cram globe. Yes, it's outdated now, but it's still beautiful so the bulb was replaced and it glows again. I use it in my office. Students may look up 3D images of countries and interactive globes on the Internet, but there's just something about looking at a real globe -- especially one that illuminates information. The Cram company built fancy furniture, office globes and globes with little lights that could show things like types of fish in the oceans. This globe isn't fancy at all, but it does have the small light. 
According to information in Galileo, the company had been making maps and globes for the nation's schools for more than 140 years. In 2012, the company closed and all products were discontinued.
So, that's why I haven't been able to find an updated Cram globe. 
George Franklin Cram, a Civil War veteran, started the company in 1867 in Illinois. Sgt. Cram was with Sherman's army as it marched across Georgia in 1864 and into the Carolinas in 1865. According to Wikipedia, After the war ended, Cram joined his uncle Rufus Blanchard's Evanston map business in 1867. (Rufus Blanchard was wounded at Gettysburg.)Two years later, he became sole proprietor of the firm and renamed it the George F. Cram Co. which became a leading map firm and first American firm to publish a world atlas. 
A student has requested a globe that shows the constellations. Though not a Cram globe, it has been ordered and will become part of the resources in the media center. And, a barcode will record the info.
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