After the failed commercial attempt in Worcester, Gleason began building books, privately in Cincinnati under the name, Stratford Press, around 1920, as a hobby – during the arts and Crafts movement, and in particular, the private press movement throughout Britain, Europe, and America.
Some of his works have flourished in literary, art, and history circles, not only for design and construction, but also for substantive content.
[1] An exemplary specimen of his work is found in a booklet, Clara Chipman Newton: a memorial tribute, released November 1, 1938, in Cincinnati.
He pointed out that, in nearly a half-century of creative activity, Gleason contributed substantially to typographical standards both in the Ohio Valley and in the nation.
[5][6] Elmer Frank Gleason, professionally in Cincinnati, was head of layout and design for the McDonald Printing Company.