Nancy and Henry Rosin Collection of Valentine, Friendship, and Devotional
Ephemera: Finding Aid priRosin
Mari Khasmanyan
The Huntington Library
June 2023
1151 Oxford Road
San Marino, California 91108
Business Number: (626) 405-2191
reference@huntington.org
Contributing Institution:
The Huntington Library
Title: Nancy and Henry Rosin collection of valentine, friendship, and devotional
ephemera
Creator:
Rosin,
Nancy
Identifier/Call Number: priRosin
Physical Description:
226.25 Linear Feet
(221 binders, 171 boxes, 1 oversize folder)
Date (inclusive): approximately 1493-2010s; bulk
1840s-1930s
Abstract: The Nancy and Henry Rosin collection of
valentine, friendship, and devotional ephemera contains materials from Europe and North
America dating from 1493 to the late 2010s. The bulk of the collection ranges from
approximately 1840 to 1930 and pertains to St. Valentine's Day, but subjects also include
holidays such as Christmas, Jewish New Year, Leap Year, Easter, and other celebratory and
commemorative events. A significant portion of the collection also contains materials
relating to friendship, love and courtship, religious devotion, and education. Materials
consist of greeting cards, stationery, scrapbooks, verse writers, rewards of merit, marriage
certificates, friendship albums, periodicals, pictorials, prints, drawings, illustrations,
almanacs, cutwork, postcards, sheet music, artifacts, and other three-dimensional
items.
Language of Material: Materials are almost entirely in
English, with a small amount in German, Hebrew, French, and Italian.
Conditions Governing Access
Open for use by qualified researchers and by appointment. Please contact Reader Services at
the Huntington Library for more information.
RESTRICTED: Series V. Artifacts and 3D objects are fragile and only available with
curatorial approval. Please contact Reader Services at the Huntington Library for more
information.
NOT AVAILABLE: Audiovisual materials in box 46 are not available for paging until
reformatted. Please contact Reader Services for more information.
Conditions Governing Use
The Huntington Library does not require that researchers request permission to quote from
or publish images of this material, nor does it charge fees for such activities. The
responsibility for identifying the copyright holder, if there is one, and obtaining
necessary permissions rests with the researcher.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item]. Nancy and Henry Rosin collection of valentine, friendship, and
devotional ephemera, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Robert B. Rosin and Belle Rosin, December 2017.
Gift of Robert B. Rosin and Belle Rosin, December 2018.
Gift of Robert B. Rosin and Belle Rosin, December 2019.
Purchased for the Huntington from Boston Rare Maps, January 2020.
Biographical / Historical
Nancy P. Rosin is a researcher and writer whose work focuses on valentines and other
ephemera. She is president of the National Valentine Collectors Association, President
Emerita of the Ephemera Society of America, Member of the Grolier Club, and the American
Antiquarian Society. Rosin earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing Education from The
Teacher's College of Columbia University and was a registered nurse for more than four
decades. She and her late husband, Dr. Henry D. Rosin, assembled the collection over a span
of forty years.
Rosin publishes on the historical significance of valentine, friendship, and devotional
ephemera, and shares her research and resources on her personal blog,
A Victorian Treasury. She is also a volunteer cataloger at the Metropolitan Museum
of Art where she describes valentines and related ephemera for the Prints and Drawings
Department.
Scope and Contents
The Nancy and Henry Rosin collection of valentine, friendship, and devotional ephemera
contains materials from Europe and North America dating from 1493 to the late 2010s. The
bulk of the collection consists of greeting cards exchanged on Valentine's Day, dating from
approximately 1840 to 1930.
Early handcrafted valentine cards found within the greeting cards subseries demonstrate
folk art methods of pinpricking, paper cutting, paper folding, painting, puzzle making, and
illustration. Other cards dating from the Victorian era include comic or "vinegar"
valentines, paper lace valentines, cobweb valentines, and cards created by various printing,
embossing, and assemblage techniques. Many of the late 19th-century cards are dimensional
and mechanical paper constructions, made with a combination of die-cut scraps, honeycomb
tissue paper, and levers, strings, or wheels that enable the cards to pop-up or move.
Also included in the collection are greeting cards exchanged for other holidays and events,
friendship cards dating from the Biedermeier era, friendship albums with locks of hair,
language of flowers almanacs and booklets, matrimonial documents, sachets, verse writers,
religious devotional items, mourning cards, scrapbook albums, and correspondence relating to
love and courtship.
The collection also contains artifacts and three-dimensional items such as fans, jewelry
boxes, shadow boxes, and additional items, some of which include fragile, glass
components.
Smaller portions of the collection include educational ephemera, such as rewards of merit
and bookmarks, and American Civil War ephemera, such as greeting cards and song sheets.
Additional materials include artist and organizational files relating to illustrator
Catherine "Kate" Greenaway, printer Louis Prang, and 20th-century greeting card companies
Rust Craft and Norcross.
The last series of this collection contains research materials compiled by valentine
scholar Charles Albert Reed and by Nancy Rosin. The materials consist largely of secondary
sources, notes, and newspaper clippings.
Processing Information
In 2019, Laura Magnusen preliminarily rehoused the collection. In June 2023, Mari
Khasmanyan processed the collection and created the finding aid.
Related Materials
Separated Materials
Approximately 160 books from this collection were transferred to the general collection in
2023 and can be searched in the Huntington Library's online catalog.
Arrangement
Organized in six series:
- Series I. Valentine's Day, approximately 1493-1980s; bulk 1850s-1930s
- Series II. Manners and customs, approximately 1720s-1960s; bulk 1840s-1880s
- Series III. Artist and organizational files, approximately 1870s-1980s
- Series IV. Education, approximately 1740s-1930s
- Series V. Artifacts and 3D objects, approximately 1800-1950s; bulk 1810s-1880s
- Series VI. Reference materials, approximately 1800-2010s; bulk 1960s-2010s
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Bookmarks
Christmas -- Greeting cards
Chromolithographs
Courtship
Cut-paper work
Daguerreotypes (photographs)
Decoration and ornament -- Biedermeier
style
Devotional objects
Easter -- Greeting cards
Education
Embossed works (visual works)
Ephemera
Fans (ephemera)
Female friendship
Flirting in literature
Folk art (traditional art)
Frakturs (documents)
Friendship -- Poetry
Greeting cards
Guidebooks
Lace craft
Leap year -- Greeting cards
Lithographs
Love
Love-letters
Love poetry
Love symbols
Marriage certificates
marriage portraits
Marriage proposals
Memory books
Paperwork (visual works)
Periodicals
Postcards
Printed ephemera
Printing -- History
Rebuses
Rosh ha-Shanah -- Three-dimensional greeting cards
Scrapbooks
Theorems (paintings)
United States -- History -- Civil War,
1861-1865 -- Greeting cards
Valentines
Valentine's Day -- Greeting cards
Visiting cards
Weddings
Beistle Company
Carrington & Co
De La Rue, Thomas, 1793-1866
Greenaway, Kate, 1846-1901
Hallmark Cards, Inc
Howland, Esther Allen, 1828-1904
Marcus Ward & Co
Mansell, Joseph, 1803-1874
McLoughlin Bros.
Prang, Louis, 1824-1909
Raphael Tuck & Sons.
Rimmel, Eugene
Rust Craft Publishers
Strong, Thomas W. (Thomas Whaley), 1817-1892
Taft, Jotham, 1816-1910
Whitney, George C., 1842-1915
Series I. Valentine's Day
approximately 1493-1980s; bulk
1840s-1930s
Physical Description: 108.16 Linear
Feet (179 binders, 80 boxes, 1 oversize
folder)
Scope and Contents
The Valentine's Day series contains greeting cards, booklets, verse writers,
periodicals, pictorials, scrapbooks, albums, sheet music and other ephemera relating to
the holiday.
This series is the largest in the collection and includes paper lace valentines,
printed valentines, handmade valentines, comic valentines, and dimensional and
mechanical cards. Many valentine stationers, makers, and distributors such as McLoughlin
Bros., Raphael Tuck & Sons, and T.W. Strong also published valentine letter writers,
greeting card booklets, price lists, and promotional materials found throughout the
series.
Arrangement
Organized in seven subseries:
- Subseries A. Greeting cards, approximately 1684-1980s; bulk 1840s-1930s
- Subseries B. Booklets, approximately 1880s-1920s
- Subseries C. Verse writers, approximately 1810s-1890s
- Subseries D. Advertisements, catalogs, and price lists, approximately
1830s-1960s
- Subseries E. Periodicals and pictorials, approximately 1820s-1990s; bulk
1820s-1880s
- Subseries F. Ephemera, approximately 1493-1970s; bulk 1840s-1920s
- Subseries G. Scrapbooks and albums, approximately 1830s-1970s; bulk
1830s-1880s
Subseries A. Greeting cards
approximately 1684-1980s; bulk
1840s-1930s
Physical Description: 75.36 Linear
Feet (174 binders, 54
boxes)
Scope and Contents
The subseries contains greeting cards created for Valentine's Day. Included are
handmade cards with theorem painting, paper cut work (Scherenschnitte), rebus puzzles,
frakturs, puzzle purses, endless knots, pinpricking, and other folk art methods.
Also included are greeting cards created during the Victorian era by English and
American stationers, makers, and distributors such as Joseph Addenbrooke, Dobbs and
Co., Thomas De La Rue, Esther Howland, Jonathan King, Joseph Mansell, and George C.
Whitney which demonstrate various methods of design and production, often on intricate
paper lace with embossing, scrap assemblage, and other illustrative and printing
techniques.
This subseries also contains comic or "vinegar valentines" created by publishers
McLoughlin Bros. and Raphael Tuck & Sons, and printers A. Park, A.J. Fisher, Marks
& Sons, and Thomas W. Strong. Many of the comic valentines are illustrated by
Charles Howard who worked for the various publishers.
Of note are dimensional and mechanical valentines, which either have mechanical
levers, honeycomb tissue paper, paper wheels, or pulls to hold the cards up or move in
different directions.
Arrangement
Cards are arranged alphabetically by creator, artist, printer, or publisher in
binders and boxes when known. Remaining boxes are organized by size and subject.
Binder 130
A.B. Woodward Co.
approximately 1920s-1940s
Binder 130
A.C. Co.
approximately 1920s-1940s
Binder 130, Box 1, Folder 1
A.M. Davis Co.
approximately 1920s-1940s
Binder 1
Ackermann & Co.
approximately 1840s-1850s
Binder 1, Binder 2, Binder 3
Joseph Addenbrooke
approximately 1820s-1880s
Scope and Contents
Binder 2 includes cobweb valentines. Binder 3 includes material from the printer's
Unrequited Love or Despondent Lover series.
Binder 130
Alpha Series
approximately 1920s-1940s
Binder 130
A-Meri-Card
approximately 1920s-1940s
Binder 130
American Greetings
approximately 1920s-1940s
Binder 4
American Valentine Co.
approximately 1810s-1880s
Binder 131
B.B.
approximately 1920s-1940s
Binder 4
B.F. Lloyd & Co.
approximately 1840s-1860s
Binder 4, Box 52, Folder 10
Francesco Bartolozzi
approximately 1770s-1810s
Binder 4
Frank Beard
approximately 1860s-1910s
Binder 4
Behnant & Edmonds
approximately 1810s-1880s
Box 1, Folder 2-18, Box 2, Folder 1-9, Box 3, Folder 1-11
Beistle Co.
approximately 1920s-1940s
Binder 131
S. Bergman
approximately 1920s-1940s
Binder 5
Berlin & Jones
approximately 1860s
Binder 5
H. Bertou
approximately 1840s-1860s
Binder 131
Edwin Boese
approximately 1920s-1940s
Binder 6
Benjamin Bramell
approximately 1840s-1850s
Box 3, Folder 12
Frances Brundage
approximately 1890s-1910s
Box 3, Folder 13
Marjorie H. Buell
approximately 1950s
Binder 6
A.J. Bullock
approximately 1840s-1850s
Binder 6
T.H. Burke
approximately 1840s-1850s
Scope and Contents
Includes cobweb valentines.
Binder 6
B.F. Butler
approximately 1840s-1850s
Binder 6
J.M. Butler
approximately 1840s-1850s
Binder 131
Buzza Cardozo
approximately 1920s-1940s
Binder 132
C.A.C.
approximately 1920s-1940s
Binder 132
Campbell Art Co.
approximately 1920s-1940s
Binder 7
R. Canton
approximately 1840s-1880s
Binder 7
R. Carr
approximately 1840s-1880s
Binder 132, Binder 133, Box 4, Folder 1
Carrington Card Co.
approximately 1920s-1940s
Binder 132
Charm Craft
approximately 1920s-1940s
Binder 7
M. Clinch
approximately 1840s-1880s
Binder 133
Cooper Novelty Co.
approximately 1900-1940s
Binder 133
Bertha Corbett
approximately 1900-1940s
Binder 7
Cox Manu
approximately 1840s-1880s
Binder 7
George Cruikshank
approximately 1820s-1860s
Binder 7
Robert Cruikshank
approximately 1810s-1850s
Binder 7
D.C
approximately 1840s-1880s
Binder 7
E. Dawe
approximately 1840s-1880s
Binder 7, Box 58, Folder 6-12
Thomas De La Rue
approximately 1840s-1880s
Binder 8
H. De Marsan
approximately 1860s-1880s
Binder 8
Dean & Son
approximately 1840s-1880s
Binder 8
Depose
approximately 1840s-1880s
Binder 9
Dobbs Patent
approximately 1797-1870
Scope and Contents
Binder includes cobweb valentines.
Binder 10, Binder 11, Binder 12
Dobbs; Dobbs & Company; Dobbs Bailey & Company
approximately 1820s-1850s
Binder 13, Binder 14, Binder 15
Dobbs, Kidd & Company
approximately 1830s-1880s
Binder 133
Double-Glo
approximately 1900-1940s
Box 4, Folder 2
Grace Drayton
approximately 1910s
Binder 16
E. Nason & Co.
approximately 1860s-1880s
Box 4, Folder 3
E. Rosen Company
approximately 1930s-1940s
Binder 134
Edward Gross Co.
approximately 1920s-1940s
Binder 16
Elliot
approximately 1860s-1880s
Binder 16
Elton
approximately 1860s-1880s
Binder 16
J. Fairburn
approximately 1860s-1880s
Binder 133
The Fairfield Line
approximately 1900-1940s
Binder 16
Alfred J. Fisher
approximately 1860s-1870s
Binder 16
Fisher & Denison
approximately 1860s-1870s
Binder 133
Forget Me Not
approximately 1900-1940s
Box 4, Folder 5
Jason Freixas
approximately 1910s-1920s
Binder 134
G.B
approximately 1920s-1940s
Box 4, Folder 6-9
G Trademark (printed in Germany)
approximately 1890s-1930s
Box 4, Folder 10-14
G Trademark (printed in U.S)
approximately 1890s-1930s
Binder 134, Box 5, Folder 1-2
Gibson Greetings, Inc.
approximately 1910s-1950s
Binder 16
Alfred Gray
approximately 1890s-1920s
Binder 17, Binder 18, Binder 19
Kate Greenaway
approximately 1870s-1880s
Scope and Contents
The binders include cards illustrated by Kate Greenaway. Some cards are illustrated
by both Greenaway and Walter Crane, specifically the Quiver of Love series published
by Marcus Ward & Co.
Binder 134
GreetRite
approximately 1920s-1940s
Binder 134
H.B.
approximately 1920s-1940s
Binder 134
Hagelberg
approximately 1920s-1940s
Binder 134, Box 5, Folder 3-8
Hallmark Cards Inc.
approximately 1920s-1970s
Scope and Contents
Box 5, folder 3 includes cards from the company's Ambassador Line.
Binder 20, Binder 21, Box 5, Folder 10-13
Charles Howard
approximately 1880s-1910s
Box 54, Folder 1-13
Charles Howard
approximately 1880s-1910s
Binder 22, Binder 23
Esther Howland
approximately 1850s-1860s
Binder 24, Binder 25, Binder 26
Esther Howland, New England Valentine Co.
approximately 1870s-1880
Binder 27, Binder 28, Binder 29
Esther Howland (attributed to)
approximately 1850s-1880
Binder 30
C.P. Huestis
approximately 1840-1880s
Binder 30
G. Ingram
approximately 1840-1880s
Binder 135, Box 5, Folder 14
International Art Publishing Co.
approximately 1890s-1930s
Binder 30, Binder 31, Binder 32
George Kershaw
approximately 1840s-1860s
Scope and Contents
Binder 32 includes cobweb valentines.
Binder 33, Binder 34
George Kershaw
approximately 1840s-1860s
Scope and Contents
Binder 33 includes printed valentines.
Binder 34
George Kershaw (attributed to)
approximately 1840s-1860s
Binder 35
Kershaw & Son
approximately 1840s-1860s
Box 5, Folder 15
J. Raymond Howe Co.
approximately 1910-1915
Binder 135
Jeffries & Mainz Inc.
approximately 1920s-1940s
Binder 135
Louis Katz
approximately 1920s-1940s
Binder 36
Jonathan King
approximately 1860s-1880s
Binder 37
C. Lang
approximately 1840s-1890s
Binder 37
William J.A. Lieder
approximately 1840s-1890s
Binder 37
Justin Loeven
approximately 1840s-1890s
Binder 37
Lloyd
approximately 1840s-1890s
Binder 37
E. Lloyd
approximately 1840s-1890s
Binder 37, Binder 38, Box 5, Folder 16
Louis Prang & Co.
approximately 1840s-1890s
Box 52, Folder 1
Louis Prang & Co.
approximately 1840s-1890s
Binder 136
M.L.
approximately 1920s-1960s
Binder 38
Robert MacFarlane
approximately 1840s-1890s
Binder 38
Charles Magnus
approximately 1840s-1890s
Binder 39, Binder 40, Binder 41
Joseph Mansell
approximately 1840s-1860s
Binder 42, Binder 43, Binder 44
Joseph Mansell
approximately 1840s-1860s
Binder 45, Binder 46, Binder 47
Joseph Mansell
approximately 1840s-1860s
Binder 48, Binder 49, Binder 50
Joseph Mansell
approximately 1840s-1860s
Scope and Contents
Binder 50 includes cobweb and printed valentines.
Binder 51
Marcus Ward & Co.
approximately 1870s-1880s
Binder 52
J.L Marks
approximately 1840s-1880s
Binder 52
Marion
approximately 1840s-1880s
Binder 52
Marks & Sons
approximately 1840s-1880s
Box 5, Folder 17
McKenzie Greetings
approximately 1930s-1950s
Binder 53, Binder 54, Binder 55
McLoughlin Brothers
approximately 1880s-1930s
Binder 56, Binder 57, Binder 58
McLoughlin Brothers
approximately 1880s-1930s
Binder 59, Binder 60, Binder 61
McLoughlin Brothers
approximately 1880s-1930s
Binder 62, Binder 63, Binder 64
McLoughlin Brothers
approximately 1880s-1930s
Scope and Contents
Binder 64 contains comic valentines.
Box 53, Folder 1-5
McLoughlin Brothers
approximately 1880s-1930s
Scope and Contents
Box 53 contains comic valentines.
Binder 65, Binder 66, Binder 67
George Meek
approximately 1850s-1860s
Scope and Contents
Binder 67 includes cobweb valentines.
Box 5, Folder 18
Meryle
approximately 1930s-1950s
Binder 136
Mittet & Co.
approximately 1920s-1960s
Binder 68
David Mossman
approximately 1840s-1870s
Binder 68
Mullord Brothers
approximately 1850s-1870s
Binder 136
Newman Publishing Co.
approximately 1920s-1960s
Box 5, Folder 19
Ruth E. Newton
approximately 1920s-1940s
Binder 69, Binder 70, Box 6, Folder 1-7
Ernest Nister
approximately 1890s-1920s
Binder 70
Noisy Carrier's Book and Stationery Co.
approximately 1850s
Box 6, Folder 8-12
Norcross Greeting Card Co.
approximately 1920s-1950s
Binder 70
N.Y. Union Valentine Co.
approximately 1860s-1880s
Binder 70
Obpacher Bros.
approximately 1860s-1880s
Box 6, Folder 13
Rose O'Neill
approximately 1920s-1940s
Box 6, Folder 15-17
P.F. Volland & Co.
approximately 1910s-1930s
Binder 136
Paramount Pictures
approximately 1920s-1960s
Binder 71
A. Park
approximately 1840s-1880s
Binder 71
Phiz Be Co.
approximately 1840s-1880s
Box 7, Folder 1-5
Chloe Preston
approximately 1910s-1930s
Binder 71
Quarré
approximately 1840s-1880s
Binder 72, Binder 73, Binder 74
Raphael Tuck & Sons
approximately 1890s-1920s
Scope and Contents
Binder 73 contains comic valentines which include caricatures of ethnic, religious,
and racial groups.
Box 7, Folder 6-14, Box 8, Folder 1-14, Box 9, Folder 1-8
Raphael Tuck & Sons
approximately 1890s-1920s
Scope and Contents
Box 8, folders 10-14, and box 9, folders 1-8 contain comic valentines which include
caricatures of ethnic, religious, and racial groups.
Box 61, Folder 4
Raphael Tuck & Sons
approximately 1890s-1920s
Binder 74
James R. Rice
approximately 1860s-1880s
Binder 74
Thomas Richardson
approximately 1820s-1840s
Binder 75
Eugène Rimmel
approximately 1860s-1890s
Scope and Contents
More materials by Eugène Rimmel that are not related to Valentine's Day are
included in box 47, folder 4.
Binder 76
Rock & Co.
approximately 1830s-1890s
Box 9, Folder 9-11
Rust Craft
approximately 1930s-1950s
Binder 77
S. & J. Fuller
approximately 1810s-1850s
Binder 77
S. Hildersheimer & Co.
approximately 1840s-1880s
Binder 77
H. & A. Sanders
approximately 1840s-1860s
Binder 77
A.B. Seeley
approximately 1880s
Box 9, Folder 12
Morgan Shepard
approximately 1890s-1930s
Binder 77
J. Slater
approximately 1840s-1860s
Binder 77
R.E. Sly
approximately 1840s-1860s
Box 9, Folder 13
Stadelmann & Feldweg
approximately 1890s-1920s
Binder 136, Box 9, Folder 14
Stecher Lithograph Co.
approximately 1920s-1960s
Binder 77
Thomas W. Strong
approximately 1840s-1870s
Scope and Contents
Binder includes comic valentines.
Binder 78
Benjamin Sulman
approximately 1860s
Binder 136
Superman Inc.
approximately 1920s-1960s
Binder 136
T.C.G. Tops
approximately 1920s-1960s
Binder 78
Jotham W. Taft
approximately 1840s-1870s
Binder 79
Angus Thomas
approximately 1860s-1880s
Binder 79
Charles Tilt
approximately 1810s-1840s
Binder 136
Jeanette Tobin
approximately 1920s-1960s
Binder 136
Treasure Masters
approximately 1920s-1960s
Binder 79
W.E. Tucker
approximately 1850s-1880s
Binder 79
Turner & Fisher
approximately 1830s-1850s
Box 10, Folder 1-2
Charles Twelvetrees
approximately 1920s-1940s
Binder 79
U.S. Engravers
approximately 1850s-1880s
Binder 136
United Feature Syndicate Inc.
approximately 1920s-1960s
Binder 136
Joliet Volland
approximately 1920s-1960s
Binder 137
Walt Disney Co.
approximately 1920s-1960s
Binder 79
W.C. Webb
approximately 1850s-1880s
Binder 79
Wemple & Kronheim
approximately 1850s-1870s
Binder 79
Westwood
approximately 1850s-1880s
Binder 79
Edward P. Whaites
approximately 1850s-1880s
Binder 137
Whitman
approximately 1920s-1960s
Binder 80, Binder 81, Binder 82
George C. Whitney
approximately 1860s-1880s
Binder 83, Binder 84
George C. Whitney
approximately 1860s-1880s
Binder 138, Binder 139, Binder 140
Whitney Made Co.
approximately 1910s-1940s
Scope and Contents
Cards manufactured by George C. Whitney in the 20th century are labeled as Whitney
Made Co. For earlier cards, see materials under George C. Whitney.
Box 10, Folder 3-10, Box 169, Folder 1-2
Whitney Made Co.
approximately 1910s-1940s
Scope and Contents
Cards manufactured by George C. Whitney in the 20th century are labeled as Whitney
Made Co. For earlier cards, see materials under George C. Whitney.
Binder 85, Binder 86, Binder 87
John Windsor
approximately 1840s-1860s
Binder 140
Walter Wirths
approximately 1900-1910
Binder 88, Binder 89, Binder 90
[Thomas?] Wood
approximately 1840s-1860s
Binder 90
J.T. Wood
approximately 1840s-1860s
Binder 90
James Wrigley
approximately 1840s-1860s
Binder 91, Box 52, Folder 7
Cobweb valentines, unknown creator
approximately 1820s-1860s
Binder 92, Binder 93, Binder 94
Valentines, unknown creator
approximately 1830s-1880s
Binder 95, Binder 96, Binder 97
Valentines, unknown creator
approximately 1830s-1880s
Binder 98, Binder 99, Binder 100
Valentines, unknown creator
approximately 1830s-1880s
Binder 101
Paper lace valentines, unknown creator
approximately 1840s-1880s
Binder 102, Binder 103, Binder 104
Printed valentines, unknown creator
approximately 1790s-1860s
Binder 105, Binder 106, Binder 107
Printed valentines, unknown creator
approximately 1790s-1860s
Binder 108
Printed valentines and original artwork, unknown creator
approximately 1800s-1840s
Binder 109
Comic valentines, unknown creator. A-B, by title
approximately 1810s-1930s
Binder 110
Comic valentines, unknown creator. C-D, by title
approximately 1810s-1930s
Binder 111
Comic valentines, unknown creator. E-H, by title
approximately 1810s-1930s
Binder 112
Comic valentines, unknown creator. I-L, by title
approximately 1810s-1930s
Binder 113
Comic valentines, unknown creator. M-N, by title
approximately 1810s-1930s
Binder 114
Comic valentines, unknown creator. 0-R, by title
approximately 1810s-1930s
Binder 115
Comic valentines, unknown creator. S, by title
approximately 1810s-1930s
Binder 116
Comic valentines, unknown creator. T-V, by title
approximately 1810s-1930s
Binder 117
Comic valentines, unknown creator. W-Z, by title
approximately 1810s-1930s
Binder 118
Comic valentines, unknown creator. Original art
approximately 1800s-1860s
Binder 119
Comic valentines, unknown creator. Assorted card sets
approximately 1930s-1950s
Box 29, Folder 4, Box 60, Folder 1, Box 61, Folder 2
Comic valentines
approximately 1880s-1950s
Scope and Contents
Box 29 includes individual comic valentines as well as a valentine series sold as
"11 Funny Valentines." Box 60, folder 1 contains a loose cover to a comic valentine
album.
Box 168, Folder 3
Comic valentines
approximately 1880s-1950s
Binder 120, Binder 121
American Civil War, unknown creator
approximately 1860s
Binder 122
Military and war related valentines, unknown creator
approximately 1840s-1940s
Binder 123
Chromolithograph cards, unknown creator
approximately 1880s-1920s
Binder 124
Valentine garlands, unknown creator
approximately 1880s-1920s
Scope and Contents
Materials resemble the works of printers Raphael Tuck & Sons, Ernest Nister,
and the International Art Publishing Co.
Binder 125, Binder 126, Binder 127
Valentines, unknown creator
approximately 1880s-1920s
Scope and Contents
Materials resemble the works of printers Raphael Tuck & Sons, Ernest Nister,
and the International Art Publishing Co.
Binder 128, Binder 129
Valentines, unknown creator
approximately 1880s-1920s
Scope and Contents
Materials resemble the works of printers Raphael Tuck & Sons, Ernest Nister,
and the International Art Publishing Co.
Binder 129 contains caricatures of ethnic, religious, and racial groups.
Binder 141, Binder 142, Binder 143
Valentines, unknown creator
approximately 1910s-1940s
Binder 144, Binder 145, Binder 146
Valentines, unknown creator
approximately 1910s-1940s
Scope and Contents
Materials in binders 145-146 resemble the works of printers Whitney Made Co. and
Carrington Card Co.
Binder 147, Binder 148, Binder 149
Valentines, unknown creator
approximately 1910s-1940s
Scope and Contents
Materials in binders 147-149 resemble the works of printers Whitney Made Co. and
Carrington Card Co.
Binder 150, Binder 151, Binder 152
Valentines, unknown creator
approximately 1910s-1940s
Scope and Contents
Materials in binder 150 resemble the works of printers Whitney Made Co. and
Carrington Card Co.
Binder 153, Binder 154, Binder 155
Valentines, unknown creator
approximately 1910s-1940s
Binder 156, Binder 157, Binder 158
Valentines, unknown creator
approximately 1910s-1940s
Scope and Contents
Materials in binder 156 resemble the works of illustrators Charles Twelvetrees and
J.G. Scott. Materials in binder 158 include images of animals.
Binder 159, Binder 160
Valentines, unknown creator
approximately 1910s-1940s
Scope and Contents
Materials in binder 159 include images of animals. Materials in binder 160 include
cartoon characters.
Box 11, Folder 1-16
Valentines, unknown creator
approximately 1870s-1940s
Scope and Contents
Folders 1-6 contain greeting cards that are one dimensional, and portray images of
children, animals, and adults. Folders 7-16 contain greeting cards folded in half
(bifoliums).
Box 52, Folder 5-6
Valentines, unknown creator
approximately 1800-1920s
Box 52, Folder 12
Valentines, unknown creator
approximately 1910s-1940s
Scope and Contents
Materials resemble the works of printers Whitney Made Co. and Carrington Card
Co.
Box 61, Folder 1
Valentines, unknown creator
approximately 1850s-1910s
Box 167, Folder 1
Valentines, unknown creator
approximately 1870s-1910s
Binder 161
Valentines, unknown creator
approximately 1930s-1950s
Scope and Contents
Binder contains caricatures of ethnic, religious, and racial groups.
Binder 162
Valentine postcards. A.C. Co. [American Colortype Co]-R. Hill
approximately 1905-1960s
Binder 163
Valentine postcards. Illustrated Postal Card Co.- Ernest Nister
approximately 1905-1917
Binder 164
Valentine postcards. P.F.B. [Paul Finkenrath, Berlin]-The Rose
Company
approximately 1905-1912
Binder 165
Valentine postcards. S.L. & Co.-Wolf & Co.
approximately 1905-1932
Binder 166, Binder 167, Binder 168
Valentine postcards, unknown creator
approximately 1900-1920s
Scope and Contents
Binder 168 contains caricatures of ethnic, religious, and racial groups.
Binder 169
Valentine imitation documents
approximately 1840s-1930s
Binder 170
Valentine scraps and die-cuts
approximately 1890s-1930s
Binder 171
Valentine mottos and verses
approximately 1860s-1880s
Binder 172, Binder 173, Binder 174
Valentine envelopes
approximately 1850s-1910s
Box 12, Folder 1-3
Dimensional cards
approximately 1890s-1930s
Scope and Contents
The cards within these folders fold out and become dimensional.
Box 12, Folder 4-19
Mechanical cards
approximately 1890s-1940s
Scope and Contents
The cards within these folders include paper levers, paper wheels, or metal pivots
that allow for parts of the cards to move.
Box 61, Folder 8
Mechanical cards
approximately 1900-1930s
Box 13, Folder 1-16, Box 14, Folder 1-16, Box 15, Folder 1-15
Dimensional and mechanical cards
approximately 1880s-1930s
Scope and Contents
The cards contain images of children, adults, cupid, flowers, animals,
transportation vehicles and objects. Many of the cards include cellophane,
silverleaf, goldleaf, and tissue paper.
Box 14, folders 15-16 contain cards with text in German.
Box 16, Folder 1-14, Box 17, Folder 1-12, Box 18, Folder 1-16
Dimensional and mechanical cards
approximately 1880s-1930s
Box 19, Folder 1-13, Box 20, Folder 1-15, Box 21, Folder 1-18
Dimensional and mechanical cards
approximately 1880s-1930s
Scope and Contents
Many of the cards in box 19 contain images of children with transportation vehicles
including planes, blimps, sailboats, carriages, and trains.
Box 22, Folder 1-8, Box 55, Folder 1-7, Box 56, Folder 1-7
Dimensional and mechanical cards
approximately 1880s-1930s
Box 57, Folder 1-8, Box 61, Folder 6-7, Box 168, Folder 1-2
Dimensional and mechanical cards
approximately 1880s-1930s
Box 23, Folder 1-13, Box 24, Folder 1-12, Box 25, Folder 1-11
Dimensional and mechanical cards (folded)
approximately 1880s-1930s
Box 61, Folder 5
Dimensional and mechanical cards (folded)
approximately 1880s-1930s
Box 26, Folder 1-12, Box 27, Folder 1-9
Cards with parchment and scraps
approximately 1880s-1930s
Scope and Contents
Box 27, folders 7-8 contain cards with celluloid and scraps. Box 27, folder 9
contains cards with cellophane and scraps.
Box 28, Folder 1
Fans
approximately 1880s-1930s
Box 28, Folder 2
Triptych cards
approximately 1880s-1930s
Box 28, Folder 3
Valentine garlands
approximately 1880s-1930s
Box 28, Folder 4-9
Sachets
approximately 1860s-1890s
Scope and Contents
Folder 9 contains sachet cards with disintegrating padding.
Box 28, Folder 10-11
Cards with silk fringe
approximately 1860s-1890s
Box 28, Folder 12-14
Collage cards
approximately 1860s-1890s
Scope and Contents
The cards contain natural and artificial flowers, leaves, scrap, and metal
coils.
Box 29, Folder 1
Valentine puzzles
approximately 1840s-1880s
Box 29, Folder 2
Military valentine series
approximately 1880s-1920s
Box 52, Folder 11
Military valentine series (The French Relief Fund)
1918
Box 29, Folder 3
Printed paper plate
approximately 1890s-1920s
Box 29, Folder 5-11
Novelty cards and items
approximately 1890s-1990s
Scope and Contents
Folder 5 contains cards with squeaking components. Folder 6 contains cards with
fabric. Folder 7 contains cards with artificial hair. Folder 8 contains cards with
buttons, seeds, and metal charms. Folder 9 contains cards with chains and feathers.
Folder 10 contains a lottery punch board.
Box 30, Folder 1
Theorem paintings
approximately 1830s-1840s
Scope and Contents
Folder includes valentines decorated with theorem stencil paintings of flowers and
birds.
Box 30, Folder 2
Hand-painted skeleton leaves
approximately 1840s-1860s
Scope and Contents
Folder includes very delicate and fragile heart-shaped leaves that are painted with
images of birds, flowers, insects, fruits, and vegetables.
Box 30, Folder 3, Box 167, Folder 4
Pinprick work
approximately 1810s-1840s
Box 30, Folder 4, Box 167, Folder 7-9
Puzzle purses
approximately 1810s-1830s
Scope and Contents
Folder includes paper valentines that fold into envelope shapes when closed and
reveal messages when opened.
Box 30, Folder 5-6
Watchpapers
approximately 1790s-1850s
Box 30, Folder 7
Rebuses
approximately 1860s-1880s
Box 30, Folder 8
A Lady's Dressing Case
approximately 1860s-1880s
Scope and Contents
Folder includes images of dressing cases with cut-out tabs that lift to reveal
text.
Box 30, Folder 9
Endless knot of love
approximately 1814-1878
Box 63, Folder 1
Endless knot of love
1830
Scope and Contents
Box includes wooden frame the valentine was housed in. Text on frame reads "A House
Motto. Primitive pen and ink and watercolor drawing, from Upper Bucks County. Done
by W.C. 1830. Old Pine frame."
Box 64, Folder 1
Endless knot of love
1824
Scope and Contents
Box includes wooden frame the valentine was housed in.
Box 167, Folder 3
Endless knot of love
approximately 1810s-1870s
Box 30, Folder 10-11
Cut-work and paper weaving
approximately 1840s-1910s
Box 30, Folder 12-15, Box 52, Folder 2-4
Cut-paper work
approximately 1780s-1850s
Scope and Contents
Folder includes very delicate and fragile valentines made through paper-cutting
techniques. Includes Scherenschnitte and silhouette works.
Box 65, Folder 1
Cut-paper work
1829
Scope and Contents
Box includes wooden frame the valentine was housed in.
Box 67
Cut-paper work
approximately 1780s-1850s
Conditions Governing Access
Preservation note: item might contain arsenic.
Box 167, Folder 2, Box 167, Folder 5-6
Cut-paper work
approximately 1780s-1850s
Box 30, Folder 16
Cut-paper work (paper carving)
approximately 1830s-1850s
Box 30, Folder 17, Box 68, Folder 1
Frakturs
approximately 1830s-1860s
Box 30, Folder 18
Acrostic poems
approximately 1840s-1860s
Box 30, Folder 19-23
Handmade valentines
approximately 1820s-1970s
Scope and Contents
Folder 23 includes cards in Braille.
Box 31, Folder 1-2
Handmade valentines
1684; 1803-1897
Arrangement
Folders includes handmade valentine cards, drawings, and letters that are organized
by date.
Box 31, Folder 3-7
Handmade valentines
approximately 1840s-1980s
Scope and Contents
Folders include handmade valentine cards, drawings and letters that are
undated.
Box 31, Folder 8
Handmade valentines. Correspondence to Ann Eliza Bigelow
approximately 1840-1850
Scope and Contents
Folder includes letters, valentines, and other documents addressed to Ann Eliza
Bigelow.
Box 31, Folder 9
Correspondence between Henry W. Eastman and wife Lydia Macey
approximately 1845-1847
Scope and Contents
Folder includes letters, valentines, and other documents between Henry W. Eastman
(1826-1882) and Lydia Macey (1826-1920) who wed on February 23, 1848.
Box 84, Folder 1
Copper printing plate and embossed samples
approximately 1840s-1880s
Scope and Contents
Box includes copper plate and folder of embossed samples.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Preservation note: Only handle item while wearing nitrile gloves to avoid
discoloration or corrosion to the surface of the plate.
Box 85, Box 86
Copper printing plate
approximately 1840s-1880s
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Preservation note: Only handle item while wearing nitrile gloves to avoid
discoloration or corrosion to the surface of the plate.
Box 120
Boxed valentines
approximately 1910s-1960s
Scope and Contents
Includes valentines in their original boxes.
Box 165, Folder 1-2
Greeting card sets and templates
approximately 1930s-1960s
Subseries B. Booklets
approximately 1880s-1920s
Physical Description: 0.42 Linear
Feet (1 box)
Scope and Contents
This subseries contains greeting card booklets and other booklets relating to
Valentine's Day. Many of the booklets consist of poetry and other romantic
literature.
Arrangement
Arranged alphabetically by publisher or creator, then by title when creator is
unknown.
Box 32, Folder 1
Art Lithographic Publishing Co.
approximately 1880s-1920s
Box 32, Folder 2
Belford, Clarke & Co.
1883
Box 32, Folder 3
George C. Whitney Co.
approximately 1890s-1910s
Box 32, Folder 4
Hayes Lithographing Co.
1910
Box 32, Folder 5
Thomas A. Leeming
10 February 1911
Box 32, Folder 6
John Henry Cardinal Newman
1900
Box 32, Folder 7
Ernest Nister
approximately 1890s-1920s
Box 32, Folder 8-10
Raphael Tuck & Sons
approximately 1890s-1920s
Box 32, Folder 11-16
Greeting booklets
approximately 1890s-1910s
Box 32, Folder 17
Love Plays a Game of Cards
approximately 1890s-1910s
Subseries C. Verse writers
approximately 1810s-1890s
Physical Description: 0.83 Linear
Feet (2 boxes)
Scope and Contents
This subseries consists of Valentine's Day verse or letter writers, which are
booklets with samples of text to use as guides when writing valentine correspondence.
Some of the writers are satirical in nature and were likely used for creating comic
valentines. Also of note are the writers published by stationer S.A. Howland, the
father of valentine stationer Esther Howland.
Arrangement
Arranged alphabetically by author's name when known.
Box 33, Folder 1
W. Allen; W. Borradaille; Climax Publishing Co.
approximately 1823-1890
Box 33, Folder 2
W. Davison; J. Dean
approximately 1820-1840
Box 33, Folder 3
Dean & Co.; Dean & Munday
approximately 1810-1855
Box 33, Folder 4
Dean & Son
approximately 1810-1855
Box 33, Folder 5
J. Fairburn; Fisher & Brother
approximately 1834-1862
Box 33, Folder 6
J.M. Fletcher
approximately 1850s
Box 33, Folder 8
Orlando Hodgson
approximately 1835-1850
Box 33, Folder 9
S.A. (Southworth Allen) Howard
approximately 1830s-1880s
Box 33, Folder 10
T. Hughes
approximately 1810-1828
Box 33, Folder 11
S (Samuel) & J (John) Keys; S. King
approximately 1828-1840
Box 33, Folder 12
Langley & Belch; Langley & Co.
approximately 1810-1820
Box 33, Folder 13-14
J.L. (John Lewis) Marks
approximately 1832-1855
Box 33, Folder 15
G. Martin; McLoughlin Bros
approximately 1810; 1880
Box 33, Folder 16
New York Popular Publishing Co.
approximately 1880-1885
Box 33, Folder 17
W. Perks
approximately 1810
Box 33, Folder 18
Thomas Richardson
approximately 1828-1843
Box 34, Folder 1
Ryan, May and White; Ryle & Co.
approximately 1840s
Box 34, Folder 2-4
T.W. Strong
approximately 1840s
Box 34, Folder 5
Turner & Fisher
approximately 1830s-1860s
Box 34, Folder 7
Unknown publishers
approximately 1857
Scope and Contents
The materials in this folder were printed for booksellers so they do not have
specific publisher information.
Subseries D. Advertisements, catalogs, and price lists
approximately 1830s-1960s
Physical Description: 0.63 Linear
Feet (3 binders)
Scope and Contents
This subseries consists of price lists, advertisements, and promotional material
created by various artists, companies, and publishers for selling valentine
materials.
Arrangement
Arranged alphabetically by name of company or creator.
Binder 175
Adamstown Printing Office-J. Jay Gould
approximately 1830s-1920s
Binder 176
H.N Harbach-Package Confectionery Co.
approximately 1840s-1910s
Binder 177
Raphael Tuck & Sons-George C. Whitney
approximately 1840s-1910s
Box 34, Folder 8
A.J. Fisher Co.
approximately 1874-1878
Box 34, Folder 9
American News Co.; Butler and Kelley Co.; Ernest Dudley Chase; Geo S.
Carrington
approximately 1890s-1910
Box 34, Folder 10
Cleveland News Co; Cyrus W. Field & Co.; E.A. Powell and
Co.
1854-1897
Box 34, Folder 11
Fisher & Brother; Fisher & Denison; Fisher Valentine
Co.
approximately 1870s-1880s
Box 34, Folder 12
M.L. Gardner; Geo C. Whitney Co.; Geo P. Brown & Co.
approximately 1890-1910s
Box 34, Folder 15
McLoughlin Bros.
1877; 1880-1883; 1885-1886
Box 34, Folder 16
McLoughlin Bros.
1898-1899; 1914
Box 34, Folder 17
Meinecke Toy Co.; Nyce Manufacturing Co.; Raphael Tuck &
Sons
1896; 1935; 1907
Box 34, Folder 18
S.A. Maxwell & Co.
approximately 1880s-1890s
Box 34, Folder 19
J. Slater; Valentine & Company; Washington News Co.
approximately 1840s; 1885;
1912
Box 34, Folder 20
Unknown and miscellaneous companies
approximately 1880s-1950
Box 58, Folder 1-5
Miscellaneous companies
approximately 1870s-1920s
Box 168, Folder 4-6
Miscellaneous companies
approximately 1840s-1960s
Subseries E. Periodicals and pictorials
approximately 1820s-1990s; bulk
1820s-1880s
Physical Description: 6.83 Linear
Feet (4 boxes)
Scope and Contents
This subseries consists of various periodicals, pictorials, and clippings that relate
to Valentine's Day. Of note are many pictorials illustrated by artist Kate Greenaway,
and copies of Harper's Bazaar dating from the 19th century.
Arrangement
Periodicals are mostly organized by title in document boxes. Oversize periodicals,
pictorials, and clippings are roughly organized by date in flat boxes.
Box 35, Folder 1
Beauty Magazine
1924 February
Box 35, Folder 2
The Bookworm
1866 February
Box 35, Folder 3
The Boy's Own Paper
1891 February 14
Box 35, Folder 4
The Century
1916 February
Box 35, Folder 5
Dennison's Gala Book
approximately 1925
Box 35, Folder 6
Dennison's Party Magazine
1927 January-February
Box 35, Folder 7
The Farm Journal
1897 February
Box 35, Folder 8
Figaro in London
1832 February 18
Box 35, Folder 10
George Cruikshank's Table Book
1845 January
Box 35, Folder 11
The Girl's Own Paper
1882 February 11
Box 35, Folder 13
Judy, or the London Serio-Comic Journal
1875 February 10
Box 35, Folder 14
"Judy's" Comical Pennyworths
1882 February 30
Box 35, Folder 15
Ladies' Magazine
1828 July
Box 35, Folder 16
The Leisure Hour
1866 February 17
Box 35, Folder 17-19
Life Magazine
1896-1910; 1913-1923
Box 35, Folder 20
The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction
1823-1824; 1826; 1829
Box 35, Folder 21
Punch or the London Charivari
1940 February 14
Box 52, Folder 13
Revue Illustrée
1889 February 15
Box 35, Folder 22
Rural Repository
1846 February 4
Box 35, Folder 24
The United States Stationer
1886 January
Box 35, Folder 25
The Whig-Dresser
1833 February 16
Box 62, Folder 1-2
Newspaper clippings and periodicals
approximately 1880s-1990s
Box 164, Folder 1, Box 165, Folder 3-7
Pictorials
approximately 1840s-1910s
Box 164, Folder 2, Box 166, Folder 1-6
Newspaper clippings and periodicals
approximately 1840s-1910s
Subseries F. Ephemera
approximately 1493-1970s; bulk
1840s-1920s
Physical Description: 3.92 Linear
Feet (2 binders, 2 boxes, 1 oversize
folder)
Scope and Contents
This series includes sheet music, prints, drawings, photographs, lottery broadsides,
dance tickets and programs, and other ephemera roughly organized by date.
Binder 178
Valentine stamps and ephemera
1885-1971
Scope and Contents
Binder includes stamps, trade cards and advertisements.
Binder 179
Ball and dance party ephemera, by holiday and event
1840s-1930s
Scope and Contents
Binder includes Valentine's Day, Leap Year, and other ball and dance party tickets,
invitations and programs.
Box 36, Folder 1
Lottery announcements
approximately 1840s-1970s
Box 36, Folder 2
Ball and dance party ephemera
approximately 1883-1930s
Box 36, Folder 3
Eliza A. Goss photographs and ephemera
approximately 1854-1858
Box 36, Folder 5
Photographs, prints, and informational flyers
approximately 1880s-1950s
Box 52, Folder 8-9
Prints and drawings
approximately 1800-1920s
Box 61, Folder 3, Box 164, Folder 3
Prints and posters
1493; approximately
1860s-1960s
Scope and Contents
Includes leaves from the Nuremberg chronicle with illustration of Valentinus, f.
CLXVIII and f. CXXII by Anton Koberger.
Folder Oversize 1
Prints, photographs, and drawings
approximately 1840s-1940s
Box 59, Folder 1-11
Sheet music
approximately 1860s-1950s
Subseries G. Scrapbooks and albums
approximately 1830s-1970s; bulk
1830s-1880s
Physical Description: 20.42 Linear
Feet (16 boxes)
Scope and Contents
This subseries consists of scrapbooks, sample books, and albums relating to
Valentine's Day. The albums vary from containing samples of paper lace valentines,
cobweb valentines, comic valentines, or albums with scrap materials. Also included are
personalized albums owned by individuals who collected valentines.
Box 60, Volume 1
The Geo C. Whitney Co. valentine samples
1930
Box 60, Folder 2
The Geo C. Whitney Co. lace valentines
1910s-1940s
Box 62, Folder 3
A Dream on St. Valentine's Eve
1849
Scope and Contents
Item is an illustrated and handmade poetry book. Binding is loose.
Box 62, Folder 4
Drawings by Charles Johnson
1898
Scope and Contents
Binding and pages are loose.
Box 69, Volume 1
McLoughlin Bros. Samples of lace valentines
1896
Box 70, Volume 1, Box 70, Folder 1
Valentine scrapbook
approximately 1830s-1860s
Scope and Contents
Black bound album embossed with designs. Album includes valentines, engravings,
drawings, and colored illustrations ranging in dates. Many of the drawings are
signed "L. Young" and "S. Young."
Includes folder of loose materials from scrapbook.
Box 71, Volume 1
Mrs. Cryder scrapbook
approximately 1860s-1880s
Scope and Contents
Scrapbook belonging to Mrs. Cryder, wife of W.W. Cryder. Possibly belonging to
Helen Chauncey Cryder (1842-1903). Interior page is dated 1868 but materials in
scrapbook are dated and range up to the 1880s.
Box 72, Volume 1, Box 72, Folder 1
Valentine scrapbook
1901-1903
Scope and Contents
Includes folder of loose materials from scrapbook.
Box 73, Volume 1
Album of woodcut comic valentines
approximately 1850s-1870s
Scope and Contents
Album's spine is deteriorating. Many of the woodcuts are printed by the American
Valentine Co. and were created during the American Civil War. Pages of the back of
the album are in German and are unrelated to valentines.
Box 73, Volume 2
A. Park valentine album
approximately 1840s-1860s
Scope and Contents
Album includes both comic and non-comic valentines.
Box 74, Volume 1
Harriet Davis scrapbook
1894-1900
Box 75, Folder 1
Mary Anna Davis scrapbook and loose materials
1842
Box 76, Volume 1
Charles Albert Reed valentine scrapbook
approximately 1940s-1960s
Box 77, Volume 1, Box 77, Folder 1
Charles Albert Reed valentine scrapbook
approximately 1940s-1960s
Scope and Contents
Includes folder of loose materials from scrapbook.
Box 78, Volume 1, Box 78, Folder 1
Charles Albert Reed valentine scrapbook
approximately 1960s-1980s
Scope and Contents
Includes folder of loose materials from scrapbook.
Box 79, Folder 1-3
Charles Albert Reed valentine scrapbook
approximately 1920s-1960s
Box 80, Volume 1
L. Prang & Co. Valentine cards
1895
Box 81, Volume 1
Elizabeth C. Webb scrapbook
1841-1843
Scope and Contents
Binding has come loose. Housed within a container that reads "Rock & Co.
Valentine Album." Interior page reads "Album presented to Miss Elizabeth C. Webb by
her father, N.Y. Jan 1, 1841."
Box 82, Volume 1
Nelly Fagg scrapbook
1868-1870
Box 83, Volume 1
Valentine album
approximately 1840s-1880s
Scope and Contents
Bound album of blank embossed valentine samples. Cover of album is decorated with
mother of pearl inlays and painted embellishments.
Box 171, Folder 1-14
Jonathan King sample album
approximately 1870
Series II. Manners and customs
approximately 1720s-1960s; bulk
1840s-1880s
Physical Description: 38.98 Linear
Feet (33 binders, 34 boxes)
Scope and Contents
The Manners and customs series includes albums, correspondence, greeting cards,
visiting cards, and other ephemera relating to friendship, holidays, celebrations,
commemorations, and love and courtship. Items include prints and drawings, signed
friendship albums, holiday scrap, escort cards, guides on flirtation and wedding
memorabilia.
Arrangement
Organized in three subseries:
- Subseries A. Friendship, approximately 1780s-1930s
- Subseries B. Holidays, celebrations, and commemorations, approximately
1740s-1930s
- Subseries C. Love and courtship, approximately 1720s-1930s
Subseries A. Friendship
approximately 1780s-1930s
Physical Description: 27.91 Linear
Feet (12 binders, 24 boxes)
Scope and Contents
The friendship subseries consists of greeting cards, correspondence, poetry, visiting
cards, prints, drawings, stationery, samples, and albums. Many of the greeting cards
date from the Biedermeier era; they are in German and include mesh, gilding, paper
wafers, and painted details. The albums include autograph albums signed by friends and
classmates, and some contain albums of individual locks of hair or pressed flowers.
Also included are correspondence, some of which include drawings, puzzles, and braided
locks of hair sewn or attached to the letters.
Arrangement
Materials are arranged chronologically when known.
Binder 180, Binder 181, Binder 182
Biedermeier style friendship cards
approximately 1780s-1870s
Binder 183
Correspondence with locks of hair
approximately 1820s-1880s
Binder 184
Greeting cards and postcards
approximately 1890s-1910s
Binder 185, Binder 186, Binder 187
Visiting cards
approximately 1880s-1910s
Scope and Contents
Binders 185-186 include images of animals. Binder 187 includes images of
flowers.
Binder 188, Binder 189, Binder 190
Visiting cards
approximately 1880s-1910s
Scope and Contents
Binders 188-189 include images of flowers. Binder 190 includes images of
people.
Binder 191
Visiting cards
approximately 1880s-1910s
Scope and Contents
Binder 191 includes images of views.
Box 37, Folder 1
Correspondence
1785-1911
Scope and Contents
Folder includes correspondence that is dated.
Box 37, Folder 2
Correspondence
approximately 1780s-1880s
Scope and Contents
Folder includes correspondence that is not dated.
Box 105, Folder 1
Correspondence
approximately 1850s-1910s
Scope and Contents
Includes correspondence in other languages, one document is in Norwegian, and
another is possibly in Greek.
Box 37, Folder 3
Acrostic poems
approximately 1828-1852
Box 37, Folder 4
Friendship tokens and games
approximately 1840s-1880s
Box 37, Folder 5
Riddles
approximately 1830s-1850s
Scope and Contents
The riddles are organized in numerical order, 1-23, and are numbered on the back of
the cards.
Box 37, Folder 6
Albums and letters with locks of hair
approximately 1850s-1860s
Box 37, Folder 7
Prints and drawings
approximately 1840s-1909
Scope and Contents
Folder includes drawings, printed cards and a printed bond imitation document.
Box 119
Prints and drawings
approximately 1830s-1860s
Scope and Contents
Box includes wooden frame the item was housed in.
Box 170, Folder 1
Prints and drawings
approximately 1850s-1880s
Box 37, Folder 8
Friendship album frontispieces and cutouts
approximately 1830s-1891
Box 105, Folder 2, Box 170, Folder 2
Sample cards
approximately 1880s-1920s
Box 105, Folder 3-4
Friendship album frontispieces, cutouts, and loose pages
approximately 1860s-1910s
Box 105, Folder 5
Floral scrapbook stationery set
approximately 1850s
Scope and Contents
Titled in German and English, "Realm of the Queen of Flowers."
Box 37, Folder 9
Etta A. Tayne autograph album
approximately 1886-1893
Box 37, Folder 10
Mystie Kincaid autograph album
1885
Box 37, Folder 11
Julia Wightman Starr and Ada Newell Starr album to "Joseph"
1896
Scope and Contents
Julia Wightman Starr (1846-1944) had a daughter, Ada Newell Starr (1876-1979). The
album is addressed to Joseph, likely Joseph R. Colton, Ada's husband.
Box 38, Folder 1
Copper metal plates
approximately 1840s-1880s
Scope and Contents
The small copper plates have cut-outs of people's names. The plates were likely
used to create visiting cards.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Preservation note: Only handle item while wearing nitrile gloves to avoid
discoloration or corrosion to the surface of the plates.
Box 38, Folder 2
Menu stationery
approximately 1890s-1920s
Box 38, Folder 3-4
Stationery and envelopes
approximately 1860s-1920s
Box 38, Folder 5
Envelopes
approximately 1880s-1930s
Box 38, Folder 6-13
Stationery
approximately 1860s-1920s
Box 38, Folder 14
Stationery sets
approximately 1860s-1880s
Box 39, Folder 1-8
Dimensional and mechanical greeting cards
approximately 1860s-1910s
Scope and Contents
The cards in these folders are very delicate and have mechanical or paper levers
that fold out or move to reveal images behind layers of paper.
Box 39, Folder 9-14
Greeting cards
approximately 1860s-1950s; bulk
1860s-1910s
Scope and Contents
Folder 10 includes cards with natural and artificial feathers, leaves, and
plants.
Box 39, Folder 15
Paper gloves
approximately 1860s-1910s
Box 87, Volume 1, Box 87, Folder 1
Scrapbook
approximately 1880s-1950s
Scope and Contents
Includes folder of loose materials from scrapbook.
Box 88, Volume 1
Scrapbook
approximately 1880s
Box 89, Volume 1
Scrapbook
approximately 1880s-1920s
Box 90, Volume 1
Scrapbook
approximately 1880s-1920s
Scope and Contents
Album cover is made from cloth and different textiles with quilted patterns sewn on
the front and back. Back of album has stitching with "C.C.H" sewn in.
Box 91, Volume 1, Box 91, Folder 1
Mrs. F.B. Butler scrapbook
approximately 1880s-1890s
Scope and Contents
Book is deteriorating and made of pregummed paper. Pages are very fragile. Interior
reads "Mrs. F.B. Butler (Aunt Carrie Lill Tobey's sister)," opposite page is signed
"Frank Butler."
Includes folder of loose materials from scrapbook.
Box 92, Volume 1
Miss Caroline Curtis album
1831-1832
Box 92, Volume 2
Bella C. Landaver album
approximately 1830s-1930s
Box 93, Volume 1
Album
1827-1829
Scope and Contents
Album signed to "Pamelia"; many names are signed from "Brookfield Seminary."
Box 93, Volume 2
Scrapbook album
1903
Scope and Contents
Album has cloth pages.
Box 93, Volume 3
Lydia Parker album
1837-1842
Scope and Contents
Album gifted to "Miss Lydia Parker, Syracuse, June 22nd, 1838" by "Emeline P.
Parker."
Box 93, Volume 4
Sarah "Sadie" Fiske autograph album
1881-1909
Box 93, Volume 5
Alice G. Sanderson autograph album
1884-1893
Box 93, Volume 6
Autograph album
1881-1883
Scope and Contents
Possibly belonged to J. Barlett Brooks. Last page has an illustration of a bird
with signature, but unclear if signed by owner.
Box 93, Volume 7
Autograph album
1846-1851
Scope and Contents
Album is signed in German and includes Biedermeier style cards.
Box 94, Volume 1
Elizabeth F. Bomerbank album
1849-1857
Box 94, Volume 2
Scrapbook
approximately 1880s-1890s
Box 95, Volume 1
Harriet Ryder Davis album
1835-1864; bulk 1834-1840
Box 95, Volume 2
Susan album
1840-1851
Scope and Contents
Album gifted "to Susan from sister, W. August" on September 10, 1840. Mostly blank,
with messages written sporadically throughout.
Box 95, Volume 3
Kate Fatten album
1855-1862
Scope and Contents
Loose cover and front pages.
Box 95, Volume 4
The scriptural album with floral illustrations
1850
Scope and Contents
Book is missing front and back cover. Blank aside from printed illustrations.
Box 95, Volume 5
Lucy Knowlton Murdock album
1840-1870
Box 96, Volume 1
Flower memories album
1859
Scope and Contents
Album of pressed flowers. The flowers are labeled with locations.
Box 96, Volume 2
Souvenir album
1859
Scope and Contents
Album of pressed flowers. The flowers are labeled with locations.
Box 97, Volume 1, Box 97, Folder 1
Elizabeth B. Hayne album
1828-1835
Scope and Contents
Includes folder of loose materials from album.
Box 97, Volume 2
Lucy M. Vilas album
1826-1878
Box 97, Volume 3
Angie G.(?) Hall album
approximately 1880s
Scope and Contents
Card album opens in both directions. Faintly written in purple pencil on interior
page: "Angie G.(?) Hall, Bost."
Box 98, Volume 1, Box 98, Folder 1
Sadie Olive Underhill album
1905-1908
Scope and Contents
Scrapbook album of Sadie Olive Underhill. Majority of album includes ephemera
documenting marriage to William Vetal Raymond in 1908.
Includes folder of loose materials from album.
Box 99, Volume 1
L. Gelbert Frowert scrapbook
approximately 1880s-1910s
Box 99, Volume 2
Emma album
1859-1878
Scope and Contents
Interior page reads, "Album 1859 for Emma from Cattie."
Box 100, Volume 1
Anna S. Mershon scrapbook
approximately 1880s-1910s
Box 101, Volume 1
Mary Ann A. Paige album
1829-1839
Scope and Contents
Album interior page is signed "Mary Ann A. Paige." Last page of album is signed
"Miss Mary Ann A. Haskins." Name changed in 1833 after marriage to Lysander F.
Haskins.
Box 102, Volume 1
Maria Roh album
1832-1842
Box 103, Volume 1
Martha (Mattie) W. Burdick album
1849-1865
Box 104, Volume 1
Haverfield Pub. Co. sample card book
approximately 1880s-1910s
Box 104, Volume 2
Bradley & Co. agent's sample book
approximately 1880s-1910s
Box 104, Folder 1
Visiting cards salesman sample books
approximately 1880s-1910s
Box 104, Volume 3
Margaret Kermode album
1898-1901
Subseries B. Holidays, celebrations, and commemorations
approximately 1740s-1930s
Physical Description: 6.37 Linear
Feet (15 binders, 5 boxes)
Scope and Contents
This subseries includes greeting cards, scrap material, devotional images and
scapulars, mourning and memorial cards, dance cards, tickets, programs,
correspondence, and other ephemera. A majority of the items pertain to Christmas,
Easter, New Year's Eve, Jewish New Year, birthdays, Leap Year, and other holidays.
Arrangement
Materials are organized by holiday and subject.
Binder 192
Birthday, Christmas and New Year's Eve postcards
1897-1919
Binder 193
Easter, Leap Year, and other holiday postcards
1907-1914
Binder 179
Ball and dance party ephemera, by holiday and event
1840s-1930s
Scope and Contents
Binder includes Valentine's Day, Leap Year, and other ball and dance party tickets,
invitations and programs.
Binder 194
Religious and devotional cards
1742-1895
Binder 196
General holiday greeting cards, by creator
1870s-1930s
Binder 197
Birthday cards, by creator
1880s-1930s
Binder 198
Christmas and New Year's Eve greeting cards, by company
1880s-1920s
Binder 199
Christmas and New Year's Eve greeting cards, by creator. De La Rue-Kate
Greenaway
1870s-1880s
Binder 200
Christmas and New Year's Eve greeting cards, by creator. Louis Prang &
Co.
1870s-1880s
Binder 201
Christmas and New Year's Eve greeting cards, by creator. Marcus Ward &
Co.-Raphael Tuck & Sons
1870s-1910s
Binder 202
Christmas and New Year's Eve greeting cards, unknown creator
1880s-1920s
Binder 203
Easter greeting cards, by creator
1880s-1930s
Binder 204
Easter greeting cards, unknown creator
1880s-1930s
Binder 205
Holiday scraps
1880s-1910s
Binder 206
Religious scraps
1890s-1910s
Box 40, Folder 1-5
Christmas and New Year's Eve greeting cards
approximately 1860s-1930s
Scope and Contents
Includes dimensional, mechanical, and flat greeting cards. The cards in folder 4
include pressed flower petals and leaves.
Box 40, Folder 6
Christmas ephemera
approximately 1860s-1917
Scope and Contents
Folder includes Christmas letters, booklets, prints, and periodicals.
Box 106, Folder 5
Christmas cards and ephemera
approximately 1880s-1910s
Box 40, Folder 7, Box 107, Folder 1-7
Jewish New Year greeting cards
approximately 1880s-1920s
Scope and Contents
Includes dimensional, mechanical, and flat greeting cards. The cards are both in
Hebrew and in English. Folder 7 includes envelopes that were separated from their
cards.
Box 40, Folder 8, Box 106, Folder 4
Birthday greeting cards
approximately 1880s-1950s
Box 40, Folder 9, Box 106, Folder 3
Easter greeting cards
approximately 1880s-1920s
Box 40, Folder 10
Easter booklets by Louis Prang & Co.
1883; 1889
Box 40, Folder 11
Leap Year greeting cards
approximately 1880s-1920s
Box 40, Folder 12
Other holiday greeting cards and ephemera
approximately 1880s-1940s
Scope and Contents
Includes anniversary cards, Mother's Day cards, Thanksgiving cards, and other
holiday greeting cards.
Box 170, Folder 3
Holiday prints and drawings
approximately 1880s-1940s
Box 40, Folder 13-14
Devotional cards
approximately 1880s-1910s
Scope and Contents
Folders include dimensional and mechanical greeting cards with images of Christ,
the Virgin Mary, angels, and other religious motifs.
Box 106, Folder 7
Devotional materials
approximately 1750s-1800
Scope and Contents
Includes cut-paper work and endless knots.
Box 41, Folder 1
Devotional scapulars
approximately 1890s-1910s
Box 41, Folder 2
Devotional images
approximately 1750s-1940s
Scope and Contents
Folder includes religious canivets portraying images of various saints. Also
included are modern depictions of Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, and other religious
motifs and figures.
Box 41, Folder 3
Mourning and memorial cards
approximately 1830s-1890s
Box 106, Folder 8
Mourning and memorial cards
approximately 1830s-1890s
Box 41, Folder 4
Correspondence
approximately 1830s-1928
Scope and Contents
Correspondence includes letters regarding holidays and life or death. Many of the
letters are written in other languages.
Box 41, Folder 5-6
Baptism certificates and cards
1778-1900
Box 41, Folder 7
Devotional booklets and calendars
approximately 1890s
Box 41, Folder 8
Italian poetry
approximately 1890s-1910s
Scope and Contents
The poems are about religious holidays and changing of the seasons.
Box 41, Folder 9
Jewish New Year stationery
approximately 1890s-1910s
Scope and Contents
Material is in both Hebrew and in English.
Box 41, Folder 10
Holiday stationery
approximately 1920s-1930s
Box 106, Folder 6
Holiday scraps
approximately 1880s-1910s
Box 41, Folder 11
Devotional psalms and prayer books
approximately 1840s-1890s
Box 42, Folder 1-2
Leap Year calendars and almanacs
1844-1916
Box 42, Folder 3
Leap Year periodicals and programs
approximately 1916-1960
Box 42, Folder 4-5
Leap Year dance cards and programs
1870s-1910s
Box 42, Folder 6
Leap Year ball invitations and tickets
approximately 1840s-1910s
Box 42, Folder 7
Leap Year ephemera
approximately 1880s-1910s
Box 165, Folder 8
Leap Year broadsides
approximately 1910s
Box 106, Folder 2
Leap Year prints and pictorials
approximately 1800-1880s
Box 42, Folder 8-9
Ball dance cards and tickets
1860s-1880s
Box 42, Folder 11
Ball programs, tickets, and ephemera
1890s-1910s
Box 42, Folder 12
Christmas and New Year's Eve ball programs, tickets, and
invitations
1830s-1850s
Subseries C. Love and courtship
approximately 1720s-1930s
Physical Description: 4.7 Linear
Feet (5 binders, 5 boxes)
Scope and Contents
The love and courtship subseries includes materials related to romance, courtship,
and marriage. Of note are matrimonial ladders, maps of matrimony, correspondence,
prints and drawings, wedding programs and invitations, songbooks, song sheets, and
wedding photographs.
Arrangement
Materials are arranged chronologically when known.
Binder 207
Everyday cards and wedding related materials
1839-1920s
Binder 208
Escort cards, love tokens, and other ephemera
1850s-1890s
Binder 209
Prints and clippings
1760s-1830s
Binder 210, Binder 211
Love and courtship scraps
1880s-1920s
Box 43, Folder 1
Matrimonial ladders
approximately 1820s-1840s
Scope and Contents
Includes The Queen's Matrimonial Ladder by George Cruikshank.
Box 43, Folder 2
Map of Matrimony
approximately 1770s-1910s
Box 170, Folder 5
Map of Matrimony
approximately 1850s-1960s
Box 43, Folder 3-4
Booklets
approximately 1799-1890s
Scope and Contents
Booklets include guidebooks and letter writers on love, flirtation, courtship, and
marriage.
Box 43, Folder 5
Fans and flirtation guides
approximately 1860s-1880s
Box 43, Folder 6
Correspondence
1799-1943
Scope and Contents
Folder includes correspondence that is dated.
Box 43, Folder 7
Correspondence
approximately 1780s-1930s
Scope and Contents
Folder includes correspondence that is not dated.
Box 43, Folder 8
Correspondence
approximately 1840s-1860s
Scope and Contents
Folder includes correspondence that is not dated but is organized by sender or
recipient.
Box 108, Folder 4
Correspondence
approximately 1880s-1910s
Box 43, Folder 9, Box 108, Folder 5
Poetry and writing
approximately 1790s-1880s
Box 43, Folder 10, Box 108, Folder 1
Prints and drawings
approximately 1800-1930s
Box 170, Folder 6-7
Prints and drawings
approximately 1850s-1920s
Box 43, Folder 11
Periodicals, broadsides, and clippings
approximately 1790s-1930s
Box 43, Folder 12-13
Songbooks and musical cards
approximately 1840s-1910s
Box 43, Folder 14-16
Songbooks and song sheets
approximately 1820s-1920s
Scope and Contents
Folder 15 contains military related song sheets, likely from the American Civil
War. Most are printed by Charles Magnus.
Box 44, Folder 1-2
Wedding invitations
approximately 1860s-1960s
Box 44, Folder 3
Wedding announcements and ephemera
approximately 1790s-1920s
Box 44, Folder 4
Wedding programs
1866; 1882
Scope and Contents
Includes program for the wedding of Princess Helena (1846-1923) and Prince
Christian (1831-1917) on July 5, 1866 at Windsor Castle. Also includes Form of
Solemnization of Matrimony for marriage of Princess Helen (1861-1922) and Prince
Leopold (1853-1884) on April 27, 1882 at Windsor Castle.
Box 44, Folder 5
Wedding program
1858
Scope and Contents
Wedding program and announcement for marriage of Emanuel Luserna Manfredi
D'Angrogna and Gabriella Morra della Monta in Pinerolo, Italy.
Box 44, Folder 6
Wedding photographs
approximately 1870s-1920s
Box 44, Folder 7
Wedding greeting cards and postcards
approximately 1880s-1950s
Box 44, Folder 8
Matrimonial documents
approximately 1840s-1880s
Box 44, Folder 9-12, Box 170, Folder 4
Marriage certificates
approximately 1720s-1910s
Box 108, Folder 2-3
Matrimonial certificates and family documents
approximately 1840s-1910s
Box 109, Folder 1
Newlywed memorial album
1928
Box 109, Volume 1
Harriet C. Peterson scrapbook
1914-1918
Scope and Contents
Titled: "Ye Queen of Hearts."
Box 110, Volume 1
Wedding photograph album
approximately 1870s-1890s
Scope and Contents
Album of black and white cabinet photographs and cartes de visite.
Box 110, Folder 1
Wedding photograph
approximately 1920s-1930s
Scope and Contents
Photograph was originally stored with wedding photograph album, but based on attire
of individuals in album, the photograph dates from a later period.
Series III. Artist and organizational files
approximately 1870s-1980s
Physical Description: 3.46 Linear
Feet (3 binders, 4 boxes)
Scope and Contents
This series contains internal and organizational files relating to illustrator Kate
Greenaway, printer Louis Prang, and companies Rust Craft Greeting Card Co., and Norcross
Greeting Card Co. Included are samples of art, original drawings, promotional materials,
correspondence, and internal files. The greeting cards produced by these artists and
organizations are found throughout other series in this collection.
Arrangement
Organized in four subseries:
- Subseries A. Kate Greenaway, approximately 1870s-1920s
- Subseries B. Louis Prang, approximately 1860s-1910s
- Subseries C. Rust Craft Greeting Card Company, approximately 1910s-1980s; bulk
1940s
- Subseries D. Norcross Greeting Card Company, approximately 1917-1979; bulk
1940s-1970s
Subseries A. Kate Greenaway
approximately 1870s-1920s
Physical Description: 0.63 Linear
Feet (3 binders)
Scope and Contents
The Kate Greenaway subseries includes original artwork, calendars, trade cards, and
advertisements relating to the illustrator.
Greenaway's Valentine's Day cards are housed in the Valentine's Day series, and her
other holiday greeting cards are found in the Manners and customs series. This
subseries pertains primarily to her original art and promotional material.
Arrangement
Arranged by type and roughly by date when known.
Binder 212
Extracted illustrations
1886-1910
Binder 214
Trade cards and advertisements
1870s-1880s
Box 45, Folder 1
Original artwork and correspondence
approximately 1880s-1901
Box 170, Folder 8
Prints and drawings
approximately 1870s-1920s
Subseries B. Louis Prang
approximately 1860s-1910s
Physical Description: 2.42 Linear
Feet (3 boxes)
Scope and Contents
This subseries contains promotional, instructional and internal files relating to
Louis Prang. Included are art course books, trade cards, advertisements, newspaper
clippings, and correspondence.
Louis Prang's Valentine's Day cards are housed in the Valentine's Day series, and his
other holiday greeting cards are found in the Manners and customs series.
Arrangement
Arranged by type and roughly by date when known.
Binder 214
Trade cards and advertisements
1870s-1880s
Box 45, Folder 2-5
Correspondence
approximately 1884-1918
Box 45, Folder 6-7
Prang Library correspondence
approximately 1915-1917
Box 45, Folder 8
Prang's notes and writings
approximately 1880s-1930s
Box 45, Folder 9-15
Promotional material
approximately 1861-1910s
Box 45, Folder 16
Educational promotional material
approximately 1880s-1910s
Box 45, Folder 17
Newspaper clippings
approximately 1880s-1910s
Box 111, Folder 1-5
Art instruction materials
approximately 1880s-1910s
Scope and Contents
Includes course books from the Prang Educational Company.
Box 111, Folder 7
Louis Prang & Co. Illustrated catalogue of fine art studies
1892-1893
Box 112, Folder 1
Photographs
approximately 1880s-1910s
Box 112, Folder 2-3
Prints and promotional materials
approximately 1880s-1910s
Box 112, Folder 4
Geyer's Stationer clippings
1883-1896
Subseries C. Rust Craft Greeting Card Company
approximately 1910s-1980s; bulk
1940s
Scope and Contents
This subseries contains photographs, proofs, prints, samples, and original artwork by
artists working for Rust Craft Greeting Card Company.
Rust Craft's Valentine's Day cards are housed in the Valentine's Day series, and
other holiday greeting cards are found in the Manners and customs series.
Box 45, Folder 18
Greeting card proofs and samples
approximately 1910s-1940s
Box 45, Folder 19-20
Photographs
approximately 1947
Box 170, Folder 8
Prints and drawings
approximately 1910s-1940s
Subseries D. Norcross Greeting Card Company
approximately 1917-1979; bulk
1940s-1970s
Physical Description: 0.42 Linear
Feet (1 box)
Scope and Contents
This subseries contains internal organizational files, photographs, samples and
artwork relating to the Norcross Greeting Card Company.
Norcross's Valentine's Day cards are housed in the Valentine's Day series, and other
holiday greeting cards are found in the Manners and customs series.
Box 46, Folder 1
Greeting card samples and internal cards
approximately 1940s-1960s
Box 46, Folder 2
Bank payments and check stubs
1917-1936
Box 46, Folder 3
Collection appraisal and progress report
1974 September
Box 46, Folder 4
Collection appraisal and progress report
1974 October 31
Box 46, Folder 5
Collection appraisal records
1974-1979
Box 46, Folder 6
Smithsonian Institution donation documentation and deed of gift
1979
Box 46, Folder 7
Display cabinet fixture information
1977
Box 46, Folder 8
Human Resource's internal files
1977
Box 46, Folder 9
Internal organizational files
approximately 1960-1977
Box 46, Folder 11
News article draft
approximately 1940s-1960s
Box 46, Folder 12
Photographs
approximately 1940s-1970s
Box 46, Folder 13
Audio messages and recordings
approximately 1944-1945
Scope and Contents
Folder contains 45 RPM records of recorded messages.
Conditions Governing Access
NOT AVAILABLE: Audiovisual materials are not available for paging until
reformatted. Please contact Reader Services for more information.
Box 112, Folder 6
Samples and artwork
approximately 1940s-1960s
Box 170, Folder 8
Prints and drawings
approximately 1940s
Box 112, Folder 7
Organizational files and newsletters
approximately 1940s-1970s
Series IV. Education
approximately 1740s-1930s
Physical Description: 8.13 Linear
Feet (7 binders, 8 boxes)
Scope and Contents
This series includes instructional and educational material relating to handmade
crafts, puzzles, grammar, math, and other disciplinary subjects. Of note are booklets on
the language of flowers, almanacs, letter writers, and rewards of merit awarded to
students.
Arrangement
Organized in three subseries:
- Subseries A. Bookmarks and ephemera, approximately 1840s-1910s
- Subseries B. Rewards of merit, approximately 1790s-1920s
- Subseries C. Instructional and reference booklets, approximately 1745-1930s
Subseries A. Bookmarks and ephemera
approximately 1840s-1910s
Physical Description: 0.21 Linear
Feet (1 binder)
Scope and Contents
This subseries consists of bookmarks, ribbons, prints, correspondence, and catalogs
relating to education.
Binder 215
Bookmarks and ribbons
approximately 1840s-1910s
Box 47, Folder 14
Catalogs and price lists
1878-1914
Box 47, Folder 15
Prints, correspondence, and handcrafted items
approximately 1840s-1860s
Subseries B. Rewards of merit
approximately 1790s-1920s
Physical Description: 2.67 Linear
Feet (6 binders, 2
boxes)
Scope and Contents
This subseries primarily consists of cards and certificates awarded to students in
school for good behavior and progress. Many of the rewards of merit are illustrated,
handmade, or printed.
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically when known.
Binder 216, Binder 217, Binder 218
Reward cards and certificates
approximately 1800-1910s
Binder 219, Binder 220, Binder 221
Reward cards and certificates
approximately 1880s-1910s
Scope and Contents
Certificates and cards in binder 221 are handmade.
Box 48, Folder 1-2
Certificates
1799-1979
Scope and Contents
Folders includes certificates that are dated.
Box 48, Folder 3
Certificates
approximately 1820s-1920s
Scope and Contents
Folder includes certificates that are not dated.
Box 48, Folder 4-7
Reward cards
approximately 1860s-1910s
Scope and Contents
Folder 6 includes reward cards made for music students. Folder 7 includes reward
cards with scripture text printed by Marcus Ward & Co.
Box 113, Folder 2-3
Reward cards and certificates
approximately 1800-1860s
Box 170, Folder 9
Reward cards and certificates
approximately 1830s-1860s
Subseries C. Instructional and reference booklets
approximately 1745-1930s
Physical Description: 5.25 Linear
Feet (6 boxes)
Scope and Contents
This subseries contains instructional booklets on grammar, craft techniques, letter
writing, and alamancs/booklets on the language of flowers.
Box 47, Folder 1
Album writers
approximately 1881
Box 47, Folder 2
Almanacs
approximately 1745-1797
Box 47, Folder 3
Almanacs
approximately 1840-1855
Box 113, Folder 1
Almanacs and language of flowers prints
approximately 1850s-1880s
Box 47, Folder 4
Almanacs and booklets on language of flowers by Eugene Rimmel
1859-1903
Box 47, Folder 5
Booklets on language of flowers: Burnett's Floral Handbooks
approximately 1870-1880
Box 47, Folder 6
Booklets on language of flowers
approximately 1860s-1880s
Box 47, Folder 7
Booklets on crepe paper crafts
1922-1925
Box 47, Folder 8
Booklets on grammar and crafts
approximately 1850s-1860s
Box 47, Folder 9
Booklets on Japanese and Chinese puzzles
approximately 1872
Scope and Contents
Includes booklets by Esther Howland.
Box 47, Folder 10
Booklets of miscellaneous stories and writings
1826-1862
Box 47, Folder 11
Beadle's Dime letter writers
approximately 1863-1868
Box 47, Folder 12
Letter writers
approximately 1802-1881
Box 114, Folder 1
Reduction Descending math ledger
approximately 1820s-1830s
Box 114, Folder 2
Nathaniel D. Gould Penmanship or the Beauties of Writing
1822 December 1
Box 114, Folder 3
Grace Etelka Clevenger Color Book and Quotations
approximately 1930s
Box 114, Folder 4
Grace Etelka Clevenger Color Book Vol.2
approximately 1930s
Box 114, Folder 5
Grace Etelka Clevenger Free Hand Cutting Book
approximately 1930s
Box 114, Folder 6
Grace Etelka Clevenger Folding Series
approximately 1930s
Box 115, Volume 1
B. Gibson album
1853-1907
Scope and Contents
Gift to Miss B. Gibson by students from Miss Ferguson's Seminary.
Box 116, Volume 1
Book on cutting
approximately 1910s-1920s
Box 117, Volume 1
Book on folding
approximately 1910s-1920s
Box 117, Volume 2
Book on weaving
approximately 1910s-1920s
Box 118, Volume 1
Arthur Prince reward of merit scrapbook
approximately 1876-1878
Series V. Artifacts and 3D objects
approximately 1800-1950s; bulk
1810s-1880s
Physical Description: 64.67 Linear
Feet (43 boxes)
Conditions Governing Access
RESTRICTED: Series V. Artifacts and 3D objects, boxes 121-163, are fragile and only
available with curatorial approval. Please contact Reader Services at the Huntington
Library for more information.
Scope and Contents
This series contains jewelry boxes, heart-shaped valentine boxes, valentines, fans,
Biedermeier style friendship cards, daguerreotypes, albums, embossing and engraving
tools, stationery, wooden puzzles, and other artifacts.
Arrangement
Materials are roughly arranged by size or format.
Box 121
Artifacts and 3D objects
approximately 1880s-1910s
Conditions Governing Access
RESTRICTED: Fragile; available with curatorial approval. Please contact Reader
Services at the Huntington Library for more information.
Scope and Contents
The box contains fans.
Box 122
Artifacts and 3D objects
approximately 1850s-1890s
Conditions Governing Access
RESTRICTED: Fragile; available with curatorial approval. Please contact Reader
Services at the Huntington Library for more information.
Scope and Contents
The box contains fans.
Box 123
Artifacts and 3D objects
approximately 1800-1950s
Conditions Governing Access
RESTRICTED: Fragile and contains glass; available with curatorial approval. Please
contact Reader Services at the Huntington Library for more information.
Scope and Contents
The box contains a wooden and glass shadowbox with embellishments.
Box 124
Artifacts and 3D objects
approximately 1850s-1890s
Conditions Governing Access
RESTRICTED: Fragile; available with curatorial approval. Please contact Reader
Services at the Huntington Library for more information.
Scope and Contents
The box contains a fan.
Box 125
Artifacts and 3D objects
approximately 1890s-1930s
Conditions Governing Access
RESTRICTED: Fragile; available with curatorial approval. Please contact Reader
Services at the Huntington Library for more information.
Scope and Contents
The box contains a heart-shaped valentine box and valentines.
Box 126
Artifacts and 3D objects
approximately 1880s
Conditions Governing Access
RESTRICTED: Fragile; available with curatorial approval. Please contact Reader
Services at the Huntington Library for more information.
Scope and Contents
The box contains a velvet boxed paper lace valentine.
Box 127
Artifacts and 3D objects
approximately 1850s-1910s
Conditions Governing Access
RESTRICTED: Fragile and contains glass; available with curatorial approval. Please
contact Reader Services at the Huntington Library for more information.
Scope and Contents
The box contains a glass jewelry box and a George C. Whitney valentine box.
Box 128
Artifacts and 3D objects
approximately 1850s-1870s
Conditions Governing Access
RESTRICTED: Fragile and contains glass; available with curatorial approval. Please
contact Reader Services at the Huntington Library for more information.
Scope and Contents
The box contains friendship albums with locks of hair, jewelry boxes with glass
mirrors, stationery boxes, and empty boxes.
Box 129
Artifacts and 3D objects
approximately 1860s-1890s
Conditions Governing Access
RESTRICTED: Fragile; available with curatorial approval. Please contact Reader
Services at the Huntington Library for more information.
Scope and Contents
The box contains a Victorian shadowbox with embellishments (feathers, shells,
flowers, scrap). Three items labeled "Recuerdo," one being an applique skeleton leaf,
and two embellished cards.
Box 130
Artifacts and 3D objects
approximately 1840s-1890s
Conditions Governing Access
RESTRICTED: Fragile; available with curatorial approval. Please contact Reader
Services at the Huntington Library for more information.
Scope and Contents
The box contains a printing block, playing cards, puzzle purses, Chinese puzzles, and
printing, cutting, stamping tools.
Box 131
Artifacts and 3D objects
approximately 1840s-1910s
Conditions Governing Access
RESTRICTED: Fragile, contains glass and possibly arsenic; available with curatorial
approval. Please contact Reader Services at the Huntington Library for more
information.
Scope and Contents
The box contains boxed valentines, friendship albums, souvenir books, and "the
Wedding Ring Booklet" by John S. Adams, published by J. Buffun.
Box 132
Artifacts and 3D objects
approximately 1860s-1890s
Conditions Governing Access
RESTRICTED: Fragile; available with curatorial approval. Please contact Reader
Services at the Huntington Library for more information.
Scope and Contents
The box contains an Easter greeting card (possibly by Louis Prang & Co.), and a
boxed greeting card.
Box 133
Artifacts and 3D objects
approximately 1860s-1880s
Conditions Governing Access
RESTRICTED: Fragile; available with curatorial approval. Please contact Reader
Services at the Huntington Library for more information.
Scope and Contents
The box contains empty boxes with printed lids.
Box 134
Artifacts and 3D objects
approximately 1800-1830s
Conditions Governing Access
RESTRICTED: Fragile; available with curatorial approval. Please contact Reader
Services at the Huntington Library for more information.
Scope and Contents
The box contains albums and souvenir books. All materials are in German.
Box 135
Artifacts and 3D objects
approximately 1860s-1880s
Conditions Governing Access
RESTRICTED: Fragile; available with curatorial approval. Please contact Reader
Services at the Huntington Library for more information.
Scope and Contents
The box contains valentine boxes. Back of one box reads "Mansell."
Box 136
Artifacts and 3D objects
approximately 1850s-1860s
Conditions Governing Access
RESTRICTED: Fragile; available with curatorial approval. Please contact Reader
Services at the Huntington Library for more information.
Scope and Contents
The box contains a paper lace valentine and its original box.
Box 137
Artifacts and 3D objects
approximately 1850s-1860s
Conditions Governing Access
RESTRICTED: Fragile; available with curatorial approval. Please contact Reader
Services at the Huntington Library for more information.
Scope and Contents
The box contains valentine boxes and a shadowbox valentine.
Box 138
Artifacts and 3D objects
approximately 1860s-1930s
Conditions Governing Access
RESTRICTED: Fragile; available with curatorial approval. Please contact Reader
Services at the Huntington Library for more information.
Scope and Contents
The box contains heart-shaped boxes, an Ernest Nister daisy chain, and other
artifacts.
Box 139
Artifacts and 3D objects
approximately 1840
Conditions Governing Access
RESTRICTED: Fragile; available with curatorial approval. Please contact Reader
Services at the Huntington Library for more information.
Scope and Contents
The box contains a valentine and letter.
Box 140
Artifacts and 3D objects
approximately 1850s-1880s
Conditions Governing Access
RESTRICTED: Fragile; available with curatorial approval. Please contact Reader
Services at the Huntington Library for more information.
Scope and Contents
The box contains a valentine and its original box. Valentine is marked as attributed
to creator Esther Howland with Mansell lace.
Box 141
Artifacts and 3D objects
approximately 1850s-1880s
Conditions Governing Access
RESTRICTED: Fragile; available with curatorial approval. Please contact Reader
Services at the Huntington Library for more information.
Scope and Contents
The box contains a valentine, its original envelope and box.
Box 142
Artifacts and 3D objects
approximately 1850s-1920s
Conditions Governing Access
RESTRICTED: Fragile and contains glass; available with curatorial approval. Please
contact Reader Services at the Huntington Library for more information.
Scope and Contents
The box contains a jewelry box with glass mirror, a glass framed George C. Whitney
advertisement, handsewn fabric gloves, and other ephemera and items.
Box 143
Artifacts and 3D objects
approximately 1810s-1840s
Conditions Governing Access
RESTRICTED: Fragile and contains glass; available with curatorial approval. Please
contact Reader Services at the Huntington Library for more information.
Scope and Contents
The box contains Biedermeier era glass framed cards.
Box 144
Artifacts and 3D objects
approximately 1810s-1860s
Conditions Governing Access
RESTRICTED: Fragile and contains glass; available with curatorial approval. Please
contact Reader Services at the Huntington Library for more information.
Scope and Contents
The box contains cards in glass boxes and frames, autograph albums, and boxes with
stationery.
Box 145
Artifacts and 3D objects
approximately 1860s-1910s
Conditions Governing Access
RESTRICTED: Fragile and contains glass; available with curatorial approval. Please
contact Reader Services at the Huntington Library for more information.
Scope and Contents
The box contains boxes with glass mirrors, empty boxes, and a George C. Whitney boxed
valentine.
Box 146
Artifacts and 3D objects
approximately 1820s-1840s
Conditions Governing Access
RESTRICTED: Fragile and contains glass; available with curatorial approval. Please
contact Reader Services at the Huntington Library for more information.
Scope and Contents
The box contains daguerreotypes, envelope seals, boxes with glass mirrors, puzzle
purses, and a St. Valentine Quilling Reliquary.
Box 147
Artifacts and 3D objects
approximately 1850s-1920s
Conditions Governing Access
RESTRICTED: Fragile and contains glass; available with curatorial approval. Please
contact Reader Services at the Huntington Library for more information.
Scope and Contents
The box contains greeting cards in glass frames and boxes, boxes of visiting cards,
needle cases and other artifacts.
Box 148
Artifacts and 3D objects
approximately 1850s-1890s
Conditions Governing Access
RESTRICTED: Fragile; available with curatorial approval. Please contact Reader
Services at the Huntington Library for more information.
Scope and Contents
The box contains fans.
Box 149
Artifacts and 3D objects
approximately 1850s-1890s
Conditions Governing Access
RESTRICTED: Fragile; available with curatorial approval. Please contact Reader
Services at the Huntington Library for more information.
Scope and Contents
The box contains fans.
Box 150
Artifacts and 3D objects
approximately 1850s-1890s
Conditions Governing Access
RESTRICTED: Fragile; available with curatorial approval. Please contact Reader
Services at the Huntington Library for more information.
Scope and Contents
The box contains fans.
Box 151
Artifacts and 3D objects
approximately 1850s-1890s
Conditions Governing Access
RESTRICTED: Fragile; available with curatorial approval. Please contact Reader
Services at the Huntington Library for more information.
Scope and Contents
The box contains fans.
Box 152
Artifacts and 3D objects
approximately 1850s-1890s
Conditions Governing Access
RESTRICTED: Fragile; available with curatorial approval. Please contact Reader
Services at the Huntington Library for more information.
Scope and Contents
The box contains fans and garlands.
Box 153
Artifacts and 3D objects
approximately 1850s-1890s
Conditions Governing Access
RESTRICTED: Fragile; available with curatorial approval. Please contact Reader
Services at the Huntington Library for more information.
Scope and Contents
The box contains a Map of Matrimony fan, and fans made of bone, scrap, and paper. One
fan is in its original wooden box.
Box 154
Artifacts and 3D objects
approximately 1860s-1930s
Conditions Governing Access
RESTRICTED: Fragile and contains glass; available with curatorial approval. Please
contact Reader Services at the Huntington Library for more information.
Scope and Contents
The box contains novelty cards and items. Includes miniature book on how to say "I
love you" in multiple languages. Also includes a glass bottle with paper message that
is labeled E. Rimmel.
Box 155
Artifacts and 3D objects
approximately 1930s-1960s
Conditions Governing Access
RESTRICTED: Fragile; available with curatorial approval. Please contact Reader
Services at the Huntington Library for more information.
Scope and Contents
The box contains valentines, one is labeled Hallmark.
Box 156
Artifacts and 3D objects
approximately 1860s-1880s
Conditions Governing Access
RESTRICTED: Fragile; available with curatorial approval. Please contact Reader
Services at the Huntington Library for more information.
Scope and Contents
The box contains boxed valentines with scraps, flowers, lace, and other components.
One is labeled McLoughlin Co.
Box 157
Artifacts and 3D objects
approximately 1860s-1890s
Conditions Governing Access
RESTRICTED: Fragile; available with curatorial approval. Please contact Reader
Services at the Huntington Library for more information.
Scope and Contents
The box contains a Louis Prang & Co. greeting card, dimensional and mechanical
cards, boxed valentines, and stationery boxes.
Box 158
Artifacts and 3D objects
approximately 1800-1930s
Conditions Governing Access
RESTRICTED: Fragile and contains glass; available with curatorial approval. Please
contact Reader Services at the Huntington Library for more information.
Scope and Contents
The box contains glass medallions, glass framed puzzles, tokens, and reward of merit
certificates. Also includes a Hallmark puzzle purse greeting card.
Box 159
Artifacts and 3D objects
approximately 1880s-1930s
Conditions Governing Access
RESTRICTED: Fragile; available with curatorial approval. Please contact Reader
Services at the Huntington Library for more information.
Scope and Contents
The box contains parchment valentines by Carrington Co. and George C. Whitney.
Box 160
Artifacts and 3D objects
approximately 1890s-1930s
Conditions Governing Access
RESTRICTED: Fragile; available with curatorial approval. Please contact Reader
Services at the Huntington Library for more information.
Scope and Contents
The box contains a celluloid ukulele and a greeting card with celluloid
components.
Box 161
Artifacts and 3D objects
approximately 1920s-1930s
Conditions Governing Access
RESTRICTED: Fragile; available with curatorial approval. Please contact Reader
Services at the Huntington Library for more information.
Scope and Contents
The box contains dimensional greeting cards with figures that can be mechanically
pulled by string.
Box 162
Artifacts and 3D objects
approximately 1860s-1910s
Conditions Governing Access
RESTRICTED: Fragile; available with curatorial approval. Please contact Reader
Services at the Huntington Library for more information.
Scope and Contents
The box contains boxed paper lace valentines, artificial flowers, and other
embellishments. One box is labeled Raphael Tuck & Sons.
Box 163
Artifacts and 3D objects
approximately 1860s-1910s
Conditions Governing Access
RESTRICTED: Fragile; available with curatorial approval. Please contact Reader
Services at the Huntington Library for more information.
Scope and Contents
The box contains boxed paper lace valentines, artificial flowers, and other
embellishments.
Series VI. Reference materials
approximately 1800-2010s; bulk
1960s-2010s
Physical Description: 1.25 Linear
Feet (3 boxes)
Scope and Contents
This series contains research notes and secondary sources compiled by Charles Albert
Reed and Nancy Rosin. Many of Nancy Rosin's materials include research conducted on
individuals and organizations involved with greeting cards, scrapbooks, and other items
in her collection. Also included are newsletters, articles, brochures and pamphlets on
valentine history.
Arrangement
Organized in two subseries:
- Subseries A. Charles Albert Reed, approximately 1962; 1992
- Subseries B. Nancy Rosin, approximately 1879-2016; bulk 1980-2010
Subseries A. Charles Albert Reed
approximately 1962; 1992
Physical Description: 0.42 Linear
Feet (1 box)
Scope and Contents
This subseries contains research notes compiled by Charles Albert Reed, a Valentine
scholar. More materials by Charles Albert Reed include Valentine's Day scrapbooks and
albums that are housed in boxes 77-79, listed within the Valentine's Day, scrapbook
and album subseries.
Arrangement
Subseries is arranged according to the existing order of the materials.
Box 49, Folder 1-13
Research notes
approximately 1962; 1992
Scope and Contents
Materials were originally housed in binders. Date approximately based on the final
date included on documents. Folder 1 also includes a letter from John Winship Read
dating January 31, 1992 regarding father, Charles Albert Reed's research files.
Subseries B. Nancy Rosin
approximately 1879-2016; bulk
1980-2010
Physical Description: 0.83 Linear
Feet (2 boxes)
Scope and Contents
This subseries contains research notes, clippings, and secondary sources compiled by
Nancy Rosin. Many of the folders include Rosin's research on particular valentines and
on individuals reflected throughout her collection.
Arrangement
Material is arranged alphabetically by name or subject.
Box 50, Folder 1
Biedermeier era research notes
approximately 2016
Box 50, Folder 2
William Bryan
approximately 1900-1922;
2012
Box 50, Folder 3
Bryan family photographs
approximately 1880s-1900s
Box 50, Folder 4
Bryan family research
approximately 1800-1928
Box 50, Folder 5-6
Civil War
approximately 1984-2012
Box 50, Folder 7-8
Elizabeth Cobbold
approximately 1993-2009
Box 50, Folder 9-11
Kate Greenaway
approximately 1879-1979
Box 50, Folder 12
Esther Howland
approximately 1982-2010
Box 50, Folder 13
Jonathan King
1909; approximately
1980s-2010s
Box 50, Folder 14
Charles Lang
approximately 2000-2010s
Box 50, Folder 15
Lois Lenski
approximately 2000-2010s
Box 50, Folder 16
Nancy Lesher
approximately 1899-2010s
Box 51, Folder 1
Michael E. McKernan thesis on Leap Year
1998
Box 51, Folder 2
McLoughlin Bros
approximately 1990-2012
Box 51, Folder 3
Museum brochures and pamphlets
approximately 1931-2010
Box 51, Folder 4
Louis Prang
approximately 1935; 2010s
Box 51, Folder 6
Jotham Taft research
approximately 2000-2010s
Box 51, Folder 7
Unrequited Love or Despondent Lover Series research
approximately 1990-2012
Box 51, Folder 8
Valentine research
approximately 2000-2015
Box 51, Folder 9
Valentine's Day articles and publications
approximately 1920s-2011
Box 51, Folder 10
Valentine translations
approximately 1980s-1990s
Box 51, Folder 11
Valentine verse writers research
approximately 1939-2011
Box 51, Folder 12
George C. Whitney
approximately 2000-2010