A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....12-24,25,26-03 ~ Let Us Rejoice

Billie

[Billie]

(The following excerpts are from Better Homes & Gardens 1993
"Holiday Celebrations"; information & Christmas Cards furnished
by Hallmark Cards, Inc.)

Although the Christmas season has been celebrated for centuries, it wasn't until the last half of the 19th century that printed cards were widely exchanged. Until that time, only a few people sent hand-written Christmas messages - those who could read and write, and afford to pay a messenger. This changed in the mid-1800s, when many people were learning to read and write through free public schools.

The passage of the Penny Postage Act in England in 1840 finally put the price of mailing letters within almost everyone's reach.

The idea of Christmas cards came only three years after England's postal reform. Henry Cole, a London businessman, originated the practice in 1843 when he asked John Calcott Horsley, an artist in the Royal Academy, to design a card conveying his Christmas wishes. The card is believed to be the first commercially-printed Christmas card.

The first-known Christmas card, designed in 1843 by British
artist John Horsley. Only a dozen specimens of the first card
are known to exist. Two of these, including one that has never
been used, are part of the Hallmark Historical Collection in
Kansas City, Missouri.

Several of England's early greeting card companies were established in the 1860s. Cards manufactured from 1860 theough the 1890s by Publisher Charles Goodall & Son and other English competitors - Marcus Ward & Co., De La Rue & Co., and Raphael Tuck & Co. (later called Raphael Tuck & Sons) - are highly sought by collectors because of their limited availability. These cars were exported to the United States and are usually as easy to find here as the domestic cards of the same period.

Sending holiday greeting cards was slow to spread to America. For more than 30 years, the only ones available in this country were imported. Then in 1875, German immigrant Louis Prang, of Boston, began publishing an American version of the popular English missives. By 1881, only six years after the production of his first Christmas cards, Prang was printing 5 million cards a year - most of them Christmas cards. In order to acquire excellent designs, he sponsored contests for artists, with prizes up to $4,000!

Louis Prang, the "father of the American Christmas card",
published this sweet child gracing the cover of a collection
of hymns in 1888.

Prang is credited with establishing card designs with which
we're familiar today. His cards were works of art, often
incorporating as many as 20 different colors.

In the 1890s, the penny-postcard craze hit America, and soon inexpensive German-made postcards flooded the market. Although the cards were crude, the price was right. Until World War I, Germany monopolized the business.

This penny postcard, published in Germany in 1909, features
robins - popular because, according to legend, a small brown
bird fanned a fire to keep the Christ child warm. During the
vigil, the bird's breast was seared scarlet.

The modern greeting card industry began in the early 1900s with the birth of such companies as Hallmark Cards (then known as Hall brothers, Inc.), Rustcraft, Buzza, and American Greetings. Even during the Depression, printed greetings were popular. Money was scarce, so many people sent cards instead of gifts.

World War II shortages curtailed the paper supply. Giltter became more scarce than gold, but still greeting cards survived. The cards became very patriotic - the use of the flag was popular, and even often carried by Santa. Special cards were created for soldiers overseas. "Across the miles" and "Missing you" sentiments reflected the somber reality of the day.

The American flag and the Statute of Liberty are united
for freedom in this inspiring 1942 greeting card.

The Christmas card custom has weathered war, economic turmoil, and social changes spanning well over a century. It serves the timeless human need to stay close, to share special thoughts with friends far and near during our most cherished holiday seasons.

Cards have come a long way since 1843. Designs are more sophisticated; production processes have been refined. But the message on that first Christmas card is as relevant today as it was then ..... "A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you".

From all of us to all of you, it is our wish that this Christmas is your best one yet; that your blessings are many; your loved ones are with you; and most of all, that Christ is in your heart.

THIS WEEK'S THREADS 12-22-03 Military Monday 12-23-03 Christmas Music

Opinions by our own 'King of Ping' The guy's good, folks!

Thanks, Mixer!

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[WVNan]

Oh Spooky, that is such a beautiful life-story, it brought tears to my eyes. Your feelings about your Grandfather's transition is a tribute to your love for him and your Grandmother. I believe that when one has reached the span of a long life, then Christmas is a great time to graduate. Just imagine seeing Jesus on Christmas Day! Have a safe trip and give a hug to Meeky, Doneaus, and TC from all of us.

<--Click

[dixie sass]

She is in all of our thoughts along with all the others on the FR Wall.

I can't imagine being without it either Ray, their are a lot of good people here and they will stick with you through thick and thin.

You should drop in here more often. Billie, FreeTheHostages, JohnHuang2, Dutchess (and Gizmo), Aquamarine, Dansangel and Mama Bear come up with some really great threads. It is also a great place to relax when the news of the day get you down.

[dixie sass]

Tarantula's? You mean creepy crawly, yucky, climb upon the furniture and scream, tarantulas?

Cobby, when I get to Houston next year, please don't bring tarantula's if I get to meet you. A horny toad is nice, they only croak and give you warts, but I draw the line at (shudder) spiders and snakes, oh my!!!!!

[WVNan]

Billie, I can't believe you are undecorating so soon. Good grief girl, at least take a day off. I leave my Christmas decorations up until after New Year. It's the only time I get to enjoy them. Leading up to Christmas is a nightmare.

[dixie sass]

My son use to work on the rigs. He was based out of Lafeyette (spelling), Louisana. He said that he really enjoyed it.

[WVNan]

All those miles and you didn't stop by to visit me? Wellll....humph!

[The Mayor]

Good morning Billie

I don't like to miss a day.

[WVNan]

So glad you had a joyful Christmas oh Wise One. Ours was delightful also, in spite of the loss of hubby's aunt.

[dixie sass]

How beautiful!

[WVNan]

I know what you mean about the goodies, Billie. With Jack and I both on Atkins it's been a struggle. Had to stock in some goodies for company and now it's sitting around tempting us at every turn. Must get it out the door and fast.

[Billie]

I do this every year, Nan - I am so tired of everything by the time the last dish is washed after the big dinner, I just want things to return to normal - and quiet. :)

[WVNan]

Aha! We have something else in common Cuz. Popping bubble wrap and murderous husbands when we pop it. I have to go hide in a back room and shut the door to get my bubble wrap "fix". LOL

[Billie]

You should drop in here more often. Billie, FreeTheHostages, JohnHuang2, Dutchess (and Gizmo), Aquamarine, Dansangel and Mama Bear come up with some really great threads. It is also a great place to relax when the news of the day get you down.

We'd love to see you whenever you have a chance to drop in, badray. Thank you for being here to share the Christmas holidays with us.

[The Mayor]

Had I only known. I have driven from Buffalo to Virginia probably 30 times in a year and a half.
How far are you from the 81?
I just might travel to Virginia to do some work, there is none here.

[JustAmy]

Please accept my condolences on the loss of your grandpa. No matter the age, it is always tough losing someone you love. Thank you for letting us know. Thank you for the picture.

Please, Father, comfort SpookBrat and her family in their time of grief. We ask this in Jesus Name. Amen

Hope you have fun in Texas. Give Meekie, The Cowboy and Donaeus a hug from California.

God be with you on the road.

[dixie sass]

Those are so cute Julie!

[Billie]

We gave a dozen Christmas goodie plates/gifts, and I'm still trying to send 'stuff' home with someone. LOL! On top of the cookies trays, I made a Rum Cake with raspberry sauce, a Chocolate Kahlua Cake, and Danish Torte - (we also had Chocolate Mousse, but I didn't make it! LOL) I'm really tired of looking at all that junk!

[dixie sass]

You have such a beautiful spirit!

[WVNan]

Okay Russ, let's get the geography straight. There's Virginia and there's West Virginia. Used to all be one Virginia, but that changed in 1868. West Virginia is the insurmountable mountains, deep valleys and hill people with lots of guns part of Virginia. Here's a map to help you out. See Mason County on the west side? That side of WV borders the Ohio River. That's where I live.

[WVNan]

Sheesh, Billie, now you're torturing me with visions of goodies. Have a heart here.