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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at
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[SpookBrat]

Amen to that Colleen. Ain't that the truth! I'm actually looking forward to seeing everyone. We haven't been able to get back up there in 3 years, so this will be nice.

[WVNan]

You were so blessed to have so many of the children/grandchildren there. Yes, I'm very excited about my first grandchild. I actually believed that I would never have any. My d.i.l. is so cute with the whole thing. She has lived for this day. They are taking ultrasound pictures every two weeks because of a problem with her womb. So she carries the pictures around with her and shows them to one and all with great pride. "See, here is the gestation sack, and here is the little zygot, and see, there are the little arm stubs coming out..." I get tickled at her. Of course son comes up with, "all I see is a little butt."

[SpookBrat]

I'm sorry dear Meekie. I know several families who have lost someone this holiday season. I hope your cousin's mother will be ok. I'll say a prayer for all of you.

[WVNan]

Spooky, see above for report on the baby. And yes, there have been lots of reports of deaths, as there are every Christmas. The death rate always rises around Christmas for some reason. Mo1's Mom passed away. My hubby's aunt passed away on the 23rd. Your Granddad, Meeky's cousin... and the list goes on. Life is a passing thing, which ought to give us pause to reflect on the hereafter.

[MeekOneGOP]

Thank you, Miss SpookBrat. Pray for him, and especially for his Mom, Aunt Dorsey ...

[deadhead]

Good Night All

[Aquamarine]

Good night DH.
Sweet dreams.

[WVNan]

Stunning poinsettia. Nighty night Colleen.

[lonestar]

Thank you for the greeting from Miss Lucy! So glad she looks happy and healthy...

I didn't get a greeting from Lucy!

[Excuse_My_Bellicosity]

[dixie sass]

Hi! I've seen that several times over the holidays. It is one that always brings tears to the eyes, but a warm inner glow that there are men and women (like you and other Finest FReepers) who are standing guard.

Thank you Maggie for your service. I don't think we can ever say it enough to all of you who served.

[dixie sass]

MnM, prayers for you and your family, especially your aunt.

[dixie sass]

Thank you again Aquamarine, for the the wonderful on Tuesday. The music was beautiful and then to find O Holy Night today was the best yet present.

Thank you.

[Mama_Bear]

It's the weekend!
Please join us over HERE

[MeekOneGOP]

Thank you, Miss SpookBrat ...

[MeekOneGOP]

Thank you. She lost her husband about 4 years ago and now one of her two sons. My aunt is in her 80's, and has had a hard time with her health after losing her hubby. She is a strong-willed person, however, and I think she will be ok (hope so) ...

[Z in Oregon]

Happy Holidays !!!

[farmfriend]

Thanks.

[EternalVigilance]

You know that you have a standing invitation to stay over if you are driving West or East, don't you? My motel room is cheaper than Motel 6. Hope your Christmas was a good one, and that you have a fantastic New Year.

You are such a blessing!

Actually, I'm headed south at the end of the week to Texas. With redistricting, the opportunity to pick up House seats is huge, and critically important. I've been asked to come, so off I go! :-)

Who knows, though? I MIGHT decide to go to DC for CPAC. Perhaps I'll take you up on your very kind offer. ;-)

Happy New Year, my friend!

EV