Friday, December 2, 2011

Vintage Christmas Cards

The custom of sending Christmas cards started in Britain in 1840 when the first 'Penny Post' public postal deliveries began. (Helped by the new railway system, the public postal service was the 19th century's communication revolution, just as email is for us today.) As printing methods improved, Christmas cards were produced in large numbers from about 1860. They became even more popular in Britain when a card could be posted in an unsealed envelope for one half-penny - half the price of an ordinary letter.    A little know fact....  Robins were used on cards 150 years ago when postmen wore red tunics and were nicknamed robins.   Gooling this subject brought up many interesting facts so if you'd like to know more  start here.  http://www.hackettstownhistory.com/narticle_christmascards.shtml

   This Saturday I would live to share some Christmas cards that were given to us after my in laws passed away.. There are around eighty cards of different occasions

 This is the card sent to my father-in-law by his Grandma on his second Christmas

                                                   Notice it is dated 1913
                                          
                                                  
                       Below are more Christmas cards his Grandma and Mother received.
                       Most of these caads are from the early 1900's.

                                     
                                           A kiss under the miseteltoe

                      
                       This dog is ready for Christmas with his flag, and carrying his wish in his mouth


                             
                                             Notice this card was postmarked 1910 and it has the old penny stamp on it.  Today a post card is 29 cents to mail  and goes up after the first of the year.




 I have included two Thanksgiving card and a birthday card below.. I often wished i had been able to have some of my grandmother's post cards. She had boxes of them . .I really don't know who got them or where they went. At least I can enjoy the ones I have.





I think this turkey is going to give the little girl quite a chase
 ..he doesn't want to be the main course for their dinner

                                         

 below is a sweet birthday card


 


 And one suitable for a  sweetheart or loved one

 
                        
                                                To see more posts for this  first December Saturday  , visit our hostess Ms Beverly for a list     http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/my_weblog/  

  Wouldn't it be fun to get a post card in your mailbox like those of old?  I know I would. In fact I have a few old ones that have been reproduced to send  a few lucky gals.
 
              So much to do yet for some of us I need to bake, decorate and get those cards addressed. Enjoy your weekend.   . I have already received five in the mail

 Enjoy your weekend                    

                          

13 comments:

  1. What a grand card post. I just love seeing the vintage cards from the past. I am a card nut. As many as I buy, I should own a card shop. I enjoy spending and receiving.

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  2. How fortunate you are to be the keeper of such a family treasure. Thx for sharing.

    HPS

    LL

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  3. Love vintage Christmas images. These are great! Thanks for sharing them.

    Debbie

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  4. What sweet cards! Thank you for sharing them with us.

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  5. what a treasure you inherited! I love old postcards and incorporate them in my gift tags and journals. HPS

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  6. Oh, I love those vintage Christmas cards. You know, I still have the post card that my husband sent me in the mail before we even met. The Santa one is so sweet.
    ~Sheri at Red Rose Alley

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  7. Oh what gorgeous cards! I keep cards and have so many precious ones:) Love these images!

    Thanks for stopping by and leaving your sweet comment! I enjoyed your visit! Have a blessed weekend, HUGS!

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  8. OH my these cards are just gorgeous! I cannot believe you have the originals from your family! Love it.
    Happy Pink Saturday
    xoxo
    Olivia

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  9. What a treasure to have these cards after all these years in your family. And such beautiful ones. Postcards do have an interesting history behind them. Thanks for the lesson.

    Elaine, can you tell me how you manage to get your images SO LARGE on your blog , even if mine are large to begin with they don't stay that way.

    Thanks for coming by and seeing my Vintage cards as well.

    Rose

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  10. ELAINE!!!!!!!

    First of all, THANK YOU for coming to visit me and enjoying the theatre. I don't know, but for me, the holidays are not complete without a theatre piece!

    SECONDLY, THAT HEADER IS GORGEOUS! What a brilliant light and our first real snow last night reminds me of this picture....

    NOW what is striking is that just last night, we walked over in the lovely snow to our neighbor's home for a sweet little Christmas party. He was so generous to gift me a BOATLOAD of vintage Christmas post cards such as these!!!!!!! THE ONE with the little boy and girl kissing????? I HAVE THAT IN THE COLLECTION HE JUST GAVE ME!!!!!! What wonder to not only see the fine artisanship, but the messages on the back, written in the penmanship style of the day.

    HAVE A LOVELY WEEK! Anita

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  11. Hi Elaine, I loved this post! I collect vintage postcards. I made a Christmas garland, which hangs from my mantle. Also a bird one that hangs in my master bath. I bring it out into the entry for Spring. I love reading the sweet sentiments on the back. Wonderful that yours have family ties. Fun info about the postmen being nicnamed robin. Alot of mine are very old also. I will be posting my mantle tomorrow. I would love for you to pop over and see my garland. Happy Holidays!

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  12. Hi Elaine, your offer to email me some old cards is so sweet. I would love that! thank you. My email is wheeler_lynnathotmail.com

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  13. Your story here was s delightful! I really love those old cards.

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