The history of the American greeting card begins in 1874 when Louis Prang, an exile from the German revolution of 1848, began printing Christmas cards from his small lithographic printing plant in Roxbury, Massachusetts. Shipping the first of his publications to England where they were quite popular, Prang then placed his cards on the American market the following year. He continued his printing with a highly technical process until around 1890 when a cheaper version, a German import, began encroaching upon his sales. Undaunted, Prang went on to other printing ventures such as producing detailed illustrations copied from an American collection of Oriental ceramic art.

By 1906, the modern era of the greeting card was emerging. Publishers like Alfred Bartlett and Albert M. Davis, both of Boston, Massachusetts, were on the rise, as was the quality of the card they produced.

The custom of sending greeting cards coincided with advances in printing technology and the rise in middle class prosperity and leisure time in the mid 1800s. Sending holiday cards became customary in the United States during the early 20th century when greeting cards for many holidays became widely available. These early New Year cards included images of horseshoes, flowers, snowmen, winter scenery, and children and many were decorated with glitter, much like the cards we see today.

Patrons interested in the Society’s New Year card collection, and our greeting card collection in general, are encouraged to visit the library. Hours are Tuesday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Jane A. Pierce's will, 1846   View larger image of will   View letter

The Society recently purchased at auction two remarkable items pertaining to Jane Means Appleton Pierce. The first is a will, in her own handwriting, six years before she became our nation’s First Lady. The full text is: “I, Jane M. Pierce, of Concord, State of New Hampshire, being in my usual state of health, but in consideration of the uncertainty of all earthly things, do declare this to be my will in regard to the property which is invested in my name. To my beloved husband I leave it for his use and care as well as for the use (according to his father’s judgement) of my dear remaining child Benjamin Pierce, until the latter shall arrive at the age of 21 years, when this property now in my name shall be equally divided, between the said Franklin & Benjamin Pierce. In witness whereof I have set my hand and seal this day, February 3rd, 1846 — Jane M. Pierce, witness by my writing this, Permelia W. Chase.” This is the only known will of Jane Pierce, and it was unfortunately made obsolete by the death of her son Benjamin in 1853. The property referred to may have been part of her inheritance upon the death of her mother about a year earlier. Permelia Chase was possibly a friend or neighbor, but she has yet to be identified. She is not mentioned in the Society's index to the Franklin Pierce Papers.

A second item purchased at the same auction is a letter in Jane Pierce’s handwriting, signed “Jane” and headed “Washington, July 2d, ’54,” when she was First Lady. It was written to “My dearest Mary,” who is not otherwise identified, but is likely her sister, Mary Means Appleton Aiken. The letter begins “I have been much disappointed day after day . . . by not finding any letter from you,” and contains little bits of family news. People mentioned include Abby, Aunt Mason, Aunt Lawrence, dear Alfred, Mr. and Mrs. Appleton, and Charles Packard. She seems to be looking forward to a summer vacation, as she says, “Congress will adjourn in 4 weeks which is favorable in every way I think.” Commenting on the engraving of a friend, she says “It gives him in his very worst aspect — but a faithful likeness of that — I do not like it.” Jane concludes with “I must close . . . as it is time for the mail to go, but do hope that I shall have something from you tomorrow.” All told, this is a very personal reminder of the day when letters like this were the main form of family communication at a distance.

Mt. Lafayette, 1886 Franklin Stanwood (1852-88) Oil on canvas Private collection

The New Hampshire Historical Society proudly presents a lecture series in conjunction with its exhibition Consuming Views: Art and Tourism in the White Mountains, 1850-1900. The five-part series begins on Sunday, January 28, 2007, and concludes on Sunday, March 18, 2007, and features talks by R. Stuart Wallace, Rebecca B. Bedell, Robert L. McGrath, Charles O. Vogel, and Georgia B. Barnhill. The series covers topics such as early tourism in the White Mountains, geology and landscape painting in the White Mountains, the art of the White Mountains, artists-in-residence at the White Mountain hotels, and popular prints of the White Mountains.

All lectures will be held at the New Hampshire Historical Society’s library at 30 Park Street, Concord, NH. Admission to lectures is free for Society members. The cost for nonmembers is $5 and includes admission to the exhibition Consuming Views on view at the Society’s Museum of New Hampshire History. Go to Programs & Events for lecture dates and details.

Senior citizens in Carroll County receive free admission to the New Hampshire Historical Society’s exhibition Consuming Views: Art and Tourism in the White Mountains, 1850 - 1900. The exhibition is on view at the Society’s Museum of New Hampshire History through May 6, 2007.

This offer of free museum admission is thanks to a grant from the Robert and Dorothy Goldberg Charitable Foundation, a major sponsor of the Consuming Views exhibition. Robert and Dorothy Goldberg were well-known White Mountain art collectors who lived in North Conway.

To receive free admission, residents of Carroll County who are 55 years or older simply need to present a driver’s license or other identification verifying their residence.

You've been enjoying the E-Newsletter for several months now and if you're not a member of the New Hampshire Historical Society why not join today? You'll enjoy many valuable benefits including our award-winning magazine, Historical New Hampshire; our printed newsletter; free admission to the Museum of New Hampshire History; free or reduced rates for lectures, workshops and classes; free use of the Society's library; and a 10% discount on purchases in our museum store and online.

The New Hampshire Historical Society depends heavily on membership dues to support our museum, library, exhibitions, publications, and education programs. Throughout its 183-year history, the Society has maintained its financial independence from state government and has relied on membership dues and private contributions to fund its operations.

You're invited to join the 3,700 members who support these valuable efforts. Individuals are the Society’s largest single source of support. You can join online or by calling our membership office at 603/856-0621.

If you represent a business and you would like to learn about supporting the Society through our Business Partners program please contact Joan Desmarais, Assistant Executive Director, at 603/856-0603 or jdesmarais@nhhistory.org.

And, if you're already a member, thank you! We couldn't do it without you.

The New Hampshire Historical Society will be the beneficiary of the Inn at Danbury’s new Dine “n” Donate fund-raiser on January 24, 2007.

Robert and Alexandra Graf, owners of the Inn at Danbury and Alphorn Bistro, have made Wednesday night their official Dine “n” Donate night. Each Wednesday 25% of all dinner proceeds will go to a New Hampshire charity. The Dine “n” Donate night for the New Hampshire Historical Society is Wednesday, January 24 from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. For reservations call 603/768-3318 or 1-866-DANBURY.

Inn at Danbury is located at 67 NH Route 104, Danbury, NH. Just 50 minutes north of Manchester but millions of miles away from your hectic lifestyle.

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The mission of the New Hampshire Historical Society is to educate a diverse public about the significance of New Hampshire's past and its relationship to our lives today. In support of this mission, the Society collects, preserves, and interprets materials pertaining to New Hampshire history.

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