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A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....12-23,24,25,26-04...Let Us Rejoice (Our Christmas Thread)
Billie
Posted on 12/23/2004 5:37:33 AM PST by 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. |
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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! |
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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. |
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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. |
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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". |
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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.
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Thanks, Mixer!
1) Click on the graphic to open the Calendar. 2) Once there you can click on any month and even click to the right to go into next year. Once you are in the month that you joined FR you will need to click on the number in the calendar and then an add item screen will come up. 3) In the next box enter your name in the "Calendar Text" field and then click on submit. 4) If any of the screens fail to load simply click on refresh in your browser and that will usually fix it. 5) If all else fails or simply if you want me to do this for you send me a FReepmail and I will gladly do it for you. ~Mixer
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Click on the photo to view the album. To submit your photo, please contact dansangel or .45Man at danbh59@yahoo.com and include Freeper Photo Album in subject line.
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TOPICS: Culture/Society; Miscellaneous; News/Current Events; Political Humor/Cartoons
KEYWORDS: christmas; freepers; fun; merrychristmas; military; patriotic; surprises; veterans
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To: JustAmy; All
Merry Christmas to all at Amy's P & P!
281
posted on
12/25/2004 5:27:01 AM PST
by
dansangel
(Thank you Veterans past and present!)
To: dansangel; JustAmy
Oops.....wrong thread. Must have caffeine.....
:-)
Let's try that again.
282
posted on
12/25/2004 5:28:07 AM PST
by
dansangel
(Thank you Veterans past and present!)
To: The Mayor
A Blessed Christmas to all at the FINEST.
283
posted on
12/25/2004 5:53:02 AM PST
by
Gabz
(Merry Christmas)
To: The Mayor; All
Merry Christmas!
(Happy Birthday, Jesus!)
284
posted on
12/25/2004 6:28:59 AM PST
by
Chong
(God Bless and Protect Our Troops.)
To: The Mayor
Merry Christmas to all of the Finest!!!
285
posted on
12/25/2004 6:40:12 AM PST
by
xp38
To: Gabz; Chong; xp38
Good Morning and Merry Christmas!
286
posted on
12/25/2004 7:04:11 AM PST
by
The Mayor
(let the wisdom of God check our thoughts before they leave our tongue)
To: GailA; dutchess; The Mayor; dansangel; Billie; Aquamarine; Mama_Bear; Temple Owl; BeforeISleep; ...
Wishing you all a Blessed Christmas
287
posted on
12/25/2004 8:26:32 AM PST
by
deadhead
(God Bless Our Troops and Veterans Bush/Cheney '04)
To: Diver Dave
Adorable, sweet picture. I can just picture the look on Logan and Christian's faces today. Wishing you and yours a Merry and Blessed Christmas
288
posted on
12/25/2004 8:29:06 AM PST
by
deadhead
(God Bless Our Troops and Veterans Bush/Cheney '04)
To: deadhead
Wishing you all a Blessed Christmas
and you TOO!
Thank you!
289
posted on
12/25/2004 8:43:46 AM PST
by
The Mayor
(let the wisdom of God check our thoughts before they leave our tongue)
To: Billie; ST.LOUIE1; Aquamarine; dutchess; Mama_Bear; The Mayor; dansangel; Aeronaut; deadhead; ...
290
posted on
12/25/2004 8:55:07 AM PST
by
.45MAN
(Have a Happy and Holy Christmas)
To: deadhead
Merry Christmas to you too (-:
To: deadhead
This shaping up to be my most blessed Christmas ever. I hope it is the same for you and yours. Have a very happy 2005.
To: All
293
posted on
12/25/2004 11:24:04 AM PST
by
Dubya
(Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father,but by me)
To: ST.LOUIE1; Aquamarine; dutchess; Mama_Bear; The Mayor; dansangel; Aeronaut; deadhead; Diver Dave; ..
Hope you're all enjoying the birthday today. :)
294
posted on
12/25/2004 11:42:56 AM PST
by
Billie
(wishing each and every one a Christmas filled with love and good will)
To: Billie
Below are names of some of our FReepers' loved ones who are serving our country. If you have someone you would like to add, please address a post to Billie; Mama_Bear; Dutchess; Dansangel; Aquamarine, and we will add their name to this list. As we pray for them, we pray also for all our nations leaders, and military personnel, and their families and friends. May God hold them close to His heart.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Maigrey...................cousin OhioWfan........................son mystery-ak..........son, husband Gogrammy................grandson Inspectorette...................son Blessed American..........nephew Slip18..........................nephew anniegetyourgun...........nephew Diver Dave.......niece, nephew ConspiracyGuy........2 nephews Pippin..........niece, loved one Pippin...nephew & his fiancee weldgophardline.....brotherinlaw jamaly.................brotherinlaw Future Snake Eater..........cousin WaterDragon.............grandson WaterDragon...........son-in-law BeforeISleep...................son kimmie7......................brother Armymarinemom............3 sons american_ranger.............son LadyX.........................grandson fawn796.......................nephew Dubya............................nephew StarCMC......................brother ValerieUSA..................2 sons Lakeside......................2 sons LakeLady.....................nephew Spruce.....................daughter Philman_36..............2 nephews bjcintennessee.......son, niece Ladysmith..nephew, friend's son tina07......soninlaw & his friend Warrior Nurse...........active duty SK1 Thurman...........active duty David Osborne.........active duty fc2tomschermuly......active duty bkwells..................active duty LongCut..................active duty cjk..........................active duty Trish.......................active duty ODC-GIRL.................active duty AF_Blue..................active duty Notwithstanding.....active duty thumperusn.............active duty Q6-God.....................active duty Q6-God...................twin brother Veloxherc.................active duty Don Simmons...........active duty wingnutx..................active duty
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Mama_Bear.........2 nephews ladtx........................2 sons WVNan..................friend's son gator girl.................husband severa.......husband, brother Hostel......................cousin MozartLover......son, nephew LBGA...............................son katykelly......................son cookcounty.....................son SpookBrat...nephew, cousin Doug from Upland...son-in-law Himyar..........................son boxerblues................2 sons the piper.........................son sheeza.......................husband kemathen7.................husband Tiffee4Bob.................boyfriend deadhead......................cousin JimRobinson.........2 nephews TexKat..............son, step-son Consort..2 daughters,son-in-law Darheel.........................niece Donaeus......................nephew dixie sass...................nephew BeAllYouCanBe...................son Repubmommy...............brother AgThorn.........................2 sons homeschoolmama.......nephew kneezles.............................son Rose inRoseBear...cousin's hubby Redhead....step-granddaughter Redhead..step-grdaughter fiance Atomic Conspiracy..half-brother Atomic Conspiracy...nephew Atomic Conspiracy..........niece Sunflowergal..............grandson visualops.......................cousin Alouette..............................son mrstank.......................husband MrsMike31..................husband eaglesiniowa.........................son auboy..................................cousin spotbust1.......................husband Leofl......................................son chena......................................son campfollower.......................fiance LUV W.........................................son painter................................nephew ProudAFDad.................................son
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295
posted on
12/25/2004 11:43:40 AM PST
by
Billie
(wishing each and every one a Christmas filled with love and good will)
To: The Mayor
Merry Christmas! Mayor and Family from Tom and me here in cold but beautiful western Michigan.
We are visiting family in Grand Rapids, a red area in a blue state. People are sooo much more friendlier out where than where we live. Sales tax: 5% business booming and just a generaly wonderful attitude among the nice folks out here.
And...everybody says Merry Christmas!
296
posted on
12/25/2004 12:09:26 PM PST
by
eleni121
(Merry Christmas to all!)
To: Billie
Your graphics, as usual are gorgeous.
Hope you are having a lovely birthday party for the Lord..
merry Christmas.
297
posted on
12/25/2004 12:24:56 PM PST
by
Gabz
(Merry Christmas)
To: Billie; All
A very merry Christmas wish to all the Finest.
298
posted on
12/25/2004 12:29:29 PM PST
by
Kudsman
(Merry Christmas.)
To: eleni121
We are visiting family in Grand Rapids, a red area in a blue state. People are sooo much more friendlier out where than where we live. Sales tax: 5% business booming and just a generaly wonderful attitude among the nice folks out here.Isn't that amazing, there is life outside these bars we're behind in WNY..
Enjoy your visit and be careful on your return trip. Tell all the like minded peoples we say Merry Christmas!
299
posted on
12/25/2004 1:46:22 PM PST
by
The Mayor
(let the wisdom of God check our thoughts before they leave our tongue)
To: Billie
Yes we are Billie.
Nice relaxing day. Happy Birthday Jesus!
300
posted on
12/25/2004 1:47:20 PM PST
by
The Mayor
(let the wisdom of God check our thoughts before they leave our tongue)
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