Connecticut has been recognized for many different things over the years, from the invention of the Frisbee to the discovery of copper. But one small town in the Nutmeg state was once known as the Christmas card capitol of the world. Since the holiday is right around the corner, let’s take a look at Northford’s Christmas card history.
Christmas greetings have been around since the beginnings of the holiday, but at first only in sermons, songs, poems and even notes attached to receipts. But in 1840s things changed dramatically and the Christmas card was born.
Flickr/Don…The UpNorth Memories Guy… Harrison
The postal service changed the way mail was processed. Instead of charging the recipient for the number of pages they received, a set cost was created to mail items and the sender was responsible for the charge.
Flickr/Don…The UpNorth Memories Guy… Harrison
The creation of the first postage stamps made it much easier to send holiday greetings by mail.
Flickr/John Flannery
By the time 1880 rolled around, the Christmas card business had exploded. This business boom created new income for artists, printers and engravers in the United States.
Flickr/Don…The UpNorth Memories Guy… Harrison
One small town in Connecticut really capitalized on the holiday season and during the 1870s Northford made its mark in Christmas card history.
Wikimedia Commons/Jerry Dougherty
In 1871, the Stevens brothers of Northford created Christmas cards that were accented with glitter and sometimes adorned with fringe. These cards were much fancier than those produced in the past.
Flickr/Don…The UpNorth Memories Guy… Harrison
These ornamental cards were a hit with people who desired more elaborate greetings. The Stevens Brothers were so successful that more than 20 competitors also started card shops in Northford.
Flickr/Don…The UpNorth Memories Guy… Harrison
Northford, Connecticut became known as the Christmas card center of the world for more than a decade.
Flickr/Don…The UpNorth Memories Guy… Harrison
All good things come to an end and at the close of the 19th century, cards manufactured in Germany and England made their way into the American market. These less expensive cards put many of the Northford shops out of business.
Flickr/Don…The UpNorth Memories Guy… Harrison
Today greeting cards are mailed all around the world to send season’s greetings. Who knows what the next step will be in Christmas card history?
Flickr/Don…The UpNorth Memories Guy… Harrison
Do you still send holiday cards out each year? For more ways to celebrate Christmas in Connecticut, check out this Christmas store that is open year round.
Flickr/Don…The UpNorth Memories Guy… Harrison
Flickr/John Flannery
Wikimedia Commons/Jerry Dougherty
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