THE FIRST CHRISTMAS CARD

In the year 1843, Sir Henry commissioned John Calcott Horsley to paint a card showing the feeding and clothing of the poor because he did not have time to personally send off greetings to the many people he knew.  A center panel displayed a happy family embracing one another, sipping wine and enjoying the festivity.  The card drew criticism because showing a child enjoying a sip of wine was considered "fostering the moral corruption of children.  A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You" was printed on that first card.  Legend says Sir Henry didn't send any cards the following year, but the custom became popular anyway.  These early Christmas cards sold for a shilling each and began a tradition popular among people throughout the world.  

OVERSIZED CHRISTMAS CARDS (5” X 7” to 3” x 5”)

The following Museum supporters donated these oversized Christmas postcards circa 1880-1890:  Mrs. Violet Monteith, Kay Jones, Mr. and Mrs. Earl Adams, Monteith Family Collection.    

Winter Solstice is the name given to the shortest day of the year, which is December 21.  From that day forward light will continue to last a little longer each day until the time of the June solstice.  European Christmas cards reflected this in their design, which is why it may seem strange to see a boy lying in the middle of a shrivelled leaf representing winter and the girl in a bright green leaf representing spring.  This reference to the coming spring at the Christmas season is illustrated in the cards with flowers, the lake surrounded by green trees and the girl fishing.  

The Canadian printing company of Rolph Smith Co., Toronto entered according to an Act of the Canadian Parliament in 1891 in the office of the Minister of Agriculture.  Apparently, H. Sanderson and Sons was a division of this card company.  This explains why a Christmas card manufacturer includes testimonials and promotions of Mr. Sanderson & Sons’ Condition Powders which cured horses, cattle, pigs, sheep and poultry from everything they could even contract.