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Vintage Greeting Cards

Vintage Greeting Cards, much like vintage post cards, continue to be a favorite collectible! Chances are, if you collect one, then you probably collect the other...

vintage greeting card christmas card to grandmother

Why do you think they were, (and still are), so appealing?

The primary message inside?

The elaborate art & graphics?

The privacy of a sealed envelope?

We believe...that it is a combination of all three! Early vintage greeting cards were often simple, yet eloquent; in appearance, and in message!

Recipients could share their cards with others by proudly displaying them throughout their homes...and often did!

Or maybe, the card received had a special meaning to its recipient. Thus, in those cases, that card became a precious memory. Perhaps, it was tucked "neatly" away in a drawer, displayed in a scrapbook albums, or stored in a box...up in the attic!

And so, down through the years, that's where many of these greeting cards became vintage greeting cards! And that's where we continue to find them, even today!

Greeting cards give you many options to choose from. The choice is yours! Keep it simple; just sign the card and send it! OR Include a personal handwritten letter with all of the latest news! Vintage greeting cards allowed you to do both!

Before we jump in to the history part, we would like to invite you to visit our homemade greeting cards. page. Yes, even in today's modern world, there are still some/many people who enjoy making their own greeting cards. We would like to share a few with you!

Plus, here's a few books that can help you create your very own vintage greeting cards.

A brief History...

In the old days, greeting cards were mainly used by the wealthy! Handmade...hand-delivered; these cards were not often used by the common people! It was simply too expensive to be practical!

Nonetheless, they existed! It is believed that even the early Greeks and Romans used medals and scrolls to pass along their "New Year's Wishes" to the leaders of the country!

Throughout the years, the "greeting card" concept came and went with the ages! Their history is vague at best and is filled with large gaps of nothing!

Fast forward to the 1400's, when Germany began producing "woodcut" New Year's Greetings, and later, Christmas cards. Perhaps, originally intended for decoration, these crudely made cards were also traded among friends and family.

Later on, in the mid 1800's, Germany again led the way when they began mass producing greeting cards with their new printing methods. (Thank goodness somebody was paying attention!)

vintage church christmas card

This, new and improved technology, combined with more modern postal systems, created a "new" industry. Greeting cards were now more affordable and practical to send to a loved one!

However, the postcard, (which was also evolving during this time period), took away some of the popularity of the greeting card. They were even cheaper to send and became wildly popular during the late 1890's - early 1900's! (see our page on postcard history!)

The vintage greeting card survived and evolved itself throughout the 1900's. The serious greeting card turned humorous, as cards were made and sent, "just to make someone happy!" This trend caught on and continues to be popular to this day!

Examples of Vintage Greeting Cards

New Year's and Christmas cards are always a favorite! However, Valentine's Day cards are close behind.

vintage fathers day card

And, don't forget Easter, Thanksgiving, 4th of July, birthday's, anniversaries, etc.(more examples are coming soon!)

But first, how about this one? An old Father's day card. (This one was given to our grandfather...probably in the late 1940's/early 1950's) Yes! Remember the father, too!

We found this one stuck in the middle of a box of old cards that was given to us! It is slightly warn and a little tattered! However, it was the only Father's Day card in the box!

You see, that's what makes this card important to us! No, it is not in perfect condition...but it doesn't always have to be!

vintage double folded birthday card

Now, the next card is similar, in that, it is not in perfect condition either! But, this card was given to our grandmother! (roughly the same time period, perhaps later!)

More and more card companies were entering the market. Some companies believed the traditional (one-fold) card needed a new twist, of sorts!

This is a good example of card companies trying to create a different look for its customers.

What about a simple "hello" to one of your neighbors? This type of card was used for that very reason!

vintage greeting cards Winter

It's a pretty basic, and inexpensive card that could be used for simple communication amongst friends. Or, it could be used as a holiday card if needed!

Receiving this card would be a treat for anybody! The snowman appears cheerful and instantly creates a positive mood!

This card also features some raised leafs with a red berry, which gives the card some added dimension and a eye-catching look! Yet, another way to sell cards!

vintage greeting cards box of old greeting cards

Yes, this is the box that we found our cards in! (Actually, it was a garbage bag!)

There were about 75+ cards all mixed together...ready for the dump pile. But, we sorted through them and found a few nice examples to show you here!

This is a classic example of what you may find at the end of an an auction. We have done just that...many, many times!

old group of christmas greeting cards

Here's some more cards that we found in the box ( er, uh...bag)! These are all 50+ years old!

This is not uncommon! Go ask your Grandma! Almost, everyone, (young and old) has a box of cards somewhere!

It's one those things that most people have trouble throwing away! So...they put them in a box!!! (er, uh...bag)

Scrapbooking Vintage Greeting Cards?

Need some scrapbook ideas to fill up those last few remaining scrapbook pages? Well, here you go.

Vintage cards go great together with vintage post cards. However, be very careful if you are putting together a greeting card scrapbook.

Do not use household glue, tape, or anything else that may cause damage to the card. Use only archival quality mounting supplies. There are many options available. Visit any quality art supply/craft/scrapbooking store.

And, of course, handle with care! Wear protective (cotton) gloves, if the card is extremely fragile. These gloves will help prevent the oils from your skin from absorbing into the paper, and causing further damage.

Enjoy the card, but be gentle in handling it!

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Random Notes...

Our Advice?

Hmmn! Our advice here is quite simple, (and you've heard it before!) Collect what you like...like what you collect!

We like the "personal touch" applied to many cards, like a handwritten note, or even a full letter! The sentiment of the note often is simple, sweet, and from the heart!

vintage greeting cards anniversary card

OH! And please don't forget the anniversary card!

This one was from our grandfather to our grandmother!

It was the only one that we found!

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SBI!