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Boston College collection of illustrated envelopes

 Collection
Collection BC-2023-006: Boston College collection of illustrated envelopes

Dates

  • Creation: 1938 - 1943

Scope and Contents

Collection of nine envelopes with hand-painted cachets, graphics added to an envelope to commemorate an event or further illustrate the subject of a stamp. These cachets illustrate town postmarks, featuring people (Anna, Alice, and Hiram), creatures (beetle, bison), or puns. The puns are made by combining postmarks from two locations to create the graphic, for example Betsey, Kentucky plus Ross, Minnesota equals Betsy Ross; Adsit, Virginia plus Becida, Minnesota equate to I'd sit beside her. Eight illustrations are ink and watercolor, while one is a pre-printed envelope. The envelopes originate from Alabama, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Virginia. Six envelopes include the signature of the town postmaster.

Restrictions on Access

Collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

These materials are made available for use in research, teaching and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright Law. The user must assume full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Any materials used for academic research or otherwise should be fully credited with the source. The original authors may retain copyright to the materials.

Extent

.5 Linear Feet (1 container)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Collection of nine World War II-era American postal envelopes with hand-painted cachets illustrating town postmarks. Many are signed by the postmaster.

Provenance

Purchased from Honey and Wax Booksellers in 2022.

Title
Boston College Collection of Illustrated Envelopes
Subtitle
1938-1943
Author
Lynn Moulton
Date
2023
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the John J. Burns Library Repository

Contact:
John J. Burns Library
Boston College
140 Commonwealth Avenue
Chestnut Hill MA 02467 United States
617-552-4861