Three-dimensional Christmas card depicting a rigged sailing ship (the name on its hull reads, “FORTUNA”).  Two flaps (one resembling a dock) fold outward to form a base for the fully-extended ship and its three-dimensional deck and hull.  The words, “A Merry Christmas!” are printed on the dock flap.   Printed circa 1880.

For details, view the card in our online collections database.

Learn more:

• Season’s Greetings: Highlights from the Minnesota Historical Society’s holiday card collection

View a selection of holiday greeting cards from the Minnesota Historical Society’s extensive collection. These are dated between 1878 – 1967. Enjoy!

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Children anticipate the arrival of Santa at St. Paul’s Children Home, circa 1925.

For more details, view the photograph in our visual resources database.

Minneapolis “Christmas City” button. Round pinback button is white with green border. Illustration of Christmas tree at center. Green text reads “MINNEAPOLIS BRIGHTEST / Christmas City.”  Circa 1930-50.

Toy horse-drawn cart carrying a set of twelve blocks, each piece made of flat wood stock to which is glued printed paper. The blocks form a picture of ‘Santa Claus’ on one side, while the other may be arranged to show the letters A to X in sequence (block “YZ” excluded), each block showing a pair of letters below a picture of a child or an animal engaged in child’s activity. Manufacturer unknown, circa 1895.

By Lee Mendelson, published in 2000 by Morrow; donated by Alan Woolworth.

Poppin’ Fresh Party Lights, Pillsbury Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Made in China, circa 1999.

Advertising blotter, International Flours, International Milling Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 1949.

The Minnesota Historical Society holds many Christmas-related objects, including a number of elaborate, hand-made ornaments from the Victorian era. Volunteer Kelly Ryan explains the materials and techniques commonly used in making these ornaments and highlights several examples from the Collection.

 

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