Birth & baptismal certificate on laid paper. Printed form with central textblock in German within a multiple line border. Infilled and decorated around textblock by Speyer; cross-legged angel at top, pelicans feeding young at sides and flowers at sides and bottom. Watercolors are red, blue, yellow, green and brown.
Infilled for Johannes, son of Valiendein (Valentine) and Eliesabetha (Elisabetha) Bohmer of Brecknock Township in Lancaster Co., born Dec. 13, 1788.
Georg Friederich Speyer (active 1774-1801) used this printed form produced c. 1789 by Barton & Johnson of Reading. See Notes.
General wear with numerous creases and wrinkles; one pronounced vertical centerline crease. Repaired tears, esp at left edge. All edges are ragged and uneven, esp. at right.
Conserved by CCAHA in 1989 (see report in file). Hinged into window mat & back mat. Relaced in its original frame using UF-3 Plexiglas and acid-free cardboard on reverse with a taped mylar dust shield.
Object ID
G.77.50.1
Notes
Printed form by Reading printers Thomas Barton and Benjamin Johnson, circa 1789 (see Klaus Stopp, The Printed Birth & Baptismal Certificates of the Pa. Germans, v. 4, p. 84). Speyer used this printed form for Johannes Bohmer who was born the previous year in1788.
Place of Origin
Lancaster County
Role
Artist
Credit
Gift of Mr. & Mrs. Richard Flanders Smith, Heritage Center Collection
Large fraktur is both a Vorschrift & Taufschein, done on laid paper, for Johan Philip Grunewalt, born June 17, 1756, in Cocalico Twp. Mounted in modern red-painted frame with window mat. Has watermark of a shield with a fleur-de-lys at top and "GR" at bottom.
Large religious text at top begins: "Dass walt der Trey Einige Ewige un Endliche und Allmachtige gott der gott, Abraham der gott, Isaac der gott, Jacob der heylige In Israel Auser welche..." followed by 2 more lines of in smaller font, then13 lines of German script filling center of fraktur. Below this is a line of large fraktur style alphabet, then numerals, and finally a line of German script.
At bottom is the taufschein section noting Johan's birth and baptism. German script at bottom right Alan Keyser identifies as simply completing the previous sentence due to running out of space. It is "auffer stehung(en)" which ends the thought of eine seelige... "toward a blessed after-life" (or resurrection). Following the mention of holy baptism are sponsors names, Jorg Weber and his wife Ann Eliza. No date of baptism.
Around entire fraktur is a 3-line border of red, yellow and blue, with a religious text dated 1767 between red & yellow lines. Decoration at top, within border, are simple leafy vines with stylized tulips of red, yellow, green and black.
Biographical Encyclopedia of Dauphin Co., p. 300 ff.
Height (in)
19
Width (in)
23.875
Dimension Details
Unframed dimensions. Frame is 25" x 31"
Condition
Good
Condition Date
2016-08-04
Condition Notes
Damp stains mostly at top border and some foxing across surface. Significant damage to paper from multiple tape repairs at fold lines. (Conserved in 1996 by Marilyn Kemp Weidner of Phila. and placed in a sealed Mylar package on acid-free corrugated board).
Object ID
P.94.21.2
Notes
Recipient of Vorschrift, John Philip Greenawalt, was born in Cocalico Twp. to parents Philip Lorentz and Maria (or Margaret?) (Foesser) Greenawalt. He apparently settled in Ephrata where he was a farmer and a hotel keeper.
Son John Philip served as first lieutenant in the Rev. War (and his father served as a colonel with Washington at Brandywine, Germantown, Trenton, Princeton, etc.). The Dauphin Co. Biog. Encyclopedia, p. 300, states Philip became a hotel keeper at Lebanon after the war. He apparently left Cocalico Twp. no later than 1763.
Place of Origin
Cocalico Twp.
Usage
Grunewalt, Johan Philip, 1756-1834
Credit
Heritage Center Collection, gift of James Hale Steinman Foundation
Birth & baptismal certificate, with printed 3-heart form with text in all three hearts. Blank spaces infilled by hand in thin red ink by Speyer. Fraktur done for Peter Scholl, son of Peter Andreas and his wife Elizabeth Margretha, nee Illick. Son Peter was born September 7, 1772, in Heidelberg Township, Lancaster Co. (Now Berks Co., likely in Stouchsburg area of Marion Twp.)
Infill & decoration Berks Co. (formerly Lancaster Co.) by Georg Friederich Speyer (active c. 1774-1801) and printers Barton & Jungman, Reading.
Densely paint-decorated by Speyer with cross-legged angels in the top corners and bottom center, mermen and winged heads of angels in lower corners, parrots along the sides, a crown at top center, and birds holding flowers in their beaks at the top of the main text block. Dominant colors are red, green, yellow, and blue.
Certificate printed on laid paper with an "FS" watermark, indicating papermaker Frederick Schutz(Scheetz) of Lower Merion Twp. in Montgomery Co. (See American Watermarks). Mounted with window mat in a brown frame
Provenance
Fraktur was given to the Lancaster County Historical Society by donors with the understanding that it would become part of the Heritage Center collection when that institution was established.
Significant horizontal crease across the middle, and three vertical creases. Smaller creases and crinkles appear overall. The paper has browned, and there are stains in the lower half.
A treatment proposal was offered by the Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts in 1986, followed by treatment in 1988-89 -- consolidated pigment, dry and wet cleaned, mended and reinforced, filled losses, flattened, and matted. More details available in the object file.
Object ID
G.77.50.12
Notes
Earnests note that "neatness was of little concern to Speyer, but he did seem concerned about filling white space." He normally infilled with words done in a thin red ink which does not stand up well over time. He worked mostly in northern Lancaster Co.and in southern Berks and Dauphin Counties. Speyer used the 3-heart print more frequently from about 1790 on.
On-line Nissen family genealogy (internet, 2010) states Peter Scholl married Eva Elizabeth Rieth on Apr. 28, 1800 in Reeds Church, Stouchsburg, Berks, Co. He died Feb. 25, 1839. His parents were also married in Stouchsburg.
References:
Klaus Stopp, Printed B&BC of the Pa Germans, Vol. IV, pp.. 81 & 89.
Earnests, "Papers for Birth Dayes", pp 722 ff.
Gravell, Miller & Walsh, American Watermarks, 1690-1835, 2002, pp. 79 & 305.
Slide # 27-1-4 in Archives West
Role
Artist
Credit
Gift of Mr. & Mrs. Richard Flanders Smith, Heritage Center Collection
Birth certificate done in German for "Anna Schenkin" (Schenk), born in "Connostoge Taunschip Langster County", November 20, 1783. Hand drawn, colored and lettered on laid paper with iron gall ink. No baptism indicates a Mennonite family.
The text is enclosed within a heart, surrounded by various vining flowers and four birds, two above and two below. The design conforms with artist's normal pattern of having the vines emanate from a hole at the top center of the heart. This artist made fraktur for mostly Lancaster County Mennonite families. He was almost certainly a schoolmaster. There are about 15 of his fraktur that are documented.
"Johannes Schopf/Schopp Artist" (active c. 1774-1800)
Note written on frame's dust cover by Smith states this fraktur was exhibited in two shows: Allentown Folk Art Show (Nov. 1974) and William Penn Memorial Museum, F/A Show (Jan. 1975).
Slide #27-2-4 in Archives West.
Provenance
Purchased by Richard Flanders Smith at a public sale along Route 222, north of Willow Street. Given to the Lancaster County Historical Society with the understanding that it would become part of the Heritage Center collection with the establishment of that institution.
Foxing or brown spotting over much of surface. Some tears along the edges. Moisture or adhesive stain at bottom center.
A condition report and treatment proposal was done by the Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts in Philadelphia in 1986. Matted and framed by conservator Brian Howard of Carlisle in 1996.
Object ID
G.77.50.11
Place of Origin
Conestoga Twp.
Credit
Gift of Mr. & Mrs. Richard Flanders Smith, Heritage Center Collection
Family record by Christian Strenge (1757-1828), done on laid paper for Isaac Kauffman family. Within a yellow border are 17 lines of German text, penned in red with lines of curlicues separating each line. Text fills most of page, giving birth dates & Zodiac signs for Kauffman, his wife and 6 children. To right of text is a large stylized, round flower rising from a yellow heart and having side branches with tulips & other flowers. Serpentine flowering vine fills margin along left side. Reverse has some old, faint pencil inscriptions on right side: "Landis" (?) written twice and a nearby sum (17+4=21).
East Petersburg area
Has 19th c. frame with walnut veneer and flat profile. See NOTES on Kauffman family.
Provenance
Assumed to have descended to donor within Kauffman family.
Soil, foxing and staining overall. Two fold lines intersecting at center are breaking with some holes/losses. Repaired on reverse with various papers & tapes at different times. Holes and losses around perimeter. Pronounced damp stains at center fold line. Significant paint loss in leaves, stems and branches.
Frame is chipped and worn, missing some delaminated veneers. Repairs to veneers. Old acidic back boards of cardboard replaced in 2001 by curator w/ acid free foam board.
Object ID
G.96.37.8
Notes
According to fraktur scholar David Johnson, Isaac Kauffman was a farmer who lived on the south side of Leabrook Road from his parents. His parents, Jacob and Eve Kauffman, built the original nearby mill in 1755 (what is now Flory's Mill) and was operated by the Kauffman family until the late 19th century.
See: David R. Johnson, "Christian Strenge's Fraktur", 1995 and Fred Weiser, "Fraktur: Pa. German Folk Art, Science Press, X-mas 1973, pp. 10-12.
This family record is published in Earnest, Russel and Corinne, "To the Latest Prosperity: Pa-Ger. Family Registers in the Fraktur Tradition", 2004.
Fraktur is a broadside of a spiritual labyrinth or maze, hand drawn and lettered on laid paper with brown ink, in German. Within a double-line border is a title at top, with a paragraph underneath. Entitled "Geistlicher Irrgarten, / mit vier kandenbrunen", translated Spiritual Labyrinth (or error garden) / with four wells of grace." The remaining 3/4 of the page is a maze with text within the pathway. At the center of each quadrant of the labyrinth is positioned a rectangle (or well) listing several Bible references. Framed in wood frame painted with diamonds.
Drawing is riddled with pin-prick holes. These are apparently a result of the maker's method of plotting out the labyrinth, using an instrument that left a hole at each right-angle turn.
A watermark is positioned sideways in the upper half of the paper. It is a circle surmounted by a crown, a bell below the circle and a rampant lion within the circle. No exact match with any watermark found in American Watermarks 1690-1835, though some are similar, e.g. # 887 & 889. Framed in
Place of origin is unknown.
Provenance
Note: Borneman states the spiritual labyrinth appears in German as early as 1630. In Pennsylvania, broadsides of this title were popular. The reader must keep turning the paper to follow the text, necessitating over 100 turnings. The text eventually leads the reader back to the beginning. Borneman explains the 4 wells of grace (p. 25, Pa. German Illustrated Manuscripts).
Damage at all fold lines; either broken completely or partially. Center fold line mended with tape on reverse. Moderate to heavy stains scattered over surface, especially at middle of right edge and along center horizontal line. Dark heavy stains/accretions (mold?) along horizontal center line. Corners dog-eared with minor losses. Pin-prick holes throughout. Conserved in 2003 by Maria Pukownik; see photos & documentation.
Object ID
G.02.35.1
Credit
Gift of Greg K. Kramer & Co., Heritage Center Collection
Fraktur on laid paper in polychrome lettering. Within a cross-hatched border is a birth record for Andrew Bare done in five lines of German above a heart containing eleven lines of text. Decorated with vining flowers at top and large flowers around heart.
Accompanying translation at right was written and signed by J. Watson Ellmaker (1840-1921), but undated. It states that the text within the heart is a baptismal prayer for Andrew Bare, born March 9, 1768, and gives an English translation.
Fraktur was originally purchased in a vertical frame with the translation below it, both glued to the same backing. Both pieces were conserved, matted and reframed side-by-side by Elizabeth C. Hollyday, April 1981. See NOTES
Fraktur has significant damage. Multiple losses, staining overall and mended tears and creases.
Translation paper has several light brown stains, esp. at top.
Conserved and reframed by Elizabeth C. Hollyday, April 1981. Edges of fraktur appear to be lifting somewhat. There still remain dark, hazy areas over much of surface.
Object ID
P.80.136
Notes
Published in Fraktur: Folk Art and Family, Russel & Corinne Earnest, 1999, p. 30.
Noted genealogist Jane Evans Best wrote a letter 9/27/84 correcting the genealogical info written by Ellmaker. She states that Andreas was not the father of noted publisher John Bear. This Andrew Bear was born 2/9/1768 and died 6/22/1797. He was baptized June 12, 1768 at Zeltenreich Reformed Church in Earl Twp. Best suggests it may have been the schoolmaster of the nearly Laurel Hill school who created this fraktur. The school was mentioned in a deed dated July 22, 1765 and was one of the earliest on record in Lancaster Co.
Also, Andrew Bear Jr. was not married to Mary Showers, but was married 12/22/1790 at New Holland Lutheran Church to Susanna Mayer, daughter of Abraham Mayer of Leacock Twp. The Bears had two children, John b. 7/31/1791 and Christina, born after 1792. The two children were mentioned in their grandfather Andrew's will dated 9/21/1805.
Place of Origin
Lancaster County
Credit
Gift of the James Hale Steinman Foundation, Heritage Center Collection
Birth and baptismal certificate imprinted 1788 at Ephrata Cloister printshop; infill and fanciful hand-decorated borders by Arnold Hoevelmann. Watercolor decoration includes various fantastical flowers on arching vines emanating from huge pumpkin-like flower at the top, with vines arching down to each side ending in large tulips. Additional flowers below. Hunter is in colonial dress with large black hat, firing his rifle at a stag on the far left side. Strongly colored with mostly red, blue, purple, and yellow. Hoevelmann consistently used a flower motif decorated with what some believe to be a capital letter "H" (his monogram). This fraktur is a rare example of human figures being depicted.
Ephrata Cloister 1788 imprint; artwork by Arnold Hoevelmann (1749-1804)
Certificate done for Jacob Stuart, born December 29, 1784. son of Jacob Stuart and wife Maria Catharina (no maiden name). It appears he was born in "Mauntschey" (Mt. Joy) Twp. Pastor Wilhelm Hendel baptized the child but no date is included. Hoevelmann wrote "Witnesses" at the end, but no names. Later ink inscription added at lower right appears to be subject's age (69) at time of death, 2nd Jan. 1854." Pencil calculation of age at top, to left of large orange flower.
Provenance
Ex-Unger collection, Pottsville.
In 1974, Richard F. and Joane Smith entrusted this BBC to the Lancaster County Historical Society with the understanding that it would become part of the Heritage Center collection when established.
Fragile, with overall buckling and pronounced wringling across surface. Areas of foxing.
Conserved by the Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts 1988-89: cleaned, removed paper backing, mended and matted for original frame (report in file). Remounted and framed by Carlisle conservator Brian Howard in 1996.
Object ID
G.77.50.9
Notes
Family tradition says Hoevelmann was born in Prussia in 1749, came to America along with LaFayette and served as a surgeon during the American Revolution. It is likely he and his wife Eva Susanna lived in Lancaster Co. since two sons were baptized at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (1780 and 1793). He worked in many PA counties, including Washington Co. in MD, and is believed to be buried at Frieden's Church near Shiremanstown, Cumberland Co. Based on the many known B&BC's by Hoevelmann, it appears he used printed forms early in his career and completely hand-done certificates later in life.
Allthough born in Lancaster Co., Jacob Stuart appears to have lived in Lebanon County during much of his adult life. He and his family attended Trinity Tulpehocken Reformed Church, Jackson Twp., Lebanon Co. was where he was married, 31 Dec 1805 and appears to have had at least 7 children according to church records of 1800-1856. Jacob "Stewart", his wife Elizabeth and two daughters (Henrietta & Clementine) are buried in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Myerstown, Lebanon Co. The 1850 Census shows Jacob "Stewert", Elizabeth and Clementine living in Marion Twp, Berks Co. (Marion Twp. borders Jackson Twp., Lebanon Co.)
See:
1. Shelley, Donald A., The Fraktur-Writings or Illuminated Manuscripts of the Pa Germans, Pa. German Folklore Society, 1961, plate #84.
2. Earnest Associates, Papers for Birth Dayes, pp. 399-401.
3. Kline and Weiser, "A Fraktur Fest" in Der Regebogge, Sept-Dec., 1970, Vol. 4, pp. 3-5.
4. Stopp, Klaus, The Printed Birth & Baptismal Certificates of the German Americans, Vol. II, pp. 150-151. (This example is numbered 246.3 by Stopp)
5. Photo on p. 120 of Corinne & Russell Earnests' Fraktur: Folk Art & Family, 1999.
Heritage Center slide collection #27-2-5 (now in Photo Collection)
Place of Origin
Ephrata
Role
Artist
Credit
Gift of Mr. & Mrs. Richard Flanders Smith, Heritage Center Collection
Birth and baptismal certificate for Jacob Weydmann, printed on laid paper at the Ephrata Cloister at the request of Henrich Otto (c.1733-99), who also decorated this fraktur. Infill attributed to Henrich Dulheuer (active c.1780-86);
Center text block with textile border below was printed with the date of 1784 (lower right). Klaus Stopp believes the bird-panels at top and sides were printed later (1785-87) (See Notes). Dulheuer later infilled the family information in red. Otto decorated with green, red, yellow, and blue.
B & BC is for Jacob Weydmann, born Oct. 28, 1762 in Cocalico Twp., a son of Jacob and Barbara (Huber) Weydmann. By the time the taufschein was completely printed and finally infilled and decorated, Jacob Weydmann would have been at least in his mid-20s.
Much of the edges is missing, esp. the top corners. Significant vertical crease down the center, various other creases and wrinkles. Large brown stains in lower half. The piece has been mounted on a brown backing, and missing areas of the design have been filled in.
A treatment proposal done by the Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts in 1986 mentioned filling in the design, but there is no record of when it was actually done. Matted and framed by conservator Brian Howard of Carlisle in 1996.
Object ID
G.77.50.8
Notes
Dulheuer was one of the first scriveners to fill out printed forms (Earnests). Pictured in Corinne & Russell Earnests' book, Fraktur: Folk Art & Family on p. 34.
See Bookplate in New Testament (G.77.50.5) of family member Margaret Weidman. See also Paul Flack Sale of Oct 2012 at Pook & Pook for nearly identical printed Birth Certificate of sister Catharina, born 1768 (in object file).
The Elser, Weidman/Weydmann, and Wachter families were intermarried.
Place of Origin
Lancaster County
Role
Artist
Credit
Gift of Mr. & Mrs. Richard Flanders Smith, Heritage Center Collection
Chest of polar stands on four blue-green ogee bracket feet, fitted with casters. Lid has molding pegged to 3 sides and supported by strap hinges. Keyhole at front center has only the ghost of its original oval escutcheon. Grab lock with key. Wrought iron handles on a heart-shaped plate are located at each end. Interior of chest has a till on the left.
Red-painted platter-shaped panels are positioned at each end, two on lid and two on front. Above these front panels is a very thin, long, white-painted reserve containing a painted inscription "17 ANNA NISLESIN 95." This is flanked by geometric floral/star rosettes.
This is a 'sister' chest to the Potzer chest (P.79.103) varying only in paint decoration and feet. Similar chest sold in Geo Scott sale in 1994. (Written by Scott Sagar.)
Provenance
Provenance indicated by inscription and handwritten note: "This chest is for Eli" is penciled on the underside of the lid. Paper pasted to till reads: "This is the property of Ella R. Peterson (with contents) Jan. 1960, Anna B. Rohrer. Formerly was your Great Grandmother"s Maria Hershey Haverstick."
Donor states chest descended to her through the Haverstick family of the Wabank area of Lancaster Twp. It was used in a farmhouse on Rice Road, near the west bank of the Conestoga River. Peterson states the Haverstick property was later sold to a Mr. Rice who owned it until he died circa 1985. There is reportedly a Haverstick cemetery nearby.
The chest was donated by Mrs. Ella R. Peterson of Willow Valley Square in Nov. 1995. Value: $7,500.
Significant wear to wood, esp. where dog chewed on feet; right front foot has piece broken off. Paint is worn and faded overall, with scratches and chips in many places. Lock escutcheon missing.
Chest, red-painted poplar on four straight bracket feet. Lid with molding pegged to 3 sides, supported by strap hinges. Brass escutcheon at keyhole. Wrought iron bail handles on a heart-shaped plate at each end. Till at left end of interior.
White-painted platter-shaped panels at each end, two on lid and two on front. Above the painted front panels is a very thin, long, white-painted cartouche containing a painted inscription with geometric floral/star motifs. Inscription: "17 BARBARA POTZERIN 95."
On underside of the lid, left side, is a pasted-on fraktur (6.5" x 8"), hand-drawn, hand-colored, hand-lettered, on laid paper. Text within a rectangular frame at center of document, flanked by two people: at left is a woman wearing a red gown and bonnet, and on right is a man wearing a red coat, knee breeches and tricorn hat. Red and blue flowers above.
Fraktur has a "sponsor's letter" text done for "Maria Barbarra" Potzer, born March 11, 1768 in Warwick Township, Lancaster Co. Document was given to Barbara by the godparents / sponsors, whose names appear at upper left and lower right corners: Maria Barbara Fockt [?] and Jakob Zook [?]. Central text block expresses good wishes for the child (translation in file). This form was used in the Alsace/Palatine areas according to Pastor Weiser.
The maker of the chest is unknown. The fraktur was done by Sussel-Washington artist (active c.1760-1779).
Provenance
Chest was purchased by seller, H. William Koch, in approximately June, 1979, at a sale near Harrisburg. It is a twin of the "Anna Nislesin" chest (G.95.29.1) except for paint color and feet. Several other similar chests (see file).
Multiple large marks and stains on lid, including two blotches of a varnish-stain. The edges are worn, and bits of wood are missing in several areas. Base is separating from the front and sides. The iron hinges are rusted. Top has a long split along grain.
A condition report and treatment proposal for the fraktur were done by the Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts in Philadelphia in May 1986, but no treatment was done.
Object ID
P.79.103.1
Notes
Pictured on p. 180 of Corinne & Russell Earnests' Fraktur: Folk Art & Family, 1999.
Place of Origin
Lancaster County
Role
Artist
Credit
Gift of James Hale Steinman Foundation, Heritage Center Collection
Bonnet-top high chest, walnut w/ yellow pine and poplar secondary wood. Pegged frame and panel construction. A bonnet top broken arch pediment surrounds the tympanum with a central round, concave shell carving. Large orb finial on plinth centered within broken arch. Upper section has five graduated drawer sections consisting of three small drawers over two drawers over three long single drawers, all cock-beaded with bail brasses and escutcheons. Pulls not original; ghosting visible of original brasses. Quarter columns have wide chamfers with double fluting.
Upper chest rests on stepped-out lower chest having one long drawer flanked by two small ones and two more small drawers below these. Cutout apron at bottom. Very wide chamfered & fluted quarter columns. Cabriole legs with trifid feet and stocking detail.
Make is unknown.
Lancaster County, probably Churchtown area
Provenance
Chest originally belonged to the Old family, prominent ironmasters of Lancaster and Berks Co. It may have been owned first by James Old (1730-1809) or one of his children. The chest later passed from Miss Harriet Old to the Hopkins family at Conowingo Furnace, Drumore Twp., Lancaster County.
Overall abrasions, scars and small losses of wood. 4" crack in pediment, left of finial. Significant grouping of gashes 4"x 3" spanning 2nd & 3rd level drawers, at left. Entire front of top chest detaching from sides. Piece at top of left stile, under cornice, is broken & poorly repaired. Deep horizontal 7" crack on left side of base unit. Vertical crack entire length of right side of top. 1 12" long gouge on stile of right front leg. White flecks on right front leg. Brasses tarnished with some rust.
Object ID
P.78.76
Notes
Exhibit label information:
John J. Snyder, Jr. suggests many points of similarity with a Q.A Phila. highboy owned by diarist Christopher Marshall who brought chest along with him when he moved to Lancaster Co. "on the eve of the Revolutionary War." (Winterthur collections). This chest may have inspired the design of the Old chest.
Wide fluted chamfered corners similar to a Q.A. secretary (G.03.1.1) formerly owned by the Jenkins family of Churchtown. Similar to a case of Geo. Hoff clock w/ brass face, and similar to casework by some Phila. and Maryland cabinetmakers.
Snyder notes that cockbeaded edges on drawers suggest a later date than expected (c. 1770-1790). This type in Phila. was being made c. 1740-1760.
Place of Origin
Lancaster County
Usage
Old family
Credit
Gift of James Hale Steinman Foundation, Heritage Center Collection
Bookplate on a page from a Martyrs Mirror, done in the style of Ephrata Cloister with a flowing hand using strong, bold letters. Letters are black with green and orange infill. Bookplate simply reads: "Carl/ Christo/ phel." One flower is at top right and a stylized pot with plant having 3 flowers is at lower left. Page is float-mounted in a window mat with a handmade cherry frame.
Ephrata Cloister, Lancaster Co.
Removed from Martyrs Mirror by a previous owner (Evelyn Good) due to water damage to the book which was then discarded. The opposing page was also saved and is mounted in Mylar on reverse side of frame. It carries a ghost image of the bookplate; string from binding is visible.
Acquired with typewritten inscription mounted on back of frame states: "BOOKPLATE MADE FOR CARL CHRISTOPHEL FOR/ HIS COPY OF THE EPHRATA MARTYR'S MIRROR-1748./ WORK OF SISTER ANASTASIA THE PEN-ARTIST OF THE CLOISTER ABC PATTERN BOOK OF LETTERS."
According to Clarke Hess, the penwork is by an unknown Ephrata Cloister artist. Clarke notes that Carl Christophel was a deacon at New Danville Mennonite Church in Conestoga Twp.(now Pequea Twp.) He died in 1767.
In Masonic Lodge Fraktur exhibit for several years. Removed circa 2008.
On short-term exhibit at Historical Society of Cocalico Valley, 2010.
Unknown Ephrata Cloister artist
Provenance
Dr. Robbins purchased framed pages from Evelyn Yingst Good's sale, Sat., May 11, 1991, lot #152, for $3,800. Evelyn Good was an Ephrata librarian. Valued at $5000, Robbins sold to museum for $2,500, donating the other half. Irene Walsh then reimbursed museum for the $2,500.
Acid burned edges are brown; soiled along outside edges; stains and foxing. Moisture stain at top left. Remains of binding still attached at left. Moisture staining at upper left corner. Two minor tears at top center, with ragged edges overall. Paper losses within black ink.
Conserved by Marilyn Kemp Weidner of Phila.
Object ID
P.98.52.1
Place of Origin
Ephrata
Credit
Acquired through the generosity of Irene Walsh and Dr. Warren Robbins, Heritage Center Collection
