Small Vorschrift done for Jacob Stibgen, mounted within a white window mat. Within a thin border writing example, first line begins with enlarged, decorated letters with flowers and bird: "Allein Gott in der Hoh" with ending "Seig Ehr" in tiny letters below "Hoh". Translation: All glory to God on high. Following lines in English, then the alphabet and finally numerals.
Signed at the bottom "Diese Vorschrift gehoret mir Jacob Stibgen febreary (sic) the 10 1817." Translation: This Vorschrift belongs to me..." . Colors are muted: red, brown, dirty yellow and some black. Some notations on reverse of matboard.
Overall light brown age darkening. Several dark brown stains along bottom left and near center, above "20". Quarter inch discoloration at top, left of center. A 3" long slanted line near upper left corner is breaking, has holes and at right end extends a 1" long vertical break from top down. Also some color losses along break. Surface loss of about 1/4" at left border, 1/5" up from bottom.
Object ID
2017.999.15
Notes
Appraisal done by Pastor Fred Weiser on 2 Sept 1988. Marked fraktur #13 during this event.
Liebesbriefe (love letter) papercut or scherenschnitte on laid paper, mounted on green paperboard within a black wooden frame. Intricately cut circular design has narrow sawtooth border and cutout hearts, urns and flowers (tulips and carnations) in a repeated design. Center has a large flower-like, scalloped edged shape outlined in blue and lines of text written in red ink around periphery. It reads: "Lieben und nicht haben ist harter dann stein graben, und nicht bey sammen seyn(?) / ist fur wahr die groste pein." Appears to read: To love and not have (have love requited) is harder than stone (graben?) and not by ? ? ? is in truth the greatest pain.
16 inverted hearts dominate outer area, arranged in a staggered fashion around periphery. Each heart is alternately edged in blue or red and each is numbered and infilled with an expression of love written in red ink. Eight 2-handled urns radiate outward from center filled with tulip plants that connect with the hearts. Vasiform paper shapes alternate with urns and are decorated with drawings of tulips and blue flowers. Watercolor decoration is typical color palette of red, yellow, blue and what originally was green foliage. On back of acidic paperboard is written "This is probably Christian Strange (sic) Cut-Out." Old paper label taped to back is printed "An Old Pennsylvania / German Valentine."
See David R. Johnson, Christian Strenge's Fraktur, East Petersburg Historical Society, 1995, for two other examples.
Diameter (cm)
33.3375
Diameter (ft)
1.09375
Diameter (in)
13.125
Dimension Details
Diameter of frame is 19.5"
Condition
Fair
Condition Date
2017-06-26
Condition Notes
Delicate cutout has heavy losses, especially sawtooth border, parts of flowers & leaves as well as 3 missing vasiform (resembling a tube/duct) shapes with the floral drawings. Fold lines are broken and breaking. Paper generally age-darkened with some scattered light brown stains. Multiple repairs detached elements and pieces of paper pasted onto back for support. Black painted frame has abrasions. Glass has some light molding on inside surface.
Object ID
2017.999.9
Notes
Appraisal conducted by Pastor Fred Weiser, Sept. 2, 1988. He notes that the condition restrains the value. There is a large B & W transparency in the file.
See other examples in David R. Johnson's "Christian Strenge's Fraktur", 1995. (Copies in file, including translation of German).
Religious text by Christian Strenge on wove paper, pasted on Kraft type brown paper and mounted in a hinged window mat. Horizontal orientation.
Within heavy black borders with red corner blocks are multiple lines of text, each separated by several motifs resembling a sideways ampersand. Top line is "Preiset mit mur den herren und lasset uns" done with large open letters and decorative infill. Followed by 3 lines of fraktur red lettering, ending with the reference Psalm 34 verses 4, 5 and 6. Remaining text is script, ending with "April 1788."
Dominating fraktur design are two very large distinctive, colorful flowers drawn with a compass. Main stem with drooping tulips & other flowers at sides and is rooted in a heart containing verse. A bold red predominates
First line translation is "Praise with me the Lord and let us...". On fraktur back is printed "property of Lancaster County Historical Society."
Extensive damage. Very dark with overall acid burn. Multiple losses, especially at left side and upper left corner with very ragged edges and holes. Additional heavy paper losses at bottom, right of center and significant holes extend across area above "Preiset". Paint is chipped, abraded and missing, especially black. Thin wrinkle extends across bottom about 1 inch from bottom. Pasted to acidic Kraft type paper.
"Needs restoring" according to Pastor F. Weiser (appraisal of 1988)
Object ID
2003.077
Notes
Appraisal conducted by Pastor Fred Weiser, Sept. 2, 1988. He suggests looking at article by David Johnson in Reggeboge for early examples of Strenge.
Fraktur Taufschein of Johannes Müller probably from Lancaster/Dauphin County. Artist, if not Christian Mertel, then similar. Circ 1795. (Appraisal by Pastor Frederick Weiser, 2 September 1988.)
Birth Record in German for Nancy Haberstich is hand executed on laid paper. The folksy design is a central heart with rope-like edging. Within is written Nancy Haberst / ich Ist Gebohren den 22 den / October 1799 Conostogo / Town Ship." Letter colors vary from black to red to yellow. Below text is a running stag and a nearby tree. Resting atop the heart is a large crown with red, yellow and green bands. Painted into the yellow band is "AM US 1812", perhaps indicating an artist w/ date of execution. Flanking crown are two angels with black wings, additional red wings on footheels and a snake-like object encircling their loins. Each angel extends a leafy branch toward the crown as in homage. Large red tulips with black leaves fill sides of fraktur, sheltering a pair of confronting birds standing at bottom.
Mounted in a modern brown natural wood frame with white window mat. Kraft paper dust paper on back has "#3" written in lower right corner. Inscribed at top left in pencil is "Anna ? " Inscribed in pencil on back is "#3".
Paper has light acid burn overall with several darker brown stains such as one above right tulip.overall yellowed from age and acid burn. Strong fold lines, especially the three vertical ones at center. Cellophane tape mends tears in fold lines at center and left. Fold lines are breaking and one is separated and curling. Several scattered brown stains. Paper losses, particularly at right top corner, some at top left corner and top center. Small holes at various points and tears extend into paper from edges. Bottom edge particularly damaged. Strong losses and breaks especially at bottom center and at left.
Object ID
2017.999.7
Notes
Appraisal conducted by Pastor Fred Weiser, Sept. 2, 1988.
Framed fraktur birth & baptismal certificate (taufschein/B&BC) for Elisabetha Elser, drawn, lettered and colored by hand on laid paper. Symmetrical, horizontal design is attributed to the "Ehre Vater" artist. Fraktur is mounted on thick paperboard with beveled edges, and is float-mounted on a buff-colored matboard within a modern black frame.
At center is a large circle painted red and green. Inside the circle, set onto yellow ground, is a heart with blue border and pinkish interior. Interior text states Elisabetha Elser was born in Warwick Twp, Lancaster Co. on 19th Nov 1803. Her parents were Peter Elser and wife Elisabetha, born a Wachter. Baptism was held by Pastor Schulz and the sponsors were Georg Wachter and his wife Margaretha (believed to be a sister of Peter Elser). Below circle are two lines of religious verse, translated by Weiser as "A heart that loves Jesus knows no worries -- much cross, need and pain are his days of joy."
At lower right and lower left are two large compass-drawn spheres colored with green, yellow, red, blue and pink. Out of each sphere is a flowering plant on which large parrot-like birds perch, similarly colored.
Attributed to the "Ehre Vater Artist" (active c. 1782-1828).
Some surface soil. Good color retention. Needs to be removed from backing board and conserved.
Object ID
2017.999.1
Notes
Appraised by Rev. Fred Weiser, 2 Sept 1988. He attributes fraktur to the Ehre Vater artist, a prolific artist who travelled far and wide producing fraktur for many years. This fraktur likely related to Johannes Schnierer B&BC, 2004.718, due to Johannes Schnierer (b. 1786) later marrying an Elser (Catharine).
Papers for Birth Dayes notes on page 227 that this fraktur was exhibited as #38 in the , Allentown Art Museum show in Allentown, PA, "Pennsylvania Folk Art," October 20-Dec. 1, 1974.
The Elser, Weidman/Weydmann, and Wachter families were intermarried.
Hand-drawn, lettered and colored fraktur is a Birth and Baptismal Certificate made for Johannes Muller b. 13 Apr 1771 in what was then Lebanon Twp. Lancaster Co. (Lebanon created 1813). Center text block has biographical information and 3 lines of scripture below mentioning the cedars of Lebanon (final 3 words). Double-line blue border surrounds top and sides of text. Along top of border are 28 green trees (likely cedars of Lebanon) and a winged cherub's head over all. A pair of identical redcoat soldiers are at each side of text block, one above the other. Each has a tall black hat with "tail", a long cane, a sword, moustaches and a long pigtail tied with a bow. Top two soldiers have a leafy twig extending from mouths, and all four stand on small green trees, similar to the above. At bottom is an arched branch of stylized leaves, a center 8-point flower and two downturned tulip-like flowers at sides. Colors used are green, yellow and red with blue line border.
Parents were Johannes(?) Muller and wife Susanna, born an Alomer(?). REb. Buchry(?) baptised him at unknown date. Witnesses were Johanes Schweigert and wife Lehnore.
Pencil calculation done under first text block is "Died Sept. 13, 1860. Aged Eighty nine years & five months."
Lebanon Twp., Lancaster Co. (now Lebanon Co., formed in 1813)
Perhaps made by Christian Mertel or similar artist (per F. Weiser).
Structurally intact but color still good. Some breaking at fold lines and some raised and folded fold lines. Brown moisture stains over most of surface with dark, heavy tide lines. Two pieces of cellophane tape along left side where soldiers' hat "tails" have iron gall ink losses. Paper edges worn, torn, with losses, creases and folds. Various losses (holes), mostly where iron gall ink was used. Frame not likely original to fraktur. High profile beaded moldings on a walnut frame; finish aged with craquelure.
Object ID
2017.999.2
Notes
Appraisal conducted by Pastor Fred Weiser, Sept. 2, 1988. He says it was reproduced in Landis Valley catalog.
The Fraktur was included in a Landis Valley publication called "Pennsylvania German Fraktur and Color Drawings, Exhibited at Pennsylvania Farm Museum of Landis Valley, Lancaster, Pennsylvania," 1969. Plate #71. In LancasterHistory library (740 P415)
Fraktur is a hand written New Year's wish from Johann Peter Hornberger to his sister. On laid paper -- now pasted onto acidic paperboard -- is a compass-drawn circle with a 7/8" wide outer border and scrolling penwork within, creating the appearance of a wreath. In interior, apart from the decorative scrolling penned at left center, the interior space is filled with German language script. Only the title is in fraktur script, reading "Neu Jahrs Wunsch an mer(?)." (A New Year's Wish ...). The second line reverts to German script, and includes the words "liebe Schwester" (Dear Sister). The body of the text is 13 lines expressing good wishes. At the bottom is "... / ....Johann Peter / Hornberger. / im Jahr 1725."
Paper has foxing and light brown acid burn stains over all. Three vertical and 3 horizontal fold lines darkened from acid; also large and small holes at most intersections of lines. Largest hole is at center left at the decorative scrolling penwork. It is about 1/4" in size with an irregular shape. Very dark small "burn" about 2.5" from upper right corner. Fraktur was removed from frame, old glass cleaned and thin wood backing discarded. Acidic imprint of wood still visible on back of paperboard.
Object ID
2017.999.5
Notes
The early date of 1725 precedes the founding of Lancaster Co. Appraisal conducted by Pastor Fred Weiser, Sept. 2, 1988. He believes this is European.
Fraktur is a simple hand done birth record in German for Adam Kindig and Anna Kindig. Page is likely removed from a Bible. Adam was born 17 Sept 1794 in Conestoga Twp. and Anna was born 22 Oct 1799 in Conestoga Twp. Layout of Fraktur lettering with serifs is simple and straightforward but not with an accomplished hand. Letter colors vary from red to ochre to green. No additional decoration except for curlicue lines surrounding the upper case "A" of both Adam and Anna.
Mounted in a brown modern frame with white window mat. Kraft paper dustcover on back. A "#10" is written small in pencil at lower right corner.
Paper has foxing, brown stains and fly specks (bottom right). Two horizontal fold lines across middle; the one with the greater crease shows breaking and some holes at several points.
Object ID
2017.999.6
Notes
See Mylin Family Genealogy 929.M513 in library.
Adam is the son of Christian Kendig and Barbara Mylin. Anne is the daughter of Michael Haverstick and Eve Bender. Adam Kendig married 1) Anne Haverstick and 2) Mary Helm. Six children by Anne, nine children by Mary Helm. Anne H. Kendig was b. 22 Oct 1799 and d. 17 Jan 1833. Likely buried in Reformed Church, Conestoga Centre or Rush Farm, New Danville.
Adam and Anna's daughter Mary Amanda Kindig was born 1821 and baptised 1837 by Pastor Martin Bruner of the Reformed Church in Lancaster City. Her Taufschein in English is done free hand by Eli Haverstick and is signed on reverse "E Haverstick / No. 11" This document is in the collections of the Evangelical & Reformed Historical Society. Eli Haverstick was likely a relative of the family and was almost certainly a schoolmaster. (See similar examples done for brothers John and Christian Bachman in the Heritage Center Collections).
Appraisal conducted by Pastor Fred Weiser, Sept. 2, 1988. A slide transparency is in file.
Fraktur is a birth & baptismal certificate (taufschein) for Johann Kupper, drawn, lettered and colored by hand on laid paper. Text block written with iron gall ink is centered in bottom half of the horizontal sheet of paper. Border on top and sides composed of fantastical flowers in yellow, red, black and green. Identical flowering plants fill each side of text, rising from a basket-like containers. Top has tulips and other flowers rising from wide and shallow baskets(?).
Text begins with "Johannes Kupper" in large fraktur-type letters followed by nine lines of German script regarding his birth in ?? Township, Dauphin County, 30 June 1797. Father was Johann Adam(?) Kupper and mother was Christina ?? Baptised 1 October 1797. The baptismal witnesses were Johannes Matter and his wife Elisabetha.
Mounted in a modern brown natural wood frame with white window mat. Kraft paper dust paper on back. Several puncture tears at left. In pencil at bottom right corner is "#9".
Size of certificate is approximate according to what is visible through the window mat. Size of frame is H: 11.25" W: 16.75"
Condition
Fair
Condition Date
2017-06-12
Condition Notes
Colors are still vibrant. Foxing and other brown stains, especially along center vertical fold line (tape residue?). This fold line is almost entirely broken. Approximately 16 large holes are found on flowers where iron gall ink was concentrated. Some edges of holes are folded over. Additional breaks along some fold lines and elsewhere. A long tear extends downward about 1.25" from top edge near right corner.
In need of conservation.
Object ID
2003.076
Notes
Appraisal conducted by Pastor Fred. Weiser, 2 Sept 1988.
Johann Kupper (John Cooper) was born 1797 and died November 1883. He married Mary Miller (1798-1882) and both are buried in Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery in Rife, Dauphin County.
Johann was the son of John Adam Kupper (Cooper) and Christina Margaretta Schott Kupper. He was a farmer, living in Washington Twp. in northern Dauphin County, vicinity of Lykens and Elizabethville.
Confirmation of John Cooper is found in the Price Rominger Family Tree, Ancestry.com.
This is related to other Kupper family fraktur in this collection:
