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
Chest is red-painted poplar. Lid has molding pegged to 3 sides, supported by plain iron strap hinges. Brass escutcheon at keyhole. Wrought iron bail handles on a heart-shaped plate, on each end. A till is 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 thin, long, white-painted cartouche containing a painted inscription along with geometric floral/star motifs. The inscription reads: "17 BARBARA POTZERIN 95."
On the underside of the lid, left side, is pasted a fraktur measuring 6.5" x 8" showing a woman in a red dress and a man in a pink coat and black pants flanking a text block, with red and blue flowers above.
The fraktur is a "baptismal sponsor's letter form" done with ink and watercolor on laid paper for "Maria Barbarra" Potzer, born March 11, 1768 in Warwick Township, Lancaster County. The central text block expresses good wishes for the child (translation in file)and in the upper left and lower right corners are the names of baptismal sponsors, Maria Barbara Fockt [?] and Jakob Zook [?]. This unusual form was used in the Alsace/Palatine areas, according to Pastor Fred Weiser.
Barbara Potzer was original owner. Maker of the chest is unknown. The fraktur is by the Sussel-Washington artist.
Provenance
Chest was purchased at a sale in Harrisburg in approximately June, 1979, by seller, H. William Koch. It
Multiple large marks and stains on lid, including two blotches of a varnish-stain. 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
G.79.103.1
Notes
This is a twin of the "Anna Nislesin" chest (G.95.29.1) except for paint color and feet.
There is a group of several other similar chests (see file).
Place of Origin
Lancaster County
Role
Artist
Credit
Gift of the James Hale Steinman Foundation, Heritage Center Collection
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)
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
Fraktur is a Vorschrift, drawn, lettered and colored by schoolmaster Christian Strenge. Mounted in a window mat of off-white, with a modern frame of dark-stained softwood. Within an outside border dark blue is a floral vine border with mostly tulips and some 4-petal flowers is the text. It begins "Ich will den herrn / loben mein lebenlang und mit meinem Gott uber die Mauren springen." (I want to praise the lord all my life long and jump over the walls with my God.). Lettering is intricately decorated and colored. The initial "I" of text is oversized. At left of this "I" is "den 1ten may / anno 1787" in the same letter style, but half size.
Following the main text are six words written in script, followed by the alphabet with both fraktur and script letters. At the end are what appears to be "A.O.U." Final line is "maria millerin." in large letters. Reverse side has "Weiser #25" in pencil.
See David R. Johnson, Christian Strenge's Fraktur, East Petersburg Historical Society, 1995.
Height (cm)
19.4945
Height (ft)
0.6395833333
Height (in)
7.675
Width (cm)
31.4325
Width (ft)
1.03125
Width (in)
12.375
Dimension Details
Frame is H: 12.5" W: 17.5".
Condition
Fair to Poor
Condition Date
2017-05-30
Condition Notes
Paper is embrittled, buckling and darkened from acid burn with extensive foxing. Some losses at edges. Large area of loss about 2.5" - 4.5" from bottom left corner. These holes/losses extend 2" up from bottom, with edges appearing to have been burned. Colors and ink have faded.
Object ID
2017.999.4
Notes
Appraisal conducted by Pastor Fred Weiser, Sept. 2, 1988. Weiser writes "The owner Strenge's first wife or a relative of her." Strenge's 2nd wife was Mary Eve Miller of Lancaster. This fraktur is an almost identical vorschrift done for Christian Miller on the same date, in the collection of the State Historical Society of Wisconsin. The Millers were apparently siblings.
Also in LHO collections is a religious text for Maria Miller done the following year in 1788. Another religious text was done for William Miller on the same date (also from the State Historical Society of Wisconsin).
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:
Nearly square printed fraktur mounted in a window mat and a modern flat black frame. This three-heart design made by Friedrich Krebs has his name "F. Krebs" printed at the bottom of the large central heart. Likely custom-printed in Reading at Adler's. Text within large heart is "Geburts- und TaufSchein." Standard main text has blanks infilled by Krebs. A daughter Elisabetha Miller was born 21 Feb 1809 in Cocalico Twp. to parents Peter Miller and wife Anna, born a M-caale(?). Daughter Elisabetha was baptised 14 May 1809 by Rev. Nuszky(?) and the sponsors were Peter Ellser and his wife Elisabetha. Smaller hearts below have religious verse.
Folksy decorations include coloring the heart border lines and adding many pasted-on cutouts, six of which are imprints of well dressed medieval people, two are pattern embossed paper urns/vases at bottom and two are small birds at top (right one missing). Extensive use of ink and watercolor to portray flowers, 4 suns/moons with faces and an unusual butterfly/moth drawing at top center. Borders of hearts are embellished with watercolors.
Printed in Reading, likely by Adler's Print Shop. Infilled and decorated in Cocalico Twp by Friederick Krebs (c. 1749 - c. 1815).
Fred Weiser, "The Mad, Lovable World of Friedrich Krebs," Der Reggeboge, 1988.Vol. 22, No. 2, pp. 49-88.
Alfred Shoemaker, "Notes on Frederich Krebs, The Noted Fractur Artist," The Pennsylvania Dutchman, Nov. 1, 1951, Vol. 3, No. 11.
Klaus Stopp, The Printed B&BC of the German Americans, Vol. 1, 1997, pp. 77-78 and pp. 140-144.
Height (cm)
31.75
Height (ft)
1.0416666667
Height (in)
12.5
Width (cm)
39.37
Width (ft)
1.2916666667
Width (in)
15.5
Dimension Details
Measurements are estimated based on what is visible in window mat.
Dimensions of frame are H: 15.375" W: 20.25"
Condition
Fair to Poor
Condition Date
2017-06-20
Condition Notes
Overall age yellowing with slight foxing. Multiple fold lines and other wrinkles. Large areas in right and left corners have heavy losses (holes), folded over edges and mending with cellophane tape adhered to back and staining the paper. Many pasted-on paper cutouts are detaching with folded-over edges. At least one cutout of bird is missing at top and perhaps additional missing cutouts where holes exist at upper corners. Abrasions on lower left cutout as well as some painted motifs.
Object ID
2017.999.8
Notes
Appraised by Rev. Fred Weiser in Sept. 1888. It was numbered # . See another B&BC by Krebs, 2017.999.28.
Johann Jacob Friederich Krebs was probably born April 3, 1749 and probably died in July 1815, according to Russ & Corinne Earnest's Papers for Birthdayes, pp. 460-467, He was active circa 1784-1812 in most counties of southeast PA and even New Jersey. He is considered the most prolific of all fraktur artists. He lived between Hummelstown and Harrisburg, Dauphin Co. and was a Schoolmaster in Swatara Twp.
He went through phases of decoration such as pasted-on cutout paper, stamped-on birds, his own freehand sketches, etc. He purchased large sheets of colored Augsburg brocade paper having Baroque decoration with pictures of Saints, animals and flowers. He cut out these figures to paste on fraktur as well as cut out his own shapes.
He used Adler's printshop in Reading for most of his printed B&BCs, often supplying the paper himself. He preferred 3-heart prints having no decoration, since he provided his own decoration.
A Peter Miller was a West Cocalico Twp. Supervisor in 1850 (Ellis & Evans, p. 722). The 1860 Atlas shows two "Pr. Miller" properties in East Cocalico Twp. just south of Knops Ridge. The 1869 Co. Directory lists 14 Millers in E. Cocalico, including a Peter Sr., a Peter Jr. and a Peter K. Miller, all in Reamstown or Swartzville.
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).
Haus segen (House Blessing) printed by John Bauman and mounted in an old walnut veneered frame with flat face and projecting edge. Three heart design has very large heart dominating design, its outline printed with a "snowflake" type motif. Within, at top, in large letters is the title "Haus-Segen." followed by a short line break composed of "S * T"s in alternating pattern. Then 7 lines of text begin "IR GOTTES Namen geh ich aus, Ach HERR! regier du heut das haus: / Die Hausfrau und die kinder mein, Lasz dir, O GOTT! besohlen seyn." Text block followed by a short row of circular motifs. At very bottom of heart is "EPHRATA: / gedruckt, und zu ha- / ben bey JOHN BAUMAN. / 1801" Woodcut designs printed in red ink fill space outside of heart. At top is a tulip & carnation plant, parrots at both upper corners perched on flowering branches, and along very bottom are two hearts flanked with birds; flowering plant rising from top of hearts. Inside hearts is religious text printed in black. Tiny donor inscription in blue ink at edge of bottom center is "Presented to the Lancaster County Historical Society / by Albert K. Hostetter, -- February 2 - 1906." This info repeated at top of frame back in inked hand.
Pasted onto very acidic paperboard. (Fred Weiser notes "Should be removed from board even if it costs what the piece is worth as it will only fox and deteriorate more). Darkened from acid burn and small scattered brown stains & foxing. Ink has faded. Liquid stains along right side as well as paper losses due to insect damage. Tape apparently used along edge of right side. Significant tears especially along top and left edge. Finish on frame is good but dark, with some cracking of veneer at bottom left. Abrasions.
Object ID
1906.01.1
Notes
Klaus Stopp, The Printed B & BCs of the German Americans, Vol. II, p. 98 ff. Pages 194 and 197 depict two imprints of B&BCs similar to this Haus Segen, except of course for the text. This 1801 imprint of a Haus Segen is one of Bauman's earliest products. Stopp states He started printing "relatively late, at the age of 35 years, in his business as a printer, after he worked with his father as a papermaker in the Ephrata paper mill. He printed from 1800 to 1809, the year of his death."
Lee Stoltzfus of "Black Arts" website states: "John and his wife were married Cloister members. John purchased the Ephrata Cloister printing press in 1800, and moved it to his nearby Ephrata home. He previously had worked as a papermaker with his father Benjamin."
On accession record in file, curator Randall Snyder noted in May 1989: "Recorded in the minutes of the Lancaster County Historical Society, February 2nd, 1906, Vol. 10 No. 2, page 56. Also recorded in the "Catalog" kept by Librarian, S.M. Sener from 1896-1908, #1863.
See Fraktur Worksheet #31" for 1988 appraisal by Pastor Fred Weiser.
Birth & Baptismal Certificate (B&BC) is a printed angel type fraktur on wove paper. Mounted in modern silver frame by The Country Framer of West Chester.
Putto on blue-colored cloud at top; standing angels with paint-decorated clothing stand on blue clouds at sides of center text. Birds on branches at bottom corners. A small block of German verse within border is at each top corner. A large bordered text block at center extends to bottom, entitled "Geburts-und Tauf-schein". Text in upper half has subject's infill done with accomplished hand. At center of text block is a rarely used pair of billing birds. Four stanzas of verse within bottom section have tailpiece of cornucopia & wheat between. Under a line border at bottom is "Reading: / Gedruckt bey Johann Ritter und Comp. / im jahr 1812." Ritter's imprints were never dated except for 1811 & 1812.
Infill gives birth of Elisabeth Lang (Long) born in Rapho Twp. to Johann Lang and wife Margaretha, nee Lindemuth(in). Baptised July 2, 1815 by Pastor Baethis; sponsor was Elisabeth Bartruff.
Reading imprint, Johann Ritter; scrivener and artist unknown, perhaps Lancaster County.
Fraktur is a heart form B&BC on horizontal wove paper recording birth of Johann Adam Kupper in German script. Large central heart has a scallop and sawtooth outer edge and text within. At top is "Johann Adam Kupper" followed by his birth 1 July 1759 and baptism by Pastor Lothar Stoewer, 5 Aug 1759. Godparents were Georg Ulrich and his sister. Parents were Georg Kupper and his wife Elisabeth, daughter of Michael Zimmerman.with later dates of 1777 and 1783. Johann was confirmed by Pastor Koebrecht 29 July 1783. A very unusual addition is the final sentence that records his marriage to Christina Margareta Schotten by Pastor Samuel Dubbener. Thus, this B&BC was done after the marriage.
Mounted in a white hinged window mat, secured at corners. Foamboard backing.
Outside of heart is a profusion of multicolored stylized flowers; flowers at sides grow out of a basket.
Good due to great color, but structurally the paper is fragile. There are 5 vertical breaks that appear to be mended w/ cellophane tape. Some tape stains visible. Various size holes in center of 5 flowers. All edges tattered, but especially bottom edge that has losses and folded edges. Surface appears to be soiled with light scattered stains.
Object ID
2017.999.11
Notes
Appraised 2 Oct 1988 by Rev. Fred Weiser and designated #7. It is related to the following Kupper family fraktur in this collection:
2003.076 Johannes
2004.749 Sara
2004.752 Allen
2017.999.11 Johann Adam Kupper 1788
This fraktur translated Oct. 2017 by Elsbeth Steffensen (friend of Mary Alice Wheeler & Andre Dominguez). See object file.
Large double bird watercolored drawing executed with an inexpert hand on wove paper. No text. Pair of confronting birds dominate at center, perched on tulip branches growing out of handled urns. One yellow bodied large bird and one bluish green with variously colored heads and wings. Smaller pair of birds at top corners, also perched on flowering branches. They have orange bodies with yellow heads and wings. Three large tulips grow out of vase at bottom center. Along bottom is a narrow band with 14 sections of various colors.
Mounted in a hinged window mat of white. Label pasted at bottom left corner indicating a LCHS loan to an off-site exhibit. The LCHS stamp appears twice on back. Top right corner has "A/A #1" in pencil and "AAM / 22-1" on a paper sticker.
Multiple small scattered brown stains and light soil. Outline of window mat visible at top and sides; top is lighter in color and left side is darker. Center fold lines, horizontal and vertical. The vertical fold has some breakage, esp. the top 4" and bottom 1".Bottom left corner has some loss and back-folding. Hinged at top onto matboard with white window mat. Back side of mat shows rust marks where nails held matboard in a frame.
Object ID
2017.999.12
Notes
Appraised by Rev. Fred Weiser Sept 2, 1988. This piece is marked fraktur #1.
Fraktur is apparently a religious text with multiple flourishes along top and a wide margin at left filled with a large stylized tulip on a thin stem with other flowers and leaves densely filling space. Penwork is black iron gall ink on laid paper. The paper seems to be small pages from a book, pasted together to created a larger sheet. Reverse has strips of paper pasted onto seams (some replaced with later cellophane tape) from a book.
Top line of text is large fraktur lettering "Mein Gott ich Klopff(?) an(?)", with initial "M" enlarged and decorated. Seven lines of script follow, with a line of upper and lower case letters below. Across bottom is "My Child y wil you learned a Was of the bast you must butt (put) your trust of God at last" Final line is tiny script and in the center of this line is written in red ink "Hinerich Sleo(?)". With the alphabet, this piece is like a Vorschrift.
Appears to be 4 small pages pieced together to create a large one. Paper strips pasted on back at seams and some cellophane tape. Multiple problems. Paper overall is age darkened with multiple small brown stains, some large blotches. Holes in iron gall ink, esp. the large tulip. Some paper seams are breaking with with one hole just above center. Edges ragged, torn and folded back. 1' x 2" loss of top left corner; 1" x 3/4" loss of top right corner, and similar loss at bottom left corner. Paper hinged onto matboard with ivory window mat.
Fragment of very significant colored drawing by Sussel-Washington artist of colonial lady on horseback, titled "Laydy Washingdon" at bottom. Muted colors of red and brown. Only the center portion with right and bottom sides remain.
Sussel Washington Artist, active 1760-1785. Lancaster or Berks County
Remnant of original is pasted onto highly acidic brown Kraft paper. About half remains, with strong damage with loss of top and left sections. Extensive silverfish damage with holes and very ragged edges along left side. Additional surface/paint loss on horse's neck and chest. Darkened from acid and age. Blotchy stains overall. Taped at top to matboard with hinged window mat.
Object ID
2017.999.14
Notes
Appraisal done by Pastor Fred Weiser on 2 Sept 1988. He states value of whole would be at least $35,000. Marked fraktur #17 during this event.
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.
Family record in German on very small page of laid paper. Straight borders on all sides except bottom, which appears to have been cut off & perhaps removed from a book, per Fred Weiser. Written in faded black ink except for large, green initial letters. At top is Abraham Stibgen, born 18 Jan 1755. Later notation added in right margin has 50, his age at death. Next is Anna Kauffman born 13 Apr 1762, with added "65" for death age, at right. They were married 14 Dec 1783. Below is Susanna born 1784 and Christian born 1786. Mounted in off-white window mat w/ two paper hinges at top.
Overall has some age darkening. Soil and stains; large light brown stain at center left with moisture damage along left margin causing bleeding of the green letters. Soil or stain at lower right corner. Center fold is breaking, esp. at each end. Corners worn and dog-earred. Ragged edges except for bottom where cut off.
Mounted on matboard with two paper hinges at top.
Object ID
2017.999.16
Notes
Appraisal done by Pastor Fred Weiser on 2 Sept 1988. Marked fraktur #12 during this event.
