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 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
Bookplate for Peter T.(?) Stauffer penned in purple lettering by Thomas H. Wall (active circa 1876-1898) on a detached end page of a book. Wove paper is light brown. The name arches at top of page with "1876" directly underneath. Embellished with filligree and other decorative flourishes.
Birth and baptismal certificate lithographed in German by Augustus Kollner of Phila. is infilled for the Frankhausser (Frankhauser) family of East Cocalico Twp. Image is colored with yellow border and smaller details in blues and pink. Frame is walnut veneer on flat, angled profile.
Titled "Geburts- und Taufschein", the vertical design on wove paper (14 1/4" x 10 1/4") features elaborate foliate scrolling along architectural sides & base borders, culminating in a leafy broken arch at top, flanked by putti & verses from the gospel of Matthew. Under arch is a nativity scene and within niches at side columns are two men, apparently John the Baptist at left and Jesus at right. Jesus' baptism is pictured within architectural border at bottom, flanked with religious verse. Printed at bottom is "For Sale by Augs. Kollner, corner of Second & Dock Sts. Phil.a / Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 1849, by Augs. Kollner, in the Clerks Office of the District Court of the Eastern District of Pa."
German text is printed within open center area; infilled by unknown scrivener in a large, flowing script that contains several spelling errors. To Heinrich Frankhauser and his wife Marie nee Leath was born a son John Lamon the 7th of April, 1854 in East Cocalico Twp. He was baptized the 5th of October, 1854 by Pastor Ries and sponsored by the parents. (Rev. Charles Reese was the pastor 1852-1857 at Muddy Creek Evangelical Lutheran Church, Ellis & Evans, p. 713).
Printed Philadelphia by Augustus Kollner; Infilled in Cocalico Twp. by unknown scrivener
Generally very good condition. Moderate darkening along edges and light darkening overall. Small stains & foxing sprinkled within text and elsewhere. Reverse side shows yellow liquid stain, apparently bleed-through from watercolored column & arch.
Framed with acidic wood backboard, now replaced with acid free Foam core. Frame refinished w/ minor damage & wear.
Object ID
P.07.07.1
Notes
Most Frankhausers were living in Brecknock Twp. during the late 1800s. The 1864 ATLAS has two properties labeled "H. Frankhauser", one SE of Napierville (E. Cocalico) & one SE of Muddy Creek (Brecknock) (See file). The 1890 Directory has widow Maria F. living in Muddy Creek.
Printer was born in Dusseldorf, Germany in 1813, studied painting & lithography & emigrated to Phila. in 1839 or 1840. He was active independently as a lithographer before 1849 & an artist in watercolor until the 1870s. From 1849-1951 he was associated with the German printer Johann Henry Camp.
Memorial record made by Thomas J. Stevens on heavy tan paper. The unique open-letter style is done in black ink with gold highlights on upper case letters and black inked lower case letters. His lettering is "shaded" by red hash marks above them. Text surrounded by a thin black border line with flowers with long black stems coming out of corners and the center of the sides towards the script. Flowers have red petals and green leaves and the script is accented with gold and green. Border has gold accents at the corners.
The top half of the record begins with, "IN MEMORY/ of/ Our Beloved Parents" and continues with their names and dates as follows: "Benjamin Beiler. Born 26th April, 1830/ Died 6th Jan. 1910. Aged 79 yrs. 8 mos. 9 days./ Mary E. [Esh] Beiler. Born 12th July. 1835./ Died 25th Nov. 1908. Aged 73 yrs. 4 mos. 12 days."
The bottom half of the record is a poem which reads: "God His message sent to call them/ From their Labor here below;/ And we hope to those fair Mansions,/ Where the weary Pilgrims go./ Oh Children dear why do you weep,/ Since we a resting Place have found/ So calm and peaceful we shall sleep/ Beneath our green and mossy mound./ Oh let them sleep on so free from all pain/ Oh make not their sweet Spirits to suffer again;/ They slumber so soundly, Oh let them sleep on;/ Their sickness is ended their troubles are gone./ Gone But not Forgotten."
The signature at the bottom reads: "Thomas J. Stevens./ Lancaster./ Pa./ 22. June 1915."
This is one of two signed pieces done by Stevens. Another large family record is of the Amos and Mattie Lapp family, is undated and is owned by Goshen College's Mennonite Historical Library. Other pieces were done by Stevens for the Amish (several owned by Parmer). See also in HCLC collections, family records in Bibles P94.15.2 and P95.22.1.
Provenance
Seller purchased at sale of Lydia S. Stoltzfus (Mrs. Isaac F. Stiltzfus), New Holland, the granddaughter of Ben & Mary Beiler. Her father was David E. Beiler (Fisher #7783). Thus, the fraktur appears to have been owned by the son, David E. Beiler, and perhaps commissioned by him.
Paper is darkened, especially around edges. Some light soiling and fingerprints. Minor foxing, especially near top left corner. Some light creasing, especially around edges. Small light colored areas of wear around the periphery. Small hole 1 1/2" below signature. Top edge is worn. Dark brown stain, bottom edge towards right and at top right corner of border. Back has greater areas of wear and soiling with some water stains. Framed in archival materials, Feb. 2000, by Lancaster Galleries.
Object ID
P.00.06.1
Notes
See object file for bio sketch of Stevens done by seller John (Jack) Parmer. Includes family genealogy of Benjamin Beiler (Fisher Book #7781). He lived 1830-1910 and in 1857 married Mary Esh (1835-1908). Benjamin Beiler was also a gifted artist and did bookplates, etc. Parmer notes that one elderly Amish woman, Lydia S. Stoltzfus Petersheim, recalls Stevens in 1925 as a "little Englishman", walking from farm to farm carrying his wooden artist's case. At this time she was a 9-year-old child and Stevens inscribed her Bible.
Place of Origin
Lancaster County
Credit
Gift of Irene N. Walsh, 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
Printed angel-type birth and baptisimal certificate (B&BC) in German on wove paper. Jacob Leininger was born in 1852, the son of Friederich Leininger and wife Elisabeth nee Ksander of West Cocalico Twp. Baptized by Rev. Carl Ries.
Border surrounds the central text block with infill, flanked by two angels. At top center is a putto with two boxes of text at sides. On the top of the page is a cherub flanked by two boxes of text. Flanking the main text are two large angels, facing toward the center. Two perching birds at lower sides. Bordered text block at bottom center has religious verse with two tailpieces filling space: above text is woman with shield reading "IN GOD WE HOPE" and below is an emblem with horns over flowering branches. Below this is the imprint: "Gedruckt und zu haben bei A. Puwelle, Reading, Penn."
Birds, putto and angels are fancifully decorated with yellow, blue, red, brown and various shades of green. Mounted in black frame with cream colored mat.
Printed: Reading by Arnold Puwelle; Infill & decoration: unknown.
Large tear on top, near center. Tear on right side. below center. Two tears on left side. Moderate creasing, especially lower left corner. Moderate staining, especially on left side.
Framed in archival materials in 2/2000 by Lancaster Galleries.
Object ID
P.00.09.2
Notes
Reference: The Printed B & B C of the German Americans, Klaus Stopp, vol. 4, p. 292. According to Stopp, this variant of Puwelle's printed form was done c. 1852 and is assigned #769. Stopp lists this Puwelle fraktur for the Leininger family as an example.
Fraktur family record of Amish family of Stephen and Hannah Miller Mast and ten children, done with ink and paint on heavy white paper in oak frame. Executed in the style of scrivener David C. Hoke by Old Order Amish Bishop John F. Glick (1912-Aug 30, 2003).
A contemporary scrivener who learned his craft by copying David Hoke, Glick records the family of his great grandmother Mary Mast (1832-1924). Fraktur has a wavy ribbon border with flowers at top and bottom. Heading at top is "Family Record" and 1/3 of the way down is "Children," both done in heavy red lettering with silver highlights. Three heads of wheat flank each side of "Children."
Parents' birth dates and marriage date are recorded, followed by ten children with birth dates. The sixth child, Mary, is underlined to indicate her significance as Glick's great grandmother. All 12 family members have a death date written in cursive under their birth date, mimicking a common practice of descendants who added this information years later.
At bottom center, Glick draws a scroll and pen and inscribes his name and the date (1997). At right he adds: "Mary Mast was my great grandmother."
Framed in a new oak frame with glazing, made by Glick's son, a woodworker, who has a woodshop on the Glick farm property, Cut Road, Salisbury Twp.
Group of three fraktur (P97.22.1-.3) was commissioned and purchased from Glick by HCLC as a result of visiting him in his farmhouse Jan 1997 to discuss his penwork. (The two other fraktur, based on the Stoltzfus family record, were specifically purchased for use in the 1997 Exhibit on fraktur.)
Fraktur-style family record of Amish family (Henry and Annie Stoltzfus) done with ink and paint on heavy white paper, framed.
Executed by contemporary Amish scrivener, Old Order Amish Bishop John F. Glick (1912 - Aug 30, 2003), in the style of scrivener David C. Hoke, using the names from a FR by Hoke (see 96.1.1). Fraktur has a vine with blue berries forming a border. Heading at top is "Family Record," done in pink, red, black and gold and heading 1/3 of the way down is "Children," done in pink, mustard, gold and black. Three heads of wheat, tied together, flank each side of "Children" and are used under the names, next to the inscription.
Parents' birth dates are recorded, followed by ten children with birth dates. The father and the son, Levi, have a death date written under their birth date, mimicking a common practice of descendants who added this information years later.
At bottom center, under the wheat decoration, Glick inscribes his name and the date (1997). At right he adds: "David C. Hoke Pattern/ back in the 20's."
Framed in a new oak frame with glazing, made by Glick's son, a woodworker, who has a woodshop right there on the Glick farm property, Cut Road, Gap, PA.
Group of three fraktur (P97.22.1-.3) was commissioned and purchased from Glick by HCLC for use in the 1997 Exhibit on fraktur.
Fraktur family record of Amish family of Henry and Annie Stoltzfus and ten children, done with ink and paint on heavy white paper in oak frame. Executed in the style of scrivener and artist David C. Hoke by Old Order Amish Bishop John F. Glick (1912-Aug 30, 2003).
A contemporary scrivener/artist who learned his craft by copying David Hoke, Glick records this family record in his own style. Here Glick uses the names from a Stoltzfus family record done by Hoke (see P.96.01.1). Glick has a wavy blue ribbon border with flowers at top and bottom. Heading at top is "Family Record" and 1/3 of the way down is "Children," both done in heavy blue lettering with silver highlights. Three heads of wheat flank each side of "Children."
Parents' birth dates are recorded, followed by ten children with birth dates. The father and son, Levi, have a death date written in cursive under their birth dates, following the practice of many descendants who added this information years later.
At bottom center, Glick draws a scroll and pen and inscribes his name and the date (1997).
Framed in a new oak frame with glazing, made by Glick's son, a woodworker, who has a woodshop on the Glick farm property, Cut Road, Gap, PA.
Group of three fraktur (P97.22.1-.3) was commissioned and purchased from Glick by HCLC as a result of visiting him in his farmhouse Jan 1997 to discuss his penwork. This fraktur was purchased for use in the 1997 Exhibit on fraktur.)
Stoltzfus family record on wove paper mounted in a thin, molded modern frame of tiger maple. Hand done family record of Lancaster Amish family attributed to David C. Hoke (active c. 1909-1935). Bold and colorful title is "Family Record" done with wide lettering of red and black with metallic gold highlights accompanied by green-leafed scrolling vines. Title continues on 2nd line with "...of Henry U. and Annie M. Stoltzfus." followed by the father's birth date & death date, then birth date of mother. Her death date is added later on same line with pencil. All lettering is black except for large, ornately illuminated upper case letters.
"Children" is the colorful bold heading for the remaining 3//4 of page listing 10 children with birth dates. The death date for 2-yr-old Levi is also recorded. Title has black and white letters, some red as well as metallic gold highlights. Surrounded by the same leafy scrolling vines and three upside down stalks of wheat at each side.
Remaining side borders have a vertical undulating vine with green leaves and blue clusters of grapes. Bottom is filled with a large cluster of three stalks of wheat.
Very minor stain spots, esp. at corners. Strongly creased horizontal fold line across center.
Object ID
P.96.01.1
Notes
Compare with large Esbenshade family record P.99.16.1. Hoke made Bible entries, bookplates and many large family registers in northern Lancaster County and southern Lebanon County. Large, ornate family registers made for the Amish seem to be a specialty of Hoke. He signed and dated much of his work, oftern including his home location of Quentin and later Lititz.
See file for:
1) Stoltzfus genealogy from "Fisher Family History."
2) Information sheet on David C. Hoke by Russ and Corinne Earnest "Papers for Birth Dayes."
Place of Origin
Lancaster County
Credit
Gift of the James Hale Steinman Foundation, Heritage Center Coll
Fraktur, hand-made Geburts und Taufschein, watercolor over pencil, on un-ruled wove paper, signed on back in pencil with a shaky or tentative hand: "Henry Lapp / 1871" Certificate is not infilled for a recipient.
Horizontal ribbon-like banner in blue with red outline, split at either end, with the words "Geburts // und Tau // Schein." written within it in black ink. A yellow floral decoration rises above the banner. Center of page is filled with a large rounded heart, outlined in blue and red. Written within the heart, at bottom, is: "Selig sind, die Gottes Wort / horen bewahren und befolgen! / Christus bleibt Dein treur Dort / Er wird fur Dich dan(?) sorgen".
Underneath the heart, at the bottom of the page, is a horizontal rectangle painted yellow, outlined in green and red, with this phrase written within in black ink: "Befolge stets die Schrift, sie sei Dein Gluck auf Erden / Sie Fihrt Dich auf den Weg das Himelreichzuerben". (Translation of 1st phrase is "Always obey Scripture").
According to the inscription & date on the reverse of this birth & baptismal certificate, it would have been executed by Lapp when was only nine years old. This is a nearly identical variant of B &BC (P97.41.1).
Provenance
Purchase at Lloyd C. and Miriam H. Hinden sale at Horst Auction, Nov. 15, 1997
Foxing and age discoloration of paper. Ink smear in bottom phrase.
Horizontal crease at center. Red mark, bottom right quadrant. Minor wrinkles to paper. Lower right corner and right edge badly folded with tears. Folding to bottom left corner and top edge. Small tears to left and top edges.
Framed for an exhibit by Lancaster Galleries.
Object ID
P.97.41.2
Notes
From the collection of Floyd C. and Miriam H. Hinden of Ronks.
Place of Origin
Lancaster County
Role
Artist
Credit
Gift of the James Hale Steinman Foundation, Heritage Center Collection
Birth & Baptism Certificate, hand done in pen & ink and watercolor, executed on wove paper in German, attributed to Abraham Brubaker (1760-1831), blanks not infilled (never used).
Fratkur has wide ruled border filled with "wave" decoration. Within is a large heart made with elongated leaves alternating with little circles. Inside heart is text done in red ink. "Geburts und Taufschein" is above heart. First three nouns of text have initial letters decorated with stripes. Lower section of heart is partitioned off with six lines of religious verse done in black and red.
Above heart are three flowers with black leaves. Lower corners have large standing multicolored birds holding a carnation sprig. A large vining unopened tulip fills in this space on each side.
A watermark of "S. B." with large open letters with serifs is at center. This appears to be the watermark of Samuel Boyer of Oley Twp. in Berks Co. A history (PM-22 in American Watermarks) states Samuel Boyer listed as a papermaker in 1832, although the Boyers were generally merchants and possibly had paper made for them. Example on p. 181, fig. 837, matches watermark on Brubaker fraktur; it is from a Lancaster Co. document dated 1807.
Abraham Brubaker (former "Huber Artist") was from a Mennonite family and active c. 1790-1829. He was one of the most prolific artists working among the Mennonites. A small percentage of his work were BBC's (which included baptism, a non-Mennonite practice) such as this example.
Clarke Hess, an expert on Mennonite arts, suggests this was executed circa 1815
Fraktur birth record for Henry C. Harnish, ink, pencil and watercolor on buff wove paper.
Text in black lettering with polychrome shading in pink, blue and grey. Names decorated with calligraphic flourishes typical of this time. Each line is a different lettering styles.
Text reads: "Henry C. Harnish/ Son of/ John and Elizabeth Harnish/ Was Born/ September 4th 1874./ Pequea Township/ Lancaster County/ Pennsylvania." The text is surrounded by an oval drawn in pencil.
Removed from frame: old worn frame had wide molding, originally gilded, stained dark brown and varnished.
Fraktur is darkened with acid burn, especially around edges. Large oval acid burn (caused by knot in wood) just below center. Some small tears and losses around edges. Light soiling.
Frame heavily worn with many scratches, gashes and cracks. Removed from frame due to acidic wooden backing boards. Now unframed.
Object ID
P.00.41.1
Notes
Research: A John Harnish is listed as a farmer in New Danville in the 1869 Directory. See file for results of search for Henry.
European "Lettre de Bapteme" is a hand-done fraktur on off-white laid paper, mounted within a window mat. This is a baptismal letter in German script, dated 1811. Most others of this form were printed, not freehand. A running vine of tulips and other flowers -- colored with red, green and blue -- is captured by two line borders, a red outer one and a blue inner line border. At top center of flower border is a heart and another at bottom center. Each has writing within. Small handwritten inscription written later along top above red line border. Middle is illegible; at far left is "Decede / Wolff Jean George" and at far right is "83 ano 8 m. 19 j." The French word "Decede" means deceased.
Centerfield of fraktur has German script text, divided at midline by a thin line border. The text begins: "Werde Fromm und mach le gross werde deiner Eltern..." The child was born April 22, 1811 and baptized April 30, 1811.
Mittelhausbergen, France (just outside town of Strasbourg)
Fold lines, two vertical and two horizontal, with some tears and breakage at intersections of fold lines. General soiling with some foxing; various scattered dark brown to light brown stains. Top has small hole to left of center and at right of center is a break at fold line. One inch down from right top corner at edge is a semi-circular brown stain with edge nick. Streaked line stain near bottom left corner. Colors are still vivid.
Object ID
G.02.10.1
Place of Origin
Mittelhausbergen, France
Credit
Gift of Dr. and Mrs. David T. Mininberg, Heritage Center Collection
Birth and Baptismal Certificate for birth of Michael Cassel of Dauphin County. Hand-done fraktur has single heart design as well as text and decoration created entirely by Friedrich Krebs (1749 - c. 1815) on a half-size sheet of laid paper. Mounted in an old flat profile frame, now removed.
Within a large central heart drawn with scallops only is the text done in German: the black is in script and the red is conventional German. (Note: These frakturs were produced by Krebs ahead of time with the red. The black script is the infill, done with family information). Each bottom corner of fraktur has a large bird with up-turned head (hand printed with woodcut), perched on a tulip with additional large petaled flower extending upward along each side. Amorphous motif at bottom center resembles stylized wings of putti. Faded watercolors are red, green, brown and some yellow in top center flower.
Text begins with --? Township in Dauphin County in 1818. Born to the parents on the 7th of January was a son in the sign of Capricorn at 4:00 in the evening. The father was Jacob Cassel and the mother was Salom(?), nee Juinin(?). Son was baptized by ---? ----? 30th of April and given the name Michael ----?. Sponsors were Wilhelm Juin(?) and his wife Li--na(?). (The sponsors were likely the maternal grandparents.)
No watermark visible.
Perhaps the same families as another 1/2 size Krebs BBC done in 1815 for the Cassel/Juius(?) families of Dauphin County (Earnest, p. 467). See other half-size BBCs with single heart motif (copies in this file). See NOTES.
The 1790 Census lists a Jacob Cassel living in Montgomery Co. (no Cassels in Dauphin County).
Strong soil, foxing and mottled liquid stains throughout, resulting in some color bleeding. Reverse side is especially bad with moisture stains and foxing. There is a horizontal center fold and some additional horizontal creases. Multiple short vertical wrinkles appearing as near-tears, esp. through mid-section. One tear up from bottom to right of center about 1" long. Removed from frame and acidic mounting. Edge at left is ragged with small losses. The other three sides have been unevenly hand cut.
Object ID
P.05.24.1
Notes
The Earnests note that Krebs was the most prolific of all fraktur artists. He was a Hessian soldier, later becoming a schoolmaster in Swatara Twp., in what is now Dauphin County. He lived on 3 acres of land just west of Hummelstown. His fraktur work included a very broad area of eastern PA counties as well as New Jersey. (See Earnest, Papers for Birth Dayes, pp. 460-467).
See other examples:
Shelley, Pa. Ger. Fraktur, fig. 34. Geo. Scott Sale, 1994, lot #420, Deyerle Sale, 1995, lot #422-424, Free Library of Phila., fig. 300, Klaus Stopp, Printed BBCs of the German Americans, Vol. I, pp.140-145,
Hand-done Birth and Baptisimal Certificate, on tan paper with cursive English, for William Coleman by Henry Keim. Design inspired by the printed angel-type fraktur, although this one is horizontally oriented. Main text at center within a rectangular line border. There is also very faded text above and below box, apparently religious. Text is flanked by two confronting angels with lyres standing on polka dot clouds. Strong-jawed angels with black cap-like hair have yellow skirts and wings and black vest. Also taken directly from the angel B&BCs, are the two birds perched on flowering stems in each lower corner. Entire fraktur is edged with a striped border. Colors used are yellow, green, blue teal, black, brown and cream.
The main central text reads: "Certificate of birth and babtism(sic)/ William a son of George Coleman/ Catherine Lowry was born on the 20th/ day of March in the year of/ our Lord 1820 in the/ Township of Elizabeth in the/ the County of Lancaster in the/ state of Pennsylvania in north/ America; and was babtised(sic)/ in the year of our Lord 1820/ by the Revd Mr Shaffner/ of Marietta". Signed "Henry, Keim" at lower corner within squiggled box.
See NOTES.
Lancaster County, perhaps Marietta or Elizabeth Twp.
Fading in text. Pronounced breakage & small holes through vertical fold line at center has been mended (see reverse). Darkened in this area from top to bottom. Short breaks also mended, eg. between bottom edge and breast of left bird. Wrinkles throughout. Paper darkened overall due to soiling and acid or light damage. Liquid staining. Blotchy stains particulary in left half.
Frame: Moderate wear with scratches and chips. Removed from frame due to acidic mount. Remains mounted on tan matboard with hinges at top corners.
Object ID
P.00.19.1
Notes
See copy in file of Pastoral Records 1808-1835 of Henry B. Shaffner, Reformed Pastor, p. 100. Listed under Baptisms of Manheim is son William Coleman, whose birth is recorded as 29 March 1820 & baptism on 4 June. The witness/sponsor was "Gorg Long w Fr (Frau?)." Most significantly, in the column listing parents, Shaffner writes "Gorg Coleman with / his housekeeper". In other words, Wm. Coleman was an illigitimate child, born to unwed parents, likely creating a scandal in this important, wealthy Coleman family. The grandparents were ironmaster Robert Coleman and his wife Anne Coleman.
George Coleman (1790-1821) only lived to age 31 and is buried in Brickerville United Lutheran Cemetery. Note that the Find A Grave record for George Coleman also lists a son William (1820-1890), buried in Mt. Lebanon cemetery. 1860 census for Lebanon, PA lists William married to Maria McCloud, working as a shoemaker and having 6 children, the oldest of whom was named George Coleman, apparently after his father.
The scrivener/artist, Henry Keim, may possibly lived at one time in Chester County. See letter in file.
Calligraphic quotation written for H.S. Borneman by Irwin P. Mensch, written with white ink on black paper. Mounted in linen window mat in contemporary wooden frame.
Inscribed: "H.S. Borneman: / When love and skill / work together, expect / a masterpiece.-- Ruskin" Signed at bottom right "I.P. Mensch" and dated 29-5-1945 at left corner beside a little drawing of a decorated coffeepot with "HSB" on side.
Calligraphic composition penned by Irwin P. Mensch for Henry S. Borneman, white ink on blue paper. Mounted in linen window mat in contemporary wooden frame.
Composed of scrolls and very artistic flourishes with some flowered curving stems. Inscribed at bottom is "A Specimen made for my Friend / Henry S. Borneman 1947." Signed at lower right: "Irwin P. Mensch" with "April - 1947" at bottom left corner.
