For the rest of the week, I’ll be posting more unique Christmas Cards Grandpa created for friends and family.
Judy Guion
Tag Archives: personally designed Christmas cards
Trumbull – Guion Christmas Card – 1954 – PASSPORT
IT BEGINS LONG AGO
Emerging from Europe’s Dark Ages, Charlemagne’s death marked the emergence of the French and German nations. Here, at first, petty principalities for self-defense against marauding Norsemen, Huns, Tartars and other barbarous hordes, were headed by Duke, count, Bishop or Baron.
One such was an ancestor, Jean Guyon, created Baron in 1289, who from his big stone castle erected on top of Roche-Guyon, still overlooks the surrounding country through which the stately Seine winds its way northwest of Paris to the sea.
From this vantage point these early overlords kept a watchful eye over their subjects, protecting them from armed robber bands and acting as chief of police, judge, patron of church and monastery, and generally maintaining peace and order throughout their small domain.
THE HUGUENOT
As the centuries rolled by there gradually developed in Western Europe and ever growing battle between Church and State with the “common people” in between, exploited by both.
In France, a bitter feud between the Catholic and Protestant (Huguenot) made matters worse. There were endless massacres, torturing’s and burnings at the stake. The Huguenots were a powerful minority and had their share of rich nobles. One, Henry of Navarre, King of France, strove for peace but in the late 1600’s things became so unbearable that groups of Huguenots from time to time were forced to seek refuge in other countries.
LA ROCHELLE
Long a thorn in the side of the Church of Rome, this city had for some years been the home of the Guion family. Lewis, our ancestor, had been born and brought up there. He was evidently a man of some means; his title, Ecuyer, (Squire) denotes land ownership.
Acting on a tip that government agents were after him, he and his family hastily sailed from La Rochelle to seek refuge first in England and later in the New World.
It was a near thing. As old Lewis told it, “they left the fire burning on the stove and the pot boiling on the fire.”
THE GUION PLACE
Huguenot Street, New Rochelle
It was around New Years Day, 1687, that a shipload of Huguenots reached New York. In the spring of that year, they bought land from the Dutch and founded “New Rochelle”. The son, Lewis Guion, built the family house there in 1696 – – a “one and a half storey cottage with dormer windows, made of hand-axed oak beams and stone-filled walls”, still standing, I am told.
GUION’S TAVERN
famous old hostelry once standing in Eastchester, N. Y.
Charles Guion operated the in during the Revolutionary period. The famous election of 1733, known in history as “The Great Election”, marks a highlight in the life of Guion’s Tavern, for the debates and discussions held there did much to solidify the spirit of the people to resist all forms of tyranny and oppression.
Tradition has it that George Washington spent three days at the Inn when he was ill, and upon leaving, he rewarded the wife of the proprietor with a kiss for the excellent care she had given him. And legend further says that the wife of the proprietor never after washed the spot which his lips had touched.
SINCE REVOLUTIONARY DAYS
In 1776, John (fourth of the American Guions) now 52 years old, was living quietly on his Westchester County farm with his wife and 11 children. His 10th son, Elijah, my great grandfather, was aged five.
The homestead lay between the British and colonial lines. One day the redcoats raided. They caught the elderly man in his farmhouse, beat him severely while wife and children stood helplessly by, stripped the farm and left him for dead. He never fully recovered. In 1798, at the age of 28, Elijah married 19-year-old Elizabeth Marshall and in 1802 the family moved to New York City. Here in 1809 my grandfather was born. He studied for the ministry, and visiting New Orleans, fell in love and married the talented Cuban-born Clara Maria de los Dolores de Beck. His original pastorate was at Glenville, Conn., and during the Civil War at New Orleans.
Here in 1853 my father was born. Coming north in his youth he married and settled in Mount Vernon where I was brought up, only a short distance from the spot the first Guion had chosen for his home 200 years before.
For the rest of the week, I’l be posting more of Grandpa’s unique Christmas Cards, sent to family and friends, near and far.
Judy Guion
Trumbull – Guion Christmas Card – 1953 – Guion’s 1953 Almanac
Grandpa, being in the advertising business, used his very creative skills to produce a unique and personal Christmas card for many years.
This is the only copy of this Christmas Card I could find. It is my Mother’s (Marian’s) and she has added the birth dates of her family members also, so it isn’t quite like the original. This includes all the birth dates and wedding dates of all the members of Grandpa’s family in 1953.
The first WANTED advertisement references Dan, a gardener extraordinaire, and his wife Paulette, who has quite a touch with Interior Designing.
Radio and TV for rent is ac reference to Biss and her husband, Zeke, who loves watching baseball on TV. Their house is in Huntington.
Apartment for Rent in Pasadena is self explanatory. Aunt Elsie wants to come – or has come – back east.
I don’t know the reference about the pant’s except that it may refer to Ced’s extremely long legs… the advertiser could possibly have been Ced’s Specialty Shop..
Don Stanley, a favorite cousin, who spent quite a bit of time in Trumbull, may be a great cook. I just don’t know.
Dealers in Marine Supplies…Auto repairs and inventions handled as a side line – refers to my Dad’s (Lad’s) involvement with the Power Squadron and boating in general, and the obvious reference to his mechanical abilities, especially in automotive engines.
FOR SALE – Farm in Holderness (NH) is a reference to Dick, his wife Jean and their two daughters. Their property was out in the country along a dirt road, with lots of wildlife.
Course in Dieting may have been intended as a joke, but Marian was always plump – Lad liked her that way – and Ellie, Dave’s wife, was quite often on a diet. It may have been Grandpa’s attempt to include every one of the adults.
The final message is Grandpa’s personal best wishes for everyone who received his always popular Christmas Card.
For the rest of the week I’ll be posting additional Christmas Cards from Grandpa. Enjoy this look back into the unique creativity that was his.
Judy Guion
Trumbull – Guion Christmas Card – 1953
Grandpa, being in the advertising business, used his very creative skills to produce a unique and personal Christmas card for many years.
I don’t know why there are two Christmas Cards that were dated 1953. It may be that one was for business associates and the other for personal friends, I’m not sure.
Tomorrow, more of the Voyage to California by John Jackson Lewis.
On Sunday, I’ll continue the story of the Rev. Elijah Guion and his Wife, Clara Maria de los Dolores Marina de Beck Guion.
Judy Guion
Trumbull – Guion Christmas Card – 1947
Until Christmas Day I’ll be posting various Christmas cards that Grandpa sent to his friends near and far.. On Saturdays, I’ll continue to post the Yoyage to California by John Jackson Lewis, and on Sunday, I’ll continue with My Ancestors.
This is a composite photo of Grandpa’s entire family in 1947.
Top left is Ced (Cedric Duryee Guion)
Top right – Elizabeth (Bissie) (Guion) Zabel, Raymond Zabel Sr., below them – Butch and Marty,
Middle left – Paulette holding Arla, Dan holding Cedric, Arla below them,
Middle Right – Jean (Mortenson) and Richard Guion,
Bottom Left – Marian (Irwin), Lad (Alfred Peabody Guion), below them, Doug, Judy and Greg,
Bottom Right – Eleanor (Kintop) and David Peabody Guion,
Bottom Center – Grandpa at his typewriter.
The message reads on the Left – The GUION “Family Tree”, Christmas, 1947, Trumbull, Conn.
The message on the right reads: From the “old root” himself up thru all the branches, out to the newest, tiniest twigs, warmest greetings !
Alfred
Trumbull – Guion Christmas Card – 1926
Until Christmas Day I’ll be posting various Christmas cards that Grandpa sent to his friends near and far.
Grandpa, being in the advertising business, used his very creative skills to produce a unique and personal Christmas card for many years. This is the first one I have. Grandpa, his wife. Arla. and five children moved in to the Trumbull House in December, 1922. Dave was born in September of 1925. In 1926, the house was 170 years old. I believe Grandpa wrote the verse (he did that often enough) to personalize the holiday message .
Although weekdays will be devoted to Grandpa’s Christmas Cards, I will continue to share Yoyage to California and My Ancestors posts on the weekends.
Why not share these Christmas cards with friends who might appreciate their creativity.
Judy Guion
Special Pictures # 244 – P.B. Peabody Christmas card – 1928
For the next few weekends, I’ll be posting Special Pictures. These are photos that do not pertain directly to the letters I’m posting but are unique and interesting so I want to share them. Enjoy.
This home-made Christmas card comes from P.B. (Putnam Burton) Peabody, Arla Mary (Peabody) Guion’s Uncle.
Tomorrow I’ll begin posting letters written in 1945.Both Lad and Dick are home, Dan is in France – still in the Army – hoping to get out on points soon and waiting until Paulette and their unborn child can travel to Trumbull. Ced is in Alaska and Dave is in Manila, Philippines.
Judy Guion
AD Guion – 1963 Christmas Card – City Trust Company
A Christmas “Gift of Money” Envelope
In this joyous season, along with jolly Santa clauses, gaily bedecked Christmas trees, resplendent Reeves of for her and Holly, holiday lighting on streets and in stores, the banks and a practical touch with their ‘Christmas Clubs’.
In a grandfather’s eyes there is a more idealistic and personal form of Christmas club which far transcends the dollars and cents variety.
In my greeting to you this year, tying the two together is my way of proudly displaying the ‘decorations’that make this season a 20-fold (count ’em) blessing to me.
To a valued friend like yourself I am hoping some of my reverent appreciation will carry over to you in a generous share of Christmas good-will that thoughts of you always bring to mind.
Sincerely,
Al Guion
Lad and Marian’s children
Dan and Paulette’s children
Ced and Fannie’s children
Biss and Zeke’s children
Dick and Jean’s children
Dave and Ellie’s children
AD Guion – 1962 Christmas Card – AN Old Fashioned CHRISTMAS
Remember that Christmas morning thrill, when you came downstairs and Mom opened the door to the parlor or living room and you caught your first glimpse of the Tree and all the presents underneath?
Whatever happy reminiscences these times call to mind: whatever memories they bring of a glad world crowded with friendly folks and important happenings – that is the kind of Christmas I would wish again for you this year.
And speaking of bi-going days, reproduced inside is the first page of a Bridgeport newspaper published at Christmastide in the year of my birth.
As a former advertising man, I found it interesting to note the names of some merchants who are still advertising their wares in a Bridgeport newspaper after the passing of 78 years.
Even if you have to dig up a magnifying glass to read the fine print, you will be surprised to note that the D. M. Reas of that day advertised a December 15 sale on December 26, and by coincidence another Reid John H., Conducted a jewelry business on Main Street, still being run by the same family today under the name of Reid and Todd.
So much for Christmas three quarters of a century ago. Your good-will, expressed in so many kindly ways (and it has been, you know), makes me want to hope that your 1962 holiday season may be a right glad some one.
Al Guion
AD Guion – 1961 Christmas Card – The History of the Christmas Greeting Card
Top: Having once undertaken to create a home-made Christmas card and being encouraged by a few kindly comments to annually repeat the experiment, one he eventually reaches the point where he is expected each year to come up with an idea at least as good as the last one; and this you will readily agree, can in time he come quite a chore. So be charitable if I slip occasionally.
For my 1961 card, son David suggested that my trip around the world might afford material for a card based on the manner in which Christmas is celebrated in foreign lands. A bit of research along this line soon shunted be off on a related topic.
Running across an unsupported statement that 1861 was the first year in which an American Christmas greeting card first made its appearance led to the idea that this year’s theme might encompass its Centennial and set the stage for my 1961 card.
The resultant facts gathered are here presented in the following brief history of the
C H R I S T M A S G R E E T I N G C A R D
Bottom: THE WORLD’S FIRST KNOWN CHRISTMAS CARD
( depicted on front cover)
On a December day in 1843 in England, an Englishman, Henry Cole, sat in his London home addressing what was probably the first Christmas card ever printed. In all, 1000 copies of this card were produced. In later years Mr. Cole was knighted.
A card for a similar purpose, published by W. M. Egley in England, for many years purported to be the first Christmas card, made its appearance in 1848.
Before that period, however, the “merrie” celebrations of the English of the Middle Ages, that have come down to us in song and story, had given place under the rule of Oliver Cromwell to more dour deportment; the Puritans indeed trying to put an end to Christmas and its celebration. Massachusetts in 1659 imposed a fine of five shillings on anyone caught celebrating.
But by Mr. Cole’s time this stern view of things was softening. Perhaps the side panels in the picture depicting “clothing the poor” and “feeding the hungry” helped to offset the convivial atmosphere suggested in the center panel. At least by 1860 throughout the British Empire the custom of sending Christmas cards was growing in popularity, perhaps encouraged by the writings of Dickens in the story of his Scrooge.
Top: THE MOST ANCIENT HOLIDAY GREETING
in the year 1450 in Germany’s Rhineland the rude woodcut pictured above, actually a New Year’s card, shows the Christ-child standing in the bow of an ancient galley, manned by angels, with the Holy Mother seated by the mast.
The inscription reads: “here I come from Alexandria and bring many good years to give generously. I will give them for almost no money and have only God’s love for my reward”.
Bottom: “FIRST AMERICAN CHRISTMAS CARD ??
( Note misspelling of the word “variety”)
there seems to exist considerable doubt among experts as to when the Christmas card made its first appearance in this country.
At least the one reproduced above, while bearing no identifying date, is a very “early” card and may have been the one referred to as having made its debut in 1861. R. H. Pease, whose name appears in the picture, was an engraver and lithographers of Albany, N.Y.
Top: EARLY AMERICAN CHRISTMAS CARDS
By the “father” of American Christmas Cards
Lewis PRANG, a German immigrant, penniless when he came to this country in 1850, did more than anyone else to popularize the custom of sending Christmas cards.
By 1860 Prang was running 45 presses in his shop for the production of small artistic picture cards. His colored art reproductions were selling abroad as well as in this country.
Then came a day in 1874 when a new idea was born. A woman employee suggested that the words “Mary Christmas” be printed on small decorated cards. He experimented with his British customers first and the next year tried out the card on the American public. Five years later he was turning out 5 million cards a year and employing 300 people. Even today Prang’s satin and plush cards with their silken tassels and fringe are eagerly sought by collectors and librarians.
Bottom: A PERSONAL MESSAGE
Each Christmastide I have an “address Book Party” – – All on myself.
what a heartwarming experience it is to go over one’s Christmas card list! Here in recollection pass by ones closest and most intimate friends, without whom life’s path would be dull and gray. Remembrance of them brings a warm glow to the heart and calls to mind many kindly act and friendly associations – memories of the days that are no more, old friends we seldom see but whose yearly greetings are one more link in the golden chain that binds us to the past.
Here are names of some we have not seen for years and we sometimes wonder what useful purpose is served by keeping them on our list; but so precious a thing is friendship and so strong the feeling is sentiment that we are reluctant to make deletions from our list.
So, if through the intervening months our pen seems in active please consider this, today’s seasons greetings, and accumulation of much good-will and affection at this blessed season from,
One of your old well-wishers,,
AD Guion
"Greatest Generation" Life Lessons 