I’ve been helping my family sort through the contents of my grandmother’s home after her passing earlier this year. I am the ancestry and family heritage nerd of the 3 kids in my family. I’m fascinated by the stories and lives of the people who came before me. I collect mourning ephemera (primarily Victorian) and love antiquated typography also!

During the sorting process we found an old wooden box full of paperwork dating from about 1882 to 1930 which was a total jackpot for me! I took some quick snaps of some of the examples as it was all so fascinating to me, I thought maybe you’d be interested in it also.

Much of the paperwork was regarding my ancestors’ farm (located within a couple of kilometers from where my parents now reside), lighting rod installation and land deeds. There were also some interesting pieces of correspondence, school certificates, and receipts as well. All with beautiful typography and detail of the eras of their creation.

The birds printed on this cheque from the 1880s were really ornate and wonderful.

The above photo is of a receipt for lightning rod insurance for my ancestors’ farm. Below are the signatures of my great grandparents. This was an especially interesting find for me as Catherine, my great grandmother, is the person who is responsible for my interest in Victorian ephemera. Her mourning capelet, cap, and some other handmade goods of hers were the first pieces I owned of that era and spawned an obsession that’s lasted most of my life (so far)!

 

 

Above is a framed pressed flowers arrangement my parents brought back from their honeymoon to my grandmother. I thought it was just a nice contrast next to all of the handwritten ledgers.

Are you interested in your family heritage or antique typography?

-Taeden