In Honor of Veteran's Day 2013

Extending a "THANK YOU"

 to all of our veterans and those currently serving.

Until next time, live and love well.

My Uncle's Name is Sam

Taking a look around my home and the decor displayed to celebrate Independence Day, a common feature is the image of the American symbol Uncle Sam. 

But what do we know about the origins of this famous icon?

By an act of the 87th Congress of the United States, the following resolution was adopted on Sept. 15, 1961: "Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring) that the Congress salutes `Uncle Sam' Wilson of Troy, N.Y., as the progenitor of America's national symbol of "Uncle Sam."

Samuel Wilson and his brother Ebenezer established a meat packing business in the town of Troy, New York. Their firm won a contract to supply meat to U.S. soldiers after the declaration of war against England in 1812. At the time, meat was packed in barrels and the barrels were stamped U.S. to designate the United States as the customer.




Because Samuel was so well liked by the people of Troy, he was known locally as "Uncle" Sam, and Troy residents associated the “U.S.” stamp on the sides of the barrels with “Uncle Sam” who they knew was supplying meat for the soldiers.

The actual image of Uncle Sam evolved over time.

Prior to the Civil War another character was more commonly used as a symbol of our country – Brother Jonathan. Brother Jonathan was depicted with striped pants, a coat with tails and a tall top hat.  But, the Civil War brought a major transition to the symbol of our country.

People began to associate the image of our country with the face of Abraham Lincoln and it was during this period that our icon aged and acquired a beard.

Brother Jonathan was slowly phased out, being replaced by Uncle Sam. The updated image of Uncle Sam was popularized by Thomas Nast through his political cartoons.

The antique postcards photographed for this post are postmarked or copyrighted during the period 1907-1909.  I hope you enjoyed this bit of American history.

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

Meet some fabulous new people at:
What's It Wednesday at Ivy and Elephants
Share Your Cup at Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson
Pink Saturday at How Sweet the Sound
Anything Blue Friday at The Dedicated House

Until next time, live and love well.

This forum reveals random thoughts and reflections on topics of interest and events impacting the life of the founder of Doll in the Looking Glass.  Our boutique specializes in custom designed dolls that look like your child. We also design toddler and baby dolls that look real using vinyl doll components manufactured in Midland, Michigan USA by Apple Valley Doll Works.  The goal of Doll in the Looking Glass is to delight our customers with our creations.  We would love to create a special doll for you!

Happy Birthday Old Glory

“Resolved, that the flag of the United States be made of thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.”

June 14, 1777

 Act of Congress to adopt the Stars and Stripes

as the flag of the United States

"We take the stars from heaven, the red from our mother country, separate it by white in stripes, thus showing that we have separated from her..."

Quote attributed to George Washington, 

but questionable if true

Although over the years individual states

recognized the birthday of the United States flag,

it was not until 1949 when President Harry Truman

signed an Act of Congress designating the 

14th day of June every year as

National Flag Day.

Until next time, live and love well.

Joining in the festivities at
Ivy and Elephant's What's It Wednesday 

This forum reveals random thoughts and reflections on topics of interest and events impacting the life of the founder of Doll in the Looking Glass.  Our boutique specializes in custom designed dolls that look like your child. We also design toddler and baby dolls that look real using vinyl doll components manufactured in Midland, Michigan USA by Apple Valley Doll Works.  The goal of Doll in the Looking Glass is to delight our customers with our creations.  We would love to create a special doll for you!

Tribute to Our Soldiers

On Memorial Day, sending THANKS and GRATITUDE

to those who are or have bravely served our country.

The images are vintage postcards published about 1909

by Raphael Tuck & Sons,

"Decoration Day" Series of Post Cards, No. 158.

The sentiments are printed on the face of this postcard series 

but the message rings true today as well.

And never may they rest unsung

While Liberty can find a tongue.

For us their precious lives they gave,

For Freedom's sacred cause they died.

Their Memory shines like a radiant star

O'er the land they died to save.

Ah! Never shall the land forget

How gushed the life-blood of the brave!

Let the stars and stripes be waving

O'er their generous sacrifice.

And blazoned on the scroll of fame

Shall shine each martyred soldier's name.

Until next time, live and love well.

This week I'll be participating in these events:
What's It Wednesday at Ivy and Elephants
Share Your Cup at Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson

This forum reveals random thoughts and reflections on topics of interest and events impacting the life of the founder of Doll in the Looking Glass.  Our boutique specializes in custom designed dolls that look like your child. We also design toddler and baby dolls that look real using vinyl doll components manufactured in Midland, Michigan USA by Apple Valley Doll Works.  The goal of Doll in the Looking Glass is to delight our customers with our creations.  We would love to create a special doll for you!

Red, White and Blue Celebration

To recognize President's Day, I selected some vintage postcard images to honor our 1st and our 16th Presidents. 

Inspirational Quotes Attributable to George Washington:
"I hold the maxim no less applicable to public than to private affairs, that honesty is the best policy."

"Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation for 'tis better to be alone than in bad company."

"Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence."

"Happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected."

Antique Postcard from my Personal Collection
No. 414, Copyright P. Sander
Postally Unused

Inspirational Quotes Attributed to Abraham Lincoln:

“People are just as happy as they make up their minds to be.”

“Whatever you are, be a good one.”

“And in the end it is not the years in your life that count, it's the life in your years.” 

“I'm a success today because I had a friend who believed in me and I didn't have the heart to let him down.” 

“Every man's happiness is his own responsibility.”

Antique Postcard from my Personal Collection
Lincolns Birthday Series No. 1
Copyright 1908 by E. Nash
Postally Unused

Happy President's Day 2013!

Until next time, live and love well.

Celebrating this patriotic holiday with

What's It Wednesday at Ivy and Elephants
Share Your Cup at Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson

This forum reveals random thoughts and reflections on topics of interest and events impacting the life of the founder of Doll in the Looking Glass.  Our boutique specializes in custom designed dolls that look like your child. We also design toddler and baby dolls that look real using vinyl doll components manufactured in Midland, Michigan USA by Apple Valley Doll Works.  The goal of Doll in the Looking Glass is to delight our customers with our creations.  We would love to create a special doll for you!

Veteran's Day 2012 Salute

Our flag is free 

Only because of the brave!

A heartfelt THANK YOU to all who have served our country!

Antique Postcard from my Personal Collection
John Winsch Publishing, National Song Series, Postally Unused

Flag of the Free
Flag of the free, fairest to see!

Borne thro' the strife and the thunder of war;

Banner so bright with starry light,

Float ever proudly from mountain to shore.

Emblem of Freedom, hope to the slave,

Spread thy fair folds but to shield and to save,

While thro' the sky loud rings the cry,

Union and liberty! one ever more!

Until next time, live and love well.

This forum reveals random thoughts and reflections on topics of interest and events impacting the life of the founder of Doll in the Looking Glass.  Our boutique specializes in custom designed dolls that look like your child. We also design toddler and baby dolls that look real using vinyl doll components manufactured in Midland, Michigan USA by Apple Valley Doll Works.  The goal of Doll in the Looking Glass is to delight our customers with our creations.  We would love to create a special doll for you!

Labor Conquers Everything

Those of you who follow my posts know that I often share images of antique holiday postcards from my personal collection.  With Labor Day quickly approaching, I have a "Labor Day Souvenir" to show you.  

Antique Postcard from my Personal Collection
Labor Day Post Card Series No. 1, Circa 1909

Labor Day postcards are somewhat rare.   I have a grand total of two that I have been able to locate for my collection.  There is a another card from the series pictured above that I included in my post from Labor Day 2011.  The companion card features Lady Liberty and if you are interested, you can read last year's post here.

I'd like to close this post with a prayer since a robust economy could make the world a better place for us all.

A Prayer for Workers

Prayer from United Church of Christ

Loving, Working God,

On this Sunday we ask your special blessing on all people who labor,

 either for pay or as volunteers, in jobs or at school, in the workplace or at home,

 in the U.S. and around the world.

We especially pray for your blessings on workers who do not have jobs

and for those whose inadequate pay does not allow them to live

 the full life you intend for each of us.

Creator God, help us to build a new world in the midst of the old.

A world where all workers are valued.

A world where those who clean houses are also able to buy houses to live in.

A world where those who grow food can also afford to eat their fill.

We pray for the coming of a world where all workers everywhere

 share in the abundance that you have given us.

We ask these things knowing that you give us the courage and strength

 to live out our faith in the workplace and the marketplace, as well as in the sanctuary.

Amen.

Until next time, live and love well.

This week I'll be sharing this post with

You're Gonna Love It Tuesday at Kathe with an E

What's It Wednesday at Ivy and Elephants

Share Your Cup Thursday at Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson

This forum reveals random thoughts and reflections on topics of interest and events impacting the life of the founder of Doll in the Looking Glass.  Our boutique specializes in custom designed dolls that look like your child. We also design toddler and baby dolls that look real using vinyl doll components manufactured in Midland, Michigan USA by Apple Valley Doll Works.  The goal of Doll in the Looking Glass is to delight our customers with our creations.  We would love to create a special doll for you!

Prayer for Independence Day

Lord God Almighty,

in whose Name the founders of this country

won liberty for themselves and for us,

and lit the torch of freedom for nations then unborn:

Grant that we and all the people of this land

may have grace to maintain our liberties

in righteousness and peace;

through Jesus Christ our Lord,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.

U.S. Book of Common Prayer, "Independence Day" (1979), p. 242

Stay safe as we recognize America, the flag

 and all that is represented by this Holiday.

To begin our celebration of the Fourth of July holiday,

I am sharing a few lighthearted vintage images.  

Antique Postcard from my Personal Collection
Publisher:  S. B. 258
Undivided Back
Postmarked 1907 from New Jersey

Antique Postcard from my Personal Collection
Publisher:  S. B. 258
Undivided Back
Postally Unused

Antique Postcard from my Personal Collection
Publisher Unknown, Marked S (in Diamond) 129
Postally Unused

Until next time, live and love well.

Sharing with 
The Bunny Hop at Bunny Jean's Decor and More
Vintage Patriotic Party at Common Ground

What's It Wednesday at Ivy & Elephants

This forum reveals random thoughts and reflections on topics of interest and events impacting the life of the founder of Doll in the Looking Glass.  Our boutique specializes in custom designed dolls that look like your child. We also design toddler and baby dolls that look real using vinyl doll components manufactured in Midland, Michigan USA by Apple Valley Doll Works.  The goal of Doll in the Looking Glass is to delight our customers with our creations.  We would love to create a special doll for you!

Honoring Our Heroes

Memorial Day was was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868

 by General John Logan, national commander

 of the Grand Army of the Republic.

 The holiday was first observed on May 30, 1868,

when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. 

Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day

and was a holiday to honor

those who died fighting in the Civil War.

Today the holiday honors Americans

who died fighting in any war.

Let us take a moment

to honor and remember

those who have made the ultimate sacrifice

to keep the United States free and safe.

Decoration Day

by Evaleen Stein

See the soldiers, little ones!

Hark the drummers' beat!

See them with their flags and guns

Marching down the street!

Tattered flags from out the wars,

Let us follow these

To the little stripes and stars

Twinkling through the trees.

Watch them waving through the grass

Where the heroes sleep!

Thither gently let us pass

On this day we keep.

Let us bring our blossoms, too,

All our gardens grow;

Lilacs honey-sweet with dew,

And the lilies' snow.

Every posy of the May,

Every bloomy stem,

Every bud that breaks today

Gather now for them.

Lay the lilies o'er them thus,

Lovingly, for so

Down they laid their lives for us,

Long and long ago.

Heap above them bud and bough;

Softly, ere we cease,

God, we pray Thee, gently now

Fold them in Thy peace!

Antique Postcard from my Personal Collection
Copyright by International Art Publishing Company, 1909
Artwork by Ellen H. Clapsaddle

Antique Postcard from my Personal Collection
Copyright by International Art Publishing Company, 1909
Artwork by Ellen H. Clapsaddle

Until next time, live and love well.

Linking with

Bunny Hop at Bunny Jean's Decor and More

This forum reveals random thoughts and reflections on topics of interest and events impacting the life of the founder of Doll in the Looking Glass.  Our boutique specializes in custom designed dolls that look like your child. We also design toddler and baby dolls that look real using vinyl doll components manufactured in Midland, Michigan USA by Apple Valley Doll Works.  The goal of Doll in the Looking Glass is to delight our customers with our creations.  We would love to create a special doll for you!

In Celebration of Presidents' Day

When was the last time you sent someone a greeting card to commemorate Presidents' Day?

Or, before Presidents' Day was declared in 1971,

did you share greetings for

George Washington's birthday on February 22?

Or Abraham Lincoln's birthday on February 12?  

It was once common to exchange postcards on important dates and, like other major holidays, our ancestors sent postcards to celebrate the Washington and Lincoln birthdays.

I have prepared a small vignette for Presidents' Day

to honor these two important men in our history.

Antique Postcard from my Personal Collection
Signed R. Veentliet
No. 51766, Printed in Germany

Antique Postcard from my Personal Collection
Copyright International Art Publishing 1908
Signed C. Chapman
No. 51658

Until next time, live and love well.

This forum reveals random thoughts and reflections on topics of interest and events impacting the life of the founder of Doll in the Looking Glass.  Our boutique specializes in custom designed dolls that look like your child. We also design toddler and baby dolls that look real using vinyl doll components manufactured in Midland, Michigan USA by Apple Valley Doll Works.  The goal of Doll in the Looking Glass is to delight our customers with our creations.  We would love to create a special doll for you!

Veteran's Day 11-11-11

With Thanks to All of Our Heroes!

Antique Postcard from my Personal Collection,
Marked Decoration Day Series No. 2

PATRIOT DAY

In Remembrance

September 11, 2001

Vintage Postcard bearing 1911 postmark

CELEBRATING AMERICAN WORKERS

Labor Day has been recognized as a U.S. national holiday since 1894 to honor the everyday working people who helped build American industry.  Celebrate yourself this weekend.  You are the heartbeat of America contributing to the economic recovery of our nation.   

Our ancestors sent holiday greetings to friends and family for every major holiday.  Although somewhat rare, Labor Day cards were also exchanged.  The image shared with you displays the patriotism of the period.  Lady Liberty partners with laborers to express hope for the promise of a better tomorrow -- the American dream.

Labor Day Post Card Series No. 1, Circa 1909

This forum reveals random thoughts and reflections on topics of interest and events impacting the life of the founder of Doll in the Looking Glass.   Our boutique specializes in custom designed dolls that look like your child. We also design toddler and baby dolls that look real using vinyl doll components manufactured in Midland, Michigan USA by Apple Valley Doll Works.  The goal of Doll in the Looking Glass is to delight our customers with our creations.

Independence Day Greetings!

Wishing everyone a safe and happy

Independence Day Holiday.

Postcard by PFB Printing Company, Postmarked 1908

This forum reveals random thoughts and reflections on topics of interest and events impacting the life of the founder of Doll in the Looking Glass.   Our boutique specializes in custom designed dolls that look like your child. We also design toddler and baby dolls that look real using vinyl doll components manufactured in Midland, Michigan USA by Apple Valley Doll Works.  The goal of Doll in the Looking Glass is to delight our customers with our creations.