Christmas Cards' Origin Story: Northford, Connecticut

Connecticut has been recognized for many different things over the years, from the invention of the Frisbee to the discovery of copper. One small town in the Nutmeg State was once even known as the Christmas card capital of the world. If you have ever been curious about Christmas Cards’ origin story, this article is for you! Since the holiday is right around the corner, let’s take a look at the history of one of the most beloved winter traditions in Connecticut.

Christmas greetings have been around since the beginning of the holiday, but at first, they were found only in sermons, songs, poems, and notes attached to receipts. But in the 1840s, things changed dramatically and the Christmas card was born.

The postal service changed the way mail was processed. Instead of charging the recipient for the number of pages they received, a set cost was created to mail items and the sender was responsible for the charge.

The creation of the first postage stamps made it much easier to send holiday greetings by mail.

By the time 1880 rolled around, the Christmas card business had exploded. This business boom created new income for artists, printers, and engravers in the United States. Christmas cards in Connecticut became the talk of the holidays.

One small town in Connecticut really capitalized on the holiday season, and during the 1870s, Northford made its mark in Christmas card history.

In 1871, the Stevens brothers of Northford created Christmas cards that were accented with glitter and sometimes adorned with fringe. These cards were much fancier than those produced in the past.

These ornamental cards were a hit with people who desired more elaborate greetings. The Stevens Brothers were so successful that more than 20 competitors also started card shops in Northford.

Northford, Connecticut became known as the Christmas card center of the world for more than a decade.

All good things come to an end, and at the close of the 19th century, cards manufactured in Germany and England made their way into the American market. These less expensive cards put many of the Northford shops out of business. But cards are still one of many people's favorite holiday traditions.

Today, greeting cards are mailed all around the world to send season's greetings. Who knows what the next step will be in Christmas card history?

Did you know the story of the origin of Christmas cards? Do you still send holiday cards out each year? For more ways to celebrate Christmas in Connecticut, check out this Christmas store in Connecticut that is open year-round. And for your own family and friends, take a look at the OnlyInYourState Holiday Gift Guides so you can be certain to make your loved ones smile this season!

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Danielle Schwartz | November 11, 2023

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Northford, CT 06472, USA

This Small Town In Connecticut Was Once The Christmas Card Capital Of The World

Natalie Clunan

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