Library Souvenir China
Libraries were a common subject for
souvenir china. In the early 20th century when Andrew Carnegie and others
were helping communities build hundreds of new libraries, those buildings became
objects of civic pride. Local community stores (general stores, jewelry stores,
gift stores) would arrange to have souvenir items of community landmarks,
including libraries, made for resale in their stores. Most of the library china
was made by companies in Germany or England. The quality of the china and the
processes used varied. The poorer quality items just involved the transfer of
an image design to the item, and the same image was used on many different items
(cups, plates, etc.). Some items were of higher quality and were hand painted.
I've managed to accumulate a collection of around 75 examples of library
souvenir china. I was very appreciative of a gift of several items for my
collection from Norman Stevens.
I acquired about 35 items in my collection from an auction of a collection
formerly owned by the Fond du Lac Public Library. Most of the items in my
collection are related to Wisconsin libraries. I have exhibited my collection at
several libraries.
Exhibit
of of Wisconsin library souvenir china from my collection at the Baraboo (WI)
Public Library at a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Carnegie library
building (2003) in which it is housed.
This
piece of souvenir china depicts the Baraboo (WI) Public Library. It is less than
3 inches high.
This
souvenir plate depicts the Milwaukee Public Library. There are
many souvenir items
which depict the Milwaukee Public Library.
The
Library of the Wisconsin
Historical Society is depicted on this souvenir plate. A
ribbon was woven through the holes in the plate when it was displayed.
Most of the items in my collection of souvenir china were included in an exhibit at the Menomonee Falls Public Library in 2006.