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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 items with most related to Wisconsin libraries.  My collection was greatly enhanced recently when the Fond du Lac Public Library in Wisconsin decided to auction off its collection of library china.  I managed to get all but one piece of 35 items placed on auction.
 

Selected examples of library souvenir china from my collection.

Exhibit of of Wisconsin library souvenir china from my collection at the Baraboo (WI) Public Library at a celebration of the 100th anniversary of it Carnegie library building.

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Last updated: 02-22-05

Copyright 2001-2005 ©  Larry T. Nix