The collection consists of over 2,000 pieces of original artwork used by greeting card and calendar companies, and spans the approximate years 1930-1990. Many of the pieces within the collection are labeled with a Norcross stamp or specifications sticker. The Norcross Greeting Card Company was founded in 1914 by Arthur Norcross and his sister, Jane, in New York City. They published greeting cards, and also sold wrapping papers and parchments. After Arthur Norcross' death in 1969, the business floundered and was sold for the first time in 1974. Subsequent sales saw Norcross combined with Rust Craft Company, but this venture was unsuccessful and what remained of Norcross was later sold at auction. Tempo Graphic Arts, Inc., Miquon Greetings, and Quality Art Novelty Company are stamped or written on some of the works, as well. A few pieces of artwork are accompanied by the partial or final version of the greeting card. Well-known artists with work in the collection include: Joseph Rudolph "Rudy" Nappi, Marjorie Cooper, Ferd Sondern, and Joseph Giordano.
The digitized items here do not represent the entirety of the Dr. and Mrs. Daniel Sharkey Greeting Card Collection, 1930-1990. To view what other materials are in this collection but not yet digitized and available online, search the guide to the Dr. and Mrs. Daniel Sharkey Greeting Card Collection, 1930-1990.
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Red ribbon, hearts, and flowers
Oversize, Valentine's Day card art, red hearts, flowers, and ribbon garland or border, possible date of "APR 17 1941" stamped on back of art; watercolor, acrylic, or pastels, color. This collection consists of original art work, for greeting card companies. This box contains those by unknown artists created during the 1930's and 1940's.
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Valentine day card, flowers & book, watercolor or pastels
Oversize, Valentine's Day card art, open book with decorative border and heart on it's pages lying behind a short round vase filled with flowers; possible date "FEB 7 1941" stamped on back of art; protective overlay similar to tracing paper still attached to art; watercolor, pencil or ink; black and white This collection consists of original art work, for greeting card companies. This box contains those by unknown artists created during the 1930's and 1940's.
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Wheelbarrow with heart, bow, and flowers
Oversize, Valentine's Day card art, large heart with ribbon bow and flowers sitting in older-style wooden wheelbarrow; possible date "FEB 12 1941" stamped on back of art; watercolor, pen, or pencil; black and white. This collection consists of original art work, for greeting card companies. This box contains those by unknown artists created during the 1930's and 1940's.
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Winter house with snow and holly
Christmas card art, Winter house scene with snow and holly; holly may have been started as a different artwork, as a bird's foot can still be seen on the holly branch, date stamped on back of art, watercolor or pencil and ink, black and white This collection consists of original art work for greeting card companies. This box contains those by unknown artists. Dates range from the 1930's and 1940's, the 1960's through 1980's, and those from unknown dates. The card company is identified in some cases.
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Birds with holly and bells
Christmas card art, two birds holding either end of a ribbon which has holly and bells strung on it, date stamped on back of art, embossed seal with "Strathmore, use wither side" in bottom right hand corner, watercolor or pencil and ink, black and white This collection consists of original art work for greeting card companies. This box contains those by unknown artists. Dates range from the 1930's and 1940's, the 1960's through 1980's, and those from unknown dates. The card company is identified in some cases.
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Cartoon owl
Greeting card art, cartoon owl perched on tree branch, "Apr 10 1940" stamped date on back of art, watercolor, pencil or ink, black and white This collection consists of original art work for greeting card companies. This box contains those by unknown artists. Dates range from the 1930's and 1940's, the 1960's through 1980's, and those from unknown dates. The card company is identified in some cases.
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Garden with stone walls
Oversize, Garden with blooming flowers, trees, and stone walls; house in background, watercolor or pencil and ink, black and white This collection consists of original art work for greeting card companies. This box contains holiday and non-holiday art by unknown artists at unknown dates. The card company is unidentified in most cases.
