R. E. Fair Christmas Card
Scope and Contents
The collection is composed of a Christmas card from R.E. Fair Ford Products in Kalamazoo dating from approximately 1920.
Graphics printed on one side of the card contain imagery of a Model-T Ford automobile in black ink, holly leaf sprigs printed in color, and “Christmas Greetings” printed in color as well. The main text of the card is printed smaller in black below the graphic and contains a statement of appreciation, most likely towards Fair’s loyal customers. Below the main body text, the name and address for R.E. Fair Ford Products can be found.
Dates
- Creation: approximately 1920
Creator
- R. E. Fair Ford Products (Kalamazoo, Mich.) (Organization)
Biographical / Historical
In 1915, Richard E. Fair (1885-1966) was transferred to Kalamazoo after working for Ford Motors for two years at the Detroit Branch. He originally began selling Ford automobiles through Globe Garage on N. Rose St. in Kalamazoo, but eventually purchased the Burdick Homestead in 1920 and began operating his own business on the corner of Portage and South St. in Kalamazoo. This is the address listed at the bottom of the card for R.E. Ford Products, as well as where the business remained for over two decades.
Extent
.05 Cubic Feet
Language of Materials
English
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Purchased with funds from the Starring Endowment.
Physical Description
The collection amounts to .05 cubic feet and is composed of a singular Christmas greeting card sent from R.E. Fair Ford Products in Kalamazoo. The card itself is 3.5” x 6” and printed on heavy cardstock. The card has no visible defects and is in very good condition.
Note on Dating
Model-T cars produced 1919-1922 were manufactured the same way, thus making it difficult to pinpoint the exact date that the card may have been distributed.
Genre / Form
- Title
- R. E. Fair Christmas Card finding aid
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Stephanie Chapman
- Date
- 2022-07-27
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Western Michigan University Archives & Regional History Collections Repository
Charles C. and Lynn L. Zhang Legacy Collections Center
1650 Oakland Drive
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5307 US
(269) 387-8490
arch-collect@wmich.edu