I remember the first time I set eyes on a Currier & Ives print was in Mrs. Hallum’s room at the Masonic Home. My mother was a pharmacy tech at the retirement center and so my sister and I would visit the sweet elderly residents on occasion. I was only six at the time but the artwork had made such an impression on me.
I suppose the shock could be attributed to the print’s graphic nature. The lithograph was titled The Assassination of President Lincoln at Ford’s Theater. I remembered seeing the cloud of powder exiting the gun and remembered how close the gun was to the President. I had always wondered why it was displayed in her room to view each day.
Fast forward a few years and I remember seeing Currier & Ives maps from New York City, Philadelphia and New Orleans on display in a law office where I worked. I loved the historical prints showing the earlier times of a big city. long before they had been established and the everyday lives of Americans during a time when life was more simple and carefree.
On a recent visit to The Garst Museum in Greenville, Ohio, I happened to notice a small display of Currier & Ives lithographs and learned more about the company. Nathanial Currier began his career as a successful printer and James Merritt Ives a self-trained artist before they partnered together in 1857.
While I enjoyed the beautiful scenes of upstate New York, my favorite print was that of the death of George Washington. Another historical piece, it was created in 1799.
Nathanial and James left their business to their sons who continued until 1907. In total, the company designed 7500 different titles and printed over 1 million prints. The company took a backseat to printing presses until the 1920s when the prints became popular again. Many of the scenes are beautiful depictions of everyday life and spectacular scenes and are incredible collector’s items even today.
Have you heard of Currier & Ives or seen one of their original prints? I would love to hear if you have visited The Garst Museum to see these prints as well and wishing you many Happy Travels!
What to See and What to Do:
Garst Museum
205 North Broadway
Greenville, OH 45331
Telephone: 937 548 5250
- Admission: $12 for adults, $11 for seniors, $9 for youth, $9 for Darke County Genealogy Society Members, Free for children aged 5 and below and for DCHS Members
- Hours: Tuesday – Saturday from 10AM to 4PM & Sunday from 1PM to 4PM, Closed Mondays, Major Holidays and the Month of January
- Amenities: Historical exhibits, educational exhibits, research center, historic figures, museum store and special events
- Tips: Allow yourself plenty of time to visit each of the exhibits and wear comfortable shoes.
Where to Stay:
The Inn at Versailles
21 West Main Street
Versailles, OH 45380
Telephone: 937 526 3020
Where to Eat:
The Merchant House
406 South Broadway
Greenville, OH 45331
Telephone: 937 459 4405
Pig candy and the Monte Cristo sandwich….absolutely amazing!
Where to Drink:
Kennedy Vineyard
3911 State Route 722
New Madison, OH 45346
Telephone: 937 273 8381
What to Read:
- The Treaty of Green Ville, by Frazer Els Wilson
- Indians Timeless Tales, by Paul Wonning
- Life and Legacy of Annie Oakley, by Glenda Riley
- Currier & Ives Printmakers to the American People, by Currier & Ives
- The Great Book of Currier & Ives, by Walton H. Rawls