Ephemera offers a glimpse of a moment in time and often expands our understanding

By Barbara Loe

One of the things I love about ephemera is that it captures a moment in time and yet it can tell us so much with that brief glimpse. Often it enlightens us to something we never knew happened or something that happened much earlier than we thought.

In this case, I’m going to focus on an interesting envelope from 1884 that tells a pretty complex story with one single image. Smallpox had been ravaging the United Kingdom for decades and there was little people could do other than to isolate themselves to prevent becoming exposed. Most who did get exposed died.

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In 1796, Dr. Edward Jenner discovered that injecting a person with a small amount of a similar infection could prevent smallpox. Some people embraced this new technology but most feared it. In 1867 the Vaccination Act was passed in the United Kingdom. Within seven days of the birth of a child being registered, the registrar was to deliver a notice of vaccination; if the child was not presented to be vaccinated within three months, or brought for inspection afterwards, the parents or guardians were liable to a summary conviction and fine of 20 shillings.

In 1871 another Act was passed appointing a Vaccination Officer, also authorizing a defendant to appear in a court of law by any member of his family, or any other person authorized by him. This act also confirmed the principal of compulsion, which evidently sparked hostility and opposition to the practice. (Wikipedia) first quarter 2024

The envelope pictured here is postmarked 1884, showing anti-vaccination propaganda in the illustration on the front of the envelope. The image is of Vaccination Officer presenting the Vaccination Act to a mother while her child is vaccinated by "death" in the form of a skeleton. The envelope is addressed to Dr. D. W. Crompton, the Consulting Surgeon at The General and Queen's Hospitals in Birmingham, England. The envelope is a rare example and is in good condition.

Envelopes or postal covers were frequently used to convey complex patriotic or political messages with just one image. What treasure will you find at your next book fair?

Barbara Loe is a Victorian ephemera dealer based in Osprey, Florida, a board member of the Ephemera Society of America and chair of the Annual Conference Committee for ESA, which takes place in March.