Hallmark "Tin Locomotive" Christmas Ornament, 1998

01

Artifact Overview

Already known for greeting cards, Hallmark introduced a line of Christmas ornaments in 1973. The company's annual release of an increasing array of ornaments revolutionized Christmas decorating, appealing to customers' interest in marking memories and milestones as well as expressing one's personality and unique tastes.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Christmas tree ornament

Date Made

1998

Creator Notes

Designed by Linda Sickman for Hallmark Cards, Inc. in Kansas City, Missouri. Made in China.

Object ID

2019.65.3038

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Metal
Cardboard

Color

Multicolored

Inscriptions

on sides of ornament: 1973-1988 / 25th / ANNIVERSARY on front of packaging: Hallmark / KEEPSAKE / ORNAMENT / Tin Locomotive / ANNIVERSARY EDITION on back of packaging: Before Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments were introduced / in 1973, most Americans decorated their Christmas trees with / plain ball ornaments. Over the years, it has become a holiday / tradition to collect beautifully decorated Keepsake Ornraments / which reflected cherished symbols of the season. / Recreated by Linda Sickman to commemorate the 25th / Anniversary of Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments, the 1988 "Tin / Locomotive" returns to the tracks to celebrate 25 years / of collecting memories. This popular series, which retired / in 1989, depicted eight models of locomotives inspired / by trains from the early days of American transportation. / Sculpted by / Linda Sickman / For decorative use only. Not for young children. / Tin - Anniversary Dated 1973-1998 on top of packaging: Hallmark / KEEPSAKE ORNAMENT / 25 Years of Collecting Memories / 1973 -1998