Hallmark "Polar Post" Christmas Ornament, 1992

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

1992

Creator Notes

Designed by Ed Seale of Hallmark Cards, Inc. in Kansas City, Missouri. Made in Sri Lanka.

Object ID

2019.65.2495

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Plastic
Cardboard

Color

Multicolored

Inscriptions

on front of ornament: MAP / NORTH / POLE on back of ornament: (C) 1992 / HALLMARK / CARDS, / INC. / To Santa / POLAR / POST / 1992 on front of packaging: ARTISTS' / FAVORITES / Hallmark / KEEPSAKE / ORNAMENT / Real working compass! / Polar Post / Sculpted by Ed Seale on back of packaging: Hallmark / KEEPSAKE / ORNAMENT / Handcrafted - Dated 1992 / "The idea of putting a real / compass in an ornament / always intrigued me," says / artist Ed Seale. "And when I / asked myself who might want / a compass to find the North / Pole, the answer was a mail carrier. I always / associate the post office with Christmas because / of the cards and gifts we send and, of course, / because of kids' letters to Santa." / "Polar Post" is included in a group of / ornaments called Artists' Favorites. These / designs reflect the personal interests and / memories of the artists who create them. / Look for Ed's signature on this ornament. / Mfd. for and (C) 1992 Hallmark Cards, Inc., K.C., MO 64141 / Made in Sri Lanka QX491-4