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General Categories => Everyday Handwriting | Penmanship => Topic started by: AAAndrew on January 29, 2019, 09:55:30 AM

Title: Handwriting examples from the 1870's
Post by: AAAndrew on January 29, 2019, 09:55:30 AM
I recently purchased a miscellaneous set of documents from around 1872-74 related to the running of the Vermont and Massachusetts Railway. I picked them up because I'm interested in old styles of penmanship. Most are not terribly interesting from a content perspective, but the variation in handwriting is quite fun. I haven't gone through them all yet, but here are three of my favorites so far.

Title: Re: Handwriting examples from the 1870's
Post by: matteherr on January 29, 2019, 02:31:50 PM
Me too! I spent way too much time on Google searching for pics of 1700's to 1800's documents with handwriting. Now I know I'm not the only one!
Title: Re: Handwriting examples from the 1870's
Post by: Moose on January 29, 2019, 02:51:25 PM
You and me both, Matteherr.

Thanks for sharing these AAAndrew! Old handwriting styles are fascinating to me. Maybe because I started with Spencerian, but I like to see how personal handwriting has changed. I appreciate seeing goods cans of old docs like this.
Title: Re: Handwriting examples from the 1870's
Post by: AAAndrew on January 31, 2019, 09:08:38 PM
Here's an interesting one. It's a draft letter old Mr. Poor is writing to Charles S. Osgood, a member of the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Besides the writing, it is also interesting to see draft letters, which almost never survive.

Title: Re: Handwriting examples from the 1870's
Post by: AAAndrew on February 18, 2019, 09:01:55 PM
Here's an interesting hand from the 1870 US Census in Philadelphia.

Title: Re: Handwriting examples from the 1870's
Post by: matteherr on February 18, 2019, 09:21:21 PM
What in the world is that hand! The "D" in Dentist is really unique!
Title: Re: Handwriting examples from the 1870's
Post by: AAAndrew on February 19, 2019, 06:30:15 AM
I know, right? Don’t forget their “P” and “B.” The closest I’ve seen to it is Walt Disney’s signature.

Title: Re: Handwriting examples from the 1870's
Post by: stenolearner on February 19, 2019, 12:46:33 PM
After spending hours trying to write exactly according to those business penmanship manuals, it's good to know, that in real life, people also had awful handwriting.
Title: Re: Handwriting examples from the 1870's
Post by: tintenfuchs on February 22, 2019, 04:22:35 AM
I love seeing those :)
Title: Re: Handwriting examples from the 1870's
Post by: Cyril Jayant on June 25, 2021, 06:43:43 PM
It is great to see those beautiful writing.
Can you think a mail will have the same appreciation after another 50- 100 years .
Will it last so long for some one to pay and download as a vintage mail file.
Oh ;D... there is something too what computer/ programme  will be able to unzip and read the scripted message ?
Title: Re: Handwriting examples from the 1870's
Post by: AnasaziWrites on June 26, 2021, 10:49:30 AM
It is great to see those beautiful writing.
Can you think a mail will have the same appreciation after another 50- 100 years .
Will it last so long for some one to pay and download as a vintage mail file.
It will have greater appreciation, I would guess, as beautiful handwriting becomes rarer. So why not add to the stockpile of beautiful handwriting and send someone a beautiful envelope and letter? It's such a pleasant surprise to receive one, and increases the likelihood it will be saved for future generations to enjoy.