“‘The Spirit of ’76,’ also known as ‘Yankee Doodle,’ described as the most inspiring patriotic picture in America, hangs in the Town Fathers’ meeting room in Abbot Hall (in Marblehead, Massachusetts). Painted by A.M. Willard, it was presented to the Town in 1880 by General John Devereux, whose son was the model for the drummer boy.” This is a “Lusterchrome” card by Tichnor Bros., Boston 15, Mass.
The card notes that reproduction is prohibited without the express permission of the Board of Selectmen in Marblehead. So assiduously had they guarded this image over the years that the August 12, 1935 issue of Time magazine made special mention of a rare occasion on which they allowed the image to be reproduced.
From debby:
Chris, this is a wonderful card. Thanks for sharing.
Debby
From Jessica Patton:
I have this card.
Jessica Patton
From Jessica Patton:
I picked up a box of christmas cards, postcards etc. for a couple bucks at a yardsale this past summer. My intention was to use some of the christmas images for homemade cards.
There were quite a few that I donated to the marblehead historical society and a few others I kept for my own, including a post card of the one you show above. I have no interest in postcards, would you like it for your own collection?
Jessica Patton (Concord, NH)
jessicagrace76