Bunco Steerer by Bernhard Gillam, 1884.
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By the mid-1800s, the American Christmas tradition included much of the same customs and festivities as it does today, including tree decorating, gift-giving, Santa Claus, greeting cards, stockings by the fire, church activities, and family-oriented days of feasting and fun.
But, for those in the Old West, far away from the more civilized life of the east, pioneers, cowboys, explorers, and mountain men usually celebrated Christmas with homemade gifts and humble fare. Read more about A Pioneer Christmas.
The pause that refreshes. 1931 Coca Cola Advertisement.
Christmas has evolved quite a bit over the last couple of centuries. What was once a simple celebration of the birth of Christ is now a marketing juggernaut, thanks in large part to an advertising idea for a popular soda drink. Read about how Coca-Cola changed the image of Santa Claus.
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Did You Know?
Kit Carson, Indian Scout
Born on December 24, 1809, in Kentucky, to Lindsey Carson, a veteran of the American Revolution, and Rebecca Robinson Carson, American frontiersman, trapper, soldier, and guide, Christopher Carson, better known as Kit Carson, is one of the great heroes of the Old West. His extensive travels and experience tell a story of not just one man but of many peoples and cultures throughout the area of what would become the Southwestern United States. Read about Kit Carson – Legend of the Southwest.
Wreck of the Pacific Express Ashtabula Bridge Disaster, 1876.
The Ashtabula, Ohio Railroad Disaster, often called the Ashtabula Disaster or the Ashtabula Horror, was one of the worst railroad disasters in American history, occurring on December 29, 1876. Learn more HERE.
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Vintage Advertising
From soap to shoes to whiskey, women, and entertainment promotions, this collection of vintage photos, posters, and paintings provides a vivid peak at yesterday’s advertising. Great gift ideas or to decorate your own home!
Browse our Vintage Advertising Photo Print Galleries HERE
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Happy Birthday!
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Wounded Knee Burial Site. Photo by Kathy Alexander.
The Wounded Knee Massacre, a regrettable and tragic clash of arms occurring on December 29, 1890, was the last significant engagement between Native Americans and soldiers on the North American Continent, ending nearly four centuries of warfare between westward-bound Americans and the indigenous peoples. Learn more about The Wounded Knee Massacre.
See more Native American History
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President Martin Van Buren by N. Currier.
Born Maarten Van Buren on December 5, 1782, Martin Van Buren was an attorney, statesman, and eighth President of the United States after serving as Andrew Jackson’s Secretary of State and Vice President. He was the first president born after the American Revolution and is the only president to have spoken English as a second language. Van Buren was the first U.S. president without any British ancestry. Read more…
Presidents by N. Currier, 1848.
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Postcards from Legends’ General Store!
From new to vintage, Old West to Native American, Route 66 and much more! Thousands of postcards to choose from and all with FREE SHIPPING.
Order 5 or more postcards (vintage, new, our designs, or mix and match) and automatically get 20% off!
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Hey, Y’all!
Dave & Kathy in Cawker City, KS visiting the worlds largest ball of twine.
Legends of America is comprised of just the two of us — Dave & Kathy, who have a love of history, and travel and a desire to share it with the world! Several others have contributed along the way and we always welcome more.
Though we are a small Mom & Pop “shop,” we have decades of customer service & business experience between the two of us — in both large and small organizations. With an entrepreneurial dream, we launched Legends of America in 2003.
We are Midwest-born and bred with great values. With just an email, phone call, or order, you’ll find that our customer service is Over the Top!!
Legends’ General Store, our Photo Print Shop, and our great advertisers are the primary means for providing volumes of information to our readers at no cost.
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