In stock · No. group 80
"
VINTAGE 1960 CLARA BARTON FLASH CARD - AMERICAN RED CROSS FOUNDER - RARE ED-U-CARDS EDUCATIONAL EPHEMERA - CIVIL WAR NURSE HISTORY
DESCRIPTIONThis authentic vintage educational flash card from 1960 features the remarkable Clara Barton founder of the American Red Cross and pioneering Civil War nurse. Published by ED-U-CARDS Manufacturing Corporation as card #52B in their prestigious 'Book of Knowledge Flash Cards' series this piece of educational ephemera captures both mid-century design aesthetics and important American history.
The front displays a dignified oval portrait of Clara Barton in her later years wearing a high-necked dark dress with white lace collar and her signature Red Cross pin prominently displayed. Distinctive yellow/gold bands frame the top and bottom of the card containing the title 'CLARA BARTON' and informational text noting she 'founded The American Red Cross in 1881.'
The reverse features a detailed biographical summary of Barton's extraordinary life from her early career as a schoolteacher through her groundbreaking Civil War service her work identifying 12 000 soldiers' graves her international experience during the Franco-Prussian War and her transformative leadership of the American Red Cross from 1881 to 1904.
Each time you hold this card you're touching a tangible connection to both a remarkable American woman and the educational traditions of the early 1960s - a dual historical link that makes these vintage flash cards increasingly sought after by collectors of women's history medical memorabilia and educational ephemera.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCEClara Barton (1821-1912) stands among America's most influential humanitarian figures transforming battlefield medicine during the Civil War and establishing the American Red Cross as an enduring institution. This card succinctly captures her remarkable journey from Massachusetts schoolteacher to internationally recognized humanitarian whose legacy continues to impact millions of lives today.
The ED-U-CARDS 'Book of Knowledge' series itself represents an important chapter in American educational history. Published during the Cold War era when educational excellence became a national priority these cards were designed to inspire children with stories of exceptional Americans while building knowledge through engaging visual design.
The card's 1960 publication coincided with a period of renewed interest in American history and civic education just before the Civil War centennial commemorations. It represents the mid-century effort to celebrate pioneering American women whose contributions had often been overlooked in earlier educational materials.
This card is particularly significant for collectors of nursing history Civil War memorabilia Red Cross collectibles and women's history ephemera. Clara Barton's revolutionary approach to battlefield nursing and her vision of the Red Cross serving in both wartime and peacetime disasters fundamentally changed humanitarian work worldwide.
CONDITIONThis vintage card remains in good condition after over six decades with the bright yellow/gold borders retaining much of their original vibrancy. The portrait image is clear and well-defined with excellent detail in Barton's face and her distinctive Red Cross pin.
The card shows moderate and expected age-related wear including light overall toning/yellowing to a warm tan color that many collectors find appealing in vintage paper items. Some corner and edge wear is present consistent with the card's 60+ year age.
There are a few minor spots or marks particularly along the edges but no significant creases tears or major damage impact the display quality. The printed text on both front and back remains completely clear and legible throughout.
Finding educational ephemera from the early 1960s in this state of preservation becomes increasingly difficult with each passing year as many similar items were heavily used by children or discarded as educational methods evolved.
AGE/ERAThis flash card dates precisely to 1960 as confirmed by the copyright information clearly printed on the reverse: '© 1960 ED-U-CARDS MFG. CORP. L. I. C. N. Y.' This places it firmly in the post-WWII educational boom period when American publishers produced innovative teaching materials to inspire the baby boomer generation.
The early 1960s represent a fascinating transitional period in American educational approaches just before the major curriculum reforms of the later decade. The card's design aesthetic with its bold yellow borders and clean typography exemplifies mid-century modern commercial design applied to educational materials.
This item was produced during the Eisenhower/early Kennedy era when American educational publishers emphasized historical figures who embodied core American values like service innovation and humanitarian compassion. At over 60 years old this card has now crossed the threshold into genuine vintage collectible status.
The typography printing techniques and cardstock are all consistent with educational materials produced in 1960 confirming its authenticity as a genuine period piece rather than a later reproduction. The biographical content ending with Barton's presidency until 1904 reflects the historical knowledge available to educational publishers of that era.
RARITYWhile individual ED-U-CARDS were produced in reasonable quantities
their survival in good condition after more than six decades is increasingly uncommon. Many cards from this series were heavily used by children damaged or discarded as educational methods changed over the decades.
Complete sets of 'The Book of Knowledge Flash Cards' rarely appear on the market making individual cards like this one particularly desirable for collectors attempting to rebuild sets or focusing on specific historical figures. The Clara Barton card has additional appeal to specialized collectors of nursing history Red Cross memorabilia Civil War material and women's history.
As interest in women's historical contributions continues to grow ephemera featuring pioneering figures like Clara Barton becomes more sought after.
With each passing year fewer of these authentic 1960s educational cards remain available to collectors as they disappear into permanent collections and archives.
The convergence of multiple collecting interests – educational ephemera women's history nursing history Red Cross memorabilia and Civil War connections – makes this particular card more desirable than many others from the same series.
COLLECTOR'S NOTEThere is something genuinely moving about holding an authentic piece of educational history that connects us to both Clara Barton's remarkable humanitarian legacy and the way American children learned about her contributions in 1960. This card bridges multiple worlds – 19th century Civil War nursing the founding of a major humanitarian organization and mid-century educational approaches.
Whether you collect women's history medical/nursing memorabilia educational ephemera or Red Cross items this card offers exceptional historical interest and display potential. The distinctive yellow borders and dignified portrait make it visually striking whether displayed individually or alongside related historical material.
Educational ephemera from the mid-20th century has developed a dedicated collector following in recent years as these items become recognized as important cultural artifacts in their own right. The simple bold graphic design of this era has particular appeal to collectors of mid-century aesthetics.
This flash card provides an affordable entry point into collecting significant historical ephemera related to one of America's most influential women. Display it alongside other nursing history items frame it as part of a women's history collection or integrate it with your vintage educational material.
SHIPPING NOTEBuy multiple cards and pay only ONE low shipping cost! I'm happy to combine shipping on any number of vintage cards and ephemera to save you money. This item will be carefully packaged in an archival sleeve and shipped between rigid cardboard to ensure it arrives safely.
DON'T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY!Educational ephemera from the early 1960s continues to disappear into institutional archives and permanent collections as its historical significance becomes more widely recognized. This authentic flash card represents both an important American woman's legacy and a distinctive period in educational history.
Add this genuine piece of Clara Barton and Red Cross history to your collection today! Once sold finding another example in comparable condition may prove surprisingly difficult."
_gsrx_vers_1715 (GS 9.9.2 (1715))
Offered by Gosla Antiques & Collectibles, purveyors of antiquities, curiosities and collectible wares. Dispatched from Pennsylvania, United States, with tracking.
Gosla Antiques & Collectibles