The popularity of scrapbooking is nothing new ~ the word "scrap-book" appears in print as early as 1854, and people were pasting mementos into albums at least a hundred years before that.
Victorian young ladies often kept "memory books" that might be filled with cards, scraps, signatures, poetry, sketches, quotes, photographs, dried flowers, even locks of hair. They collected calling cards to show their popularity and created friendship albums to give as gifts.
Scrapbooks were sometimes used to teach children at home and in Sunday school, or just as a "rainy day" activity for mother and children. Ladies' magazines gave tips for scrapbooking supplies to be kept on hand.
Victorians created scrapbooks as a way to preserve mementos and memories of special events, to celebrate family and friends, to show off achievements, to document personal interests and tastes, to remember childhood, and of course as an enjoyable hobby. Just like we do today! More on antique scrapbooks on Monday...
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I appreciate your visit and your comments! ~ Karen