FRAMED MOTTOS

In the post-WWI years, special occasions were celebrated, not merely with greeting cards given in an envelope, but with framed, elaborately designed poetic sentiments. Framed poetry was a more permanent and charming way to mark a special day (much like greeting cards, themes included topics such as Mother, Dad, Son, and Daughter as well as Sweetheart, Friendship, Birthday, and many more).

Publishers of these unique framed poems, now known as mottos and at times poems from the heart usually started in the greeting card business or quality children book companies. Prominent publishers included The Buzza Company (also known as Buzza Craftacres), Buckbee Brehm, Volland, and Gibson. Each company maintained high standards by creating quality – well designed and scripted mottos. The finest illustrators of the times created framed verses by well-known authors and poets. One publisher hired Frank Lloyd Wright’s sister for her design talents.