by Carolyn Wakeman
Featured Image: Walter Magee, Merry Christmas, Jack Hoffman Papers, Lyme Historical Society Archives at the Florence Griswold Museum
Many of the impressionist artists who spent summers painting the scenic Old Lyme landscape returned to their New York studios or traveled abroad during the winter months. To keep in touch with friends and colleagues, they exchanged holiday cards, often original works of art, that conveyed season’s greetings. Photographs, etchings, and watercolor sketches affirmed from afar the personal bonds that linked a diverse collection of artists through a shared sense of place.
As subjects, they often chose local landmarks like the Congregational Church, or scenes of field and forest blanketed with snow, or images of tropical settings that offered a respite from the winter cold. Those who wintered in Old Lyme frequently shared etchings, paintings, and photographs of their homes, doorways, and firesides to convey warm wishes at Christmas and welcome the New Year.
George Breustle, Merry Christmas from the Bruestles, Jack Hoffman Papers, me Historical Society Archives at the Florence Griswold Museum
Gregory Smith, Greetings from the Gregory Smiths, Jack Hoffman Papers, Lyme Historical Society Archives at the Florence Griswold Museum
Henry C. White, Greetings from the Whites of Waterford, Jack Hoffman Papers, Lyme Historical Society Archives at the Florence Griswold Museum
Edward Rook, Christmas Greetings and Good Wishes for your happiness in the New Year. Mr. and Mrs. Edward F. Rook,Jack Hoffman Papers, Lyme Historical Society Archives at the Florence Griswold Museum
Charles Ebert, Christmas Greetings from the Ebert family, Jack Hoffman Papers, Lyme Historical Society Archives at the Florence Griswold Museum
Caro Weir Ely, Merry Christmas from the Page Ely’s, Jack Hoffman Papers, Lyme Historical Society Archives at the Florence Griswold Museum
Thomas Nason, Merry Christmas from Margaret and Thomas Nason, 1960, Jack Hoffman Papers, Lyme Historical Society Archives at the Florence Griswold Museum
Beatrice Harper Banning, Merry Christmas from the Waldo Bannings, Jack Hoffman Papers, Lyme Historical Society Archives at the Florence Griswold Museum
