Hallmark

Ornaments and other figurines

It's hard to go through life and not be touched - at some time - in some way, by a Hallmark item. From cards to TV specials, Hallmark has embedded itself into life's special occasions. Christmas is only MORE special because Hallmark is part of it with it's ornaments, paper products, and well wishes.

At the age of 18, Joyce Clyde Hall was all but broke. He got off a train in Kansas City, MO. with little more than two shoe boxes of postcards he'd made. It was 1910. He sold those easily and made more. His brother Rollie joined him and they started in business together and called it "Hall Brothers"
In 1915, their business burned to the ground in a fire but the brothers regrouped. They bought a printing press and began making cards and envelopes. In 1917, they made and modernized gift wrap as we know it today.
J.C. Hall was intrigued by blacksmiths use of the word "hallmark" as an indicator of quality. He liked that it incorporated his surname and that it stood for quality. He began putting  the word Hallmark on the backs of his cards. He was most insightful and entrepreneurial. He advertised in magazines and on the radio in the 1920's. He went national with his cards.
In 1932, he signed a licensing agreement with none other than Walt Disney which proved to benefit both companies. The Hall Brothers also were first to utilize what they called "eye vision"; a totally different manner of displaying the cards to make it easier for the customer to peruse them and select the perfect one.
In 1944, a sales employee came up with "When you care enough to send the very best" a slogan which is used still today!
In 1951, The Hall Brothers Company sponsored the original opera designed for television (a new invention). It was their way of saying thank you to their customers. The opera was "Amahl and the Night Visitors" and it was very well received. That became the first of the Hallmark Hall of Fame television specials.
In 1954, the Hall Brothers changed their company name to Hallmark. When the time came, J.C.'s son, Donald Hall, became president and CEO (1966). He continued to take the company the way of the people. Hallmark International was created and the international market continued to grow and expand. Keepsake Ornaments were created. Collectors began seeing great potential in these ornaments as a collectible memory. In 1986, the Gold Crown Store program was created. It allows for independent ownership and operation of stores dealing in Hallmark products.

In 1982, J.C. passed away. But his legacy and that of his brother continued on as it does today. Hallmark is active in ecommerce and has a large ecard business. Hallmark's "Warm Wishes" greeting card line makes cards available for $0.99 at retail outlets nationwide. There continues to be Hallmark Hall of Fame specials and Hallmark has its own TV channel which is geared toward family viewing.
Since the beginning of Hall Brothers, Hallmark has maintained communication, caring and quality as it's primary concerns. It has only added nostalgia and all things good to its inventory. Who hasn't gotten misty-eyed at a Hallmark commercial? Satisfying your need while touching your heart is a Hallmark trademark.

I've enjoyed many "Hallmark moments" so naturally, I began collecting them!