Yeah, you read that right. Delaware Tramp Art. I had a patron come in the other day to show me this decorated cigar box. It was her great-grandmothers. It was made in Ellendale around 1890.
It seems tramp art is very collectible. These decorative boxes were made by blue-collar workers as gifts for their sweethearts during the cold winter months. We pulled her grandmother’s probate file. In the inventory, we found the box listed as a “small wooden decorated cigar box”.
To see if we have a probate record for your relatives click on our probate database.
You can visit your local library or check out the Delaware library catalog to pick up a copy of:
Tramp art: a folk art phenomenon by Helaine W. Fendelman
Or
Hobo & tramp art carving: an authentic American folk tradition by Adolph Vandertie
Related Topics: Delaware Library Catalog, Delaware Tramp Art, Ellendale, Probate Records