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This is a piece of 19th-century Oregon business history, featuring an illustrated advertising cover and matching letterhead from a pioneer nurseryman.
Postal Description
Origin: East Portland, Oregon.
Destination: Woodburn, Oregon.
Date: Dec 30, 4:30 PM, 1890.
Franking: 2-cent carmine George Washington (Scott #220). This \"Small Bank Note\" issue was the workhorse of the 1890s postal system.
Postmark: A circular date stamp from PORTLAND / DEC 30 / 4:30 PM / 90 / OREGON.
Cover Type: An Illustrated Advertising Cover (corner card) for \"H. Hanson, Nurseryman.\" It lists a specialty in \"Ornamental Trees and Shrubbery.\"
Content Transcription
The letter is written on beautiful matching lithographed letterhead. It captures a common 19th-century business dispute: a shipping error.
H. HANSON, NURSERYMAN.A Full Assortment of Ornamental Trees and Shrubbery.
East Portland, Or., Dec. 29th, 1890
Mr. J. H. SettlemierDear Sir,I received the trees allright and is well pleased with the Poplars. But you send me Sycamore insted of Sycamore Maple. I have no use for them as I have plenty of them already. What wil we do about it?Yours Truly,H. Hanson
Historical Research
The Sender (Hans Hanson): H. Hanson was a prominent early nurseryman in the Pacific Northwest. His nursery was located in the East Portland district (which was a separate city until it was annexed by Portland in 1891). These \"East Portland\" markings are highly collectible as they represent a short-lived independent postal identity.
The Recipient (Jesse H. Settlemier): Settlemier was the founder of Woodburn, Oregon, and established the famous Woodburn Nursery in 1863. He is a giant in Oregon pioneer history. The \"Settlemier House\" in Woodburn is currently on the National Register of Historic Places.
Horticultural Context: The Pacific Northwest was a burgeoning hub for nurseries in the late 1800s. The specific mention of \"Poplars\" and \"Sycamore Maples\" highlights the active trade of ornamental species used to land-develop the growing towns of the Willamette Valley.
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