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Step back into the closing years of the 19th century with this fascinating piece of American educational and postal history.
Offered is an original 1896 commencement program from the Twenty Ninth Annual Commencement, held at Normal Chapel on June 11, 1896, accompanied by its original mailed cover addressed to Mr. L. C. Pylar & Family, Greenfield, Missouri. The envelope bears two 1¢ George Washington stamps with a Jamesport, Missouri postmark dated December 22, 1896, adding an extra layer of collectible postal history. The First Bureau Issue Washington stamps were among the common U.S. definitive stamps of the 1890s.
The commencement program lists graduating speakers, musical performances, and degree conferrals, making it an excellent research piece for historians, genealogists, educators, or collectors of antique paper memorabilia.
Features
* Original 1896 commencement program
* Dated June 11, 1896
* Original mailed envelope included
* Jamesport, Missouri postmark
* Addressed to Greenfield, Missouri
* Original period postage stamps
* Antique educational and postal history ephemera
* Wonderful display or research piece
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Condition
Good antique condition for nearly 130 years old.
* Age-related discoloration and toning
* Water staining and spotting throughout
* Edge and corner wear
* Creases and handling wear
* Envelope shows normal postal wear
* Please review all photographs carefully as they are part of the description.
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SEO Keywords
1896 Commencement Program, Antique Ephemera, Victorian Paper Collectible, Missouri Postal History, Jamesport Missouri Cover, Greenfield Missouri, Graduation Program, Normal School Memorabilia, Antique Envelope, First Bureau Issue Stamp, George Washington Stamp, Genealogy Collectible, Victorian Education, Antique Paper, Historical Documents
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A Little Tugmon Valley Humor
This little survivor has witnessed more graduations than most universities, traveled through the U.S. mail before airplanes were common, and somehow outlived generations of filing cabinets. It’s basically the overachiever of antique paperwork.
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Why Buy from Tugmon Valley Sales?
At Tugmon Valley Sales, we’re treasure seekers who love connecting collectors with unique pieces of history.
✔ Carefully packaged for safe delivery
✔ Combined shipping available on multiple purchases
✔ Reasonable offers are always welcome
✔ New treasures added regularly—from true antiques to rare collectibles and historical artifacts
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