Calendars were an important part of Paul Elder’s ephemeral offerings, and they were quite varied in size, shape, and design. The date display format also varied; for example, two months per page, one month per page, one week per page, and rarely, one day per page.
By 1904, Elder was already offering five different calendars for sale.
Impressions Calendars
From the 1902 Tomoyé Catalogue: “Encouraged by the great success of Impressions Calendar for 1902, and the many advance orders received, the publishers have reprinted it for the coming year. Impressions Calendar consists of a collection of aphorisms and short selections from Stevenson, Phillips Brooks, Griggs, Irving and others, short, vivid and human thoughts which flash with brilliancy into our work-a-day minds, leaving there the deeply imprinted stamp of help. The Calendar as an art production is worthy and bright enough to last pleasingly, but not so gay as to make it a wearisome companion for the passing months. The dates are printed from plain, legible type, making it practical as well as beautiful. thirteen leaves, in gold and colors, boxed. Price $1 net.”
The artwork for the Impressions Calendars was used in the Impressions Leaflets, and vice versa.
The size and format of the Impressions Calendars changed over time. The 1908 calendar is 9×6 and one page per month, but by 1911 the calendar was 10×7 and one page per week.
- Impressions Calendar 1902
- Impressions Calendar 1903
- Impressions Calendar 1904
- Impressions Calendar 1905
- Impressions Calendar 1906
- Impressions Calendar 1907
- Impressions Calendar 1908
- Impressions Calendar 1909
- Impressions Calendar 1910
- Impressions Calendar 1911
- Impressions Calendar 1912
- Impressions Calendar 1913
- Impressions Calendar 1914
- Impressions Calendar 1915
- Impressions Calendar 1916
- Impressions Calendar 1917
Reprinted Calendars
In 1905, Elder issued two different reprints: calendars with the 1905 months and dates (of course), but using the artwork from a previous year’s calendar. It’s not known whether Elder used this same strategy in subsequent years.
- Ideals Calendar 1905, a reprint of the Impressions Calendar 1902
- Aspirations Calendar 1905, a reprint of the Impressions Calendar 1904
Miniature Calendars
- Ye Miniature Calendar of Homely Maxims for 1907
- Ye Miniature Calendar of Homely Maxims for 1910, No. 1
- Ye Miniature Calendar of Homely Maxims for 1910, No. 2
Cynic’s Calendars
The Cynic’s Calendar of Revised Wisdom first appeared in 1903, and was so popular that it was reissued every year through 1909. Somewhat to Elder’s surprise, the calendars were a popular seller even at the end of the year, revealing that people were buying them for the humor rather than for use as a calendar. For a more complete discussion, please click the link above.
Peace Calendar
This calendar is known from a single example in 1916. As calendars are introduced in the fall of the previous year, this calendar would have been available for sale in late 1915, when the Panama-Pacific International Exposition was still open—and where Paul Elder & Company had a sales booth. The calendar’s theme was clearly prompted by the sickening horrors of World War I raging in Europe, a war which would continue for another three years.
The calendar has a one day per page format, and was issued with its own special metal base—both features unique amongst all of Elder’s calendars.
Miscellaneous calendars
- Kontented Kids Calendar for 1903. “Two contented youngsters happily settled upon an artistic stool, shaded by well-fruited apple trees. An atmosphere of content pervades the scene of flowers, fruit, foliage and fancy. The design is very amusing, and done in a “poster” way. No one will regret the presence of the “Kontented Kids.” 7½ x 4½ inches. Enclosed in a special envelope. Price, 25¢ net.
- Christmas Carol Calendar for 1905. Designed by Harold Sichel. Two months per page. Size 11 x 11 inches, printed in gold and colors on heavy bristol. Enclosed in a green box illuminated with cover design in gold. Price, $1. Postage, 8¢.