Once again, there is a new batch of California Midwinter Fair items on exhibit in the 2nd floor archival display case! The third installment of Ed Herny’s ephemera collection showcases beautifully illustrated postcards, postal history covers (envelopes) and letter sheets. (See if you can find the “Midwinter Fair” postal cancellation stamp on two of the covers (envelopes) – very rare!) This part of the display will be on exhibit until August 1st.
Ed Herny, the current president of the SF Bay Area Post Card Club and a member of the Board of Directors of the Berkeley Historical Society, has been collecting ephemera from the California Midwinter Fair since 1972. His collection is comprised of a wide-ranging array of objects, souvenirs, photos, and paper-based items.
Be sure to also check out the numerous 3D objects in the side cabinets of the display case which are spectacular and will be on view until September 11th!
The current and future rotating displays in the flat, horizontal display cases will include:
- June 26th - August 1st - Postcards, postal history covers & letter sheets
- August 1st - September 11th - Souvenir spoons, award medals, badges & jewelry
Members of the public are welcome to come to the Mechanics’ Institute to view this display – please inform the lobby attendant of your wish to see the exhibit and go to the 2nd floor Library and knock on the door for entrance.
