Historic Easter Card Collection of Z.L. White

During the month of April, the Rosenberg Library will exhibit the historic Easter card collection donated by Mr. and Mrs. Z.L. White, Jr. in 1946. Their historic Christmas cards were a previous Treasure featured in the Museum.

 Historic Easter Card Collection of Z.L. White
Easter card of the family of Z.L. White. Easter 1884, to Mrs. Z.L. White. Courtesy of the Rosenberg Library, 87.072.1 (Front)
 Historic Easter Card Collection of Z.L. White
Easter card of the family of Z.L. White. Easter 1884, to Mrs. Z.L. White. Courtesy of the Rosenberg Library, 87.072.1 (Inside)

These vintage Easter cards are part of the collection that belonged to Mr. White’s parents. The oldest cards in the collection date to 1870, however; many are dated as late as 1920. The cards were addressed to donors or extended family members at the time.

Zeblon Lewis White, was a distinguished American journalist in the 19th century. A reporter for the New York Tribune, White quickly advanced to day editor. By 1870, he was named Chief Washington correspondent and covered many political conventions. It is from his father, which Z.L. White, Jr. donated over 1500 rare books and manuscripts to the Rosenberg Library, brought in their original walnut cases.

 Historic Easter Card Collection of Z.L. White
Easter card of the family of Z.L. White. Easter "To wish you ever Easter blessing" Undated. Image courtesy of the Rosenberg Library. 81.072.9.

Z.L. White, Jr. born in 1875 in Washington D.C., first traveled to Galveston in 1894. Prior to retiring from the real estate insurance business in 1942, Z.L. White, Jr served in the Spanish American War with the First District of Columbia Volunteer Infantry, commissioned as First Lieutenant during World War I and served in the Coast Guard Reserve during World War II. His wife, Louise Robertson Lewis, was an accomplished organist. Generous supporters of the Rosenberg Library, the Whites donated countless artifacts contributing to the Museum collection.

 Historic Easter Card Collection of Z.L. White
Easter card of the family of Z.L. White. Easter 1888 to Jennie White. 81.072.5. Image courtesy of Rosenberg Library.

The Treasure of the Month is located on the library’s historic second floor near the East Entrance. It can be viewed during regular library hours, 9:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For museum questions, call 409.763.8854 Ext. 125 or email museum@rosenberg-library.org. For press inquiries, contact the Communications Coordinator.

Past Treasures