Broadsides, certificates, songs and prayers reflecting Pennsylvania German-American folk culture collected by Don Yoder and William Woys Weaver, mostly 19th century.

Certificate of promotion. : This may certify, that [blank] by diligent attention to study, and punctual attendance at school, has made such proficiency in the studies of [blank] department as entitles [blank] to a promotion to a higher grade; and by [blan
Printed on rose-colored paper; printed area, including ornamental border, measures 16.4 x 22.2 cm., Library Company copy completed in MS. May 24, 1840 for Miss Mary Shertz, signed by John Mathiot., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
Christlicher Haus-Segen, nebst der Zwölf Stunden-Gedächtniss.
This 18th-century German house blessing, with twelve-hour reminder, served as a model for format, though not for content, of printed Pennsylvania house blessings. See Yoder, D. Pennsylvania German broadside, p. 200-202., Printed on laid paper; hand-colored; printed area measures 38.0 x 30.3 cm., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
Christlicher Stundenweiser. : das ist: Kurze Betrachtungen aller Stunden des Tages, dadurch ein Christ, sich zur Wahrnehmung der Zeit, das Nothwendige erwecken kann.
Hand-colored woodcut of a clock surrounded by twelve Christian passages, with scenes depicting stages of life in each corner., "This European broadside was perhaps imported because it was attractive to residents of German heritage in southeast Pennsylvania. Although twelve-hour prayers are associated with Catholics, they were occasionally used among Pennsylvania Germans, most of whom were Protestants."--Earnest, R. Flying leaves and one-sheets, 106., Printed on laid paper; printed area measures 36 x 28.9 cm., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Lib. Company. Annual Report, 1999, p. 23-25.
Decoration! : Valley View, PA. Saturday, May 30th, 1885 : programme.
Ceremonies performed by the "members of W. C., No. 109, P.O.S. of A." and "Wm. Thompson Post, No. 174, G.A.R." Programme signed S. R. Yoder, Marshal ... by order of the committee., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
Doctor Laroch's von Paris, ächte Pillen für die rhumatischen Uebel, &c. : Das schäzbarste Hülfsmittel fur Rhumatismus, rhumatische Gicht, scorbutische Umstäde, &c. Auszug ans einem Brief des Doctoren Laroche in Paris, an den Doctor M. Lechleitner in Lanca
Advertisement, testimonials, and directions for use of Dr. Laroche's rheumatism pills, available from his agent, Dr. M. Lechleitner, in Lancaster, Pa., Dated from typographic evidence., Printed area measures 20.3 x 18.2 cm., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
Geburt- und Tauf-zeugniss. : Den beiden christlichen Ehegatten: [blank] und seiner ehelichen Hausfrau [blank] geborne [blank] ist ein [blank] zur Welt geboren, den [blank] Tag im [blank] im Jahre unseres Herrn ein tausend acht hundert und [blank] (18[blan
Printed area, including ornamental border, measures 33.3 x 23.2 cm, Library Company copy completed in MS. for Maria Wetzel, born Feb. 17, 1860 in Mahatongo Township, Schuylkill County, Pa., the daughter of Joseph and Regina Schneider Wetzel, baptized March 18, 1860 by Rev. Isaac Stiely., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
Geburts- und Tauf-Schein. : Den beiden Ehegatten, als: [blank] und seiner Ehefrau [blank] eine geborne [blank] beide wohnhaft in [blank] ist ein [blank] zur Welt geboren den [blank] im Jahr Christi 18[blank] Dieses Kind wurde hierauf getauft den [blank] d
A birth and baptismal certificate, with verse in six numbered stanzas; first line: Ich bin Getauft auf deinen Namen,., Printed in Reutlingen, Germany, in the 1830s by B.G. Kurtz for the American market. At head of ornamental border is an eagle with a shield, and the banner: E pluribus unum., Printed area, including hand-painted ornamental border, measures 37.4 x 28.5 cm., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
Geburts und Taufschein. : Diesen beyden Ehegatten, als: [blank] und seiner ehelichen Hausfrau [blank] geborne [blank] ist ein [blank] zur Welt geboren, den [blank] Tag [blank] im Jahre unsers Herrn, 18[blank] Diese [blank] ist geborne in [blank] in [blank
Putto with letter and posthorn at head; angels and birds flanking text; with type-set verse; printed area measures 36.9 x 30.5 cm, Library Company copy hand colored; completed in MS. for Martin Kelchner, son of Jacob and Anna Sheirer Kelchner, born April 11, 1841 in Richmond Township, Berks Co., Pa., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
Geistlicher Irrgarten, : mit vier Gnaden-Brunnen, dadurch kürzlich angedeutet werden: erstlich, die vier Ströme des Paradieses, ...
Representation of Christian life as a journey through a maze. The typographical layout of the text follows a maze-like pattern., Augustus Gräter and Alexander Blumer were in business together about 1832 to 1834., Printed area, including ornamental border, measures 35.2 x 29.1 cm., Not in: Checklist Amer. imprints., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
Geistlicher Irrgarten : mit vier Gnadenbrunnen, dadurch kürzlich angedeutet werden: 1stens, die vier Ströme des Paradieses ...
Representation of Christian life as a journey through a maze. The typographical layout of the text follows a maze-like pattern., The Mennonite Publishing Company, Elkhart, Indiana, the successor to the firm of John F. Funk and Brother, was chartered in 1875., Printed area, including holly-leaf border, measures 44.8 x 31.5 cm., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
Das goldene A B C für jederman, der gern mit Ehren wollt bestahn.
A broadside of moral and religious aphorisms in rhyme., Caption title., At head of title: Im Nahmen der allerheiligsten Dreyfaltigkeit., Sometimes attributed to Christopher Dock. While he may have used this broadside in his school, the text predates him., Printed on laid paper with watermark "P"; printed area, including double-rule border, measures 33.9 x 28.5 cm., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
The great Know Nothing song, "I don't know." / By Francis F. Eastlack. Air--Bow, wow, wow.
Song in eight unnumbered stanzas, with chorus; first line: Of all the many mighty things in this here Quaker city,., The American Party, also known as the Know-Nothing Party, flourished between 1849 and 1856., Printed area, including ornamental border, measures 21.3 x 14.3 cm., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
Jefferson ist Präsident!
Caption title., At head of title: Postscript. zum Readinger Adler. Reading, den 20sten Februar, 1801., Printed area measures 13.8 x 7.3 cm., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
Jesus Lied.
Verse in nine unnumbered stanzas; first line: Wo ist Jesus, mein Verlangen?, Printed in two columns divided by a wavy rule; printed area, within ornamental border, measures 24.3 x 19.2 cm., Cataloging of copy 14289.Q funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
Keystone Normal School : Class tribute to Ellen S. Christ.
Class tribute signed Class of 1875; dated November, 1874. First line: But few months have elapsed since it fell to our lot., With: Philomathean Literary Society tribute. First line: Gone to the grave has our sister., Printed area, including foliated border, measures: 20.6 cm x 9 cm., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
Maryland, ss. Frederick, absolute lord and proprietary of the provinces of Maryland and Avalon, Lord Baron of Baltimore, &c. To all persons to whom these presents shall come, Greeting in our Lord God everlasting. : Know ye, that [blank] according to the c
A land patent form., Second line of text, last word: Know., Printed on vellum; printed area measures 27.0 x 29.5 cm., Not in: Evans; Bristol., Library Company copy from the Michael Zinman Collection of Early American Imprints., Library Company copy completed in MS. for John Wallace, Jan. 28, 1754, granting him land in Somerset County; signed by Horatio Sharpe; with a MS. docket title., signed: Thos. Jennings clk., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
Mr. [blank] To Mifflin & Parry, [blank] Dr. To [blank] months' subscription to the Pennsylvanian, : from [blank] to [blank] $ [blank] Received payment, for M. & P., [blank] Publication office, 99 South Second St., Philadelphia.
A receipt., Printed area measures 4.9 x 13.5 cm., Library Company copy completed in MS. for Wm. Whitman, Jan. 6, 1838, for a 12-month subscription, signed by C. Taylor., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
Neujahrs-Wunsch des Herumträgers des Lancaster Adlers, an seine Kunden, bey dem Eintritt des Jahrs 1829.
Verse in ten unnumbered stanzas; first line: Glück zu! ihr Werthen Kunden mein,., Caption title., Presumably printed late in 1828 by Jacob Baab and Herman W. Villee, printers of the Lancaster Adler, for distribution on or about New Year's Day., Verse printed in two columns divided by a column of type ornaments; printed area, including arched ornamental border, measures 35.7 x 23.3 cm., Not in Shoemaker., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
On the crucifixion of our Saviour and the two thieves.
Poem by William Browne; first lines: Behold O God! In rivers of my tears I come to thee., Copyright 1834; printed by E. Durand., Printed within and flanking three crosses; text to be read across lines and also as an acrostic within each of the crosses., Serves as a type specimen showing a wide range of fonts., Not in Checklist of American Imprints., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
The Pennsylvania cyclone. / Composed and sung by Bessel and Harvey, authors of Mud Run disaster, Whitechapel murders, Wreck of the Allentown, Whiteling poisoning case, Fairmount Park mystery, &c.
Verse in four unnumbered stanzas; first line: The shadows of death are upon us, and a calamity has occurred,., On Jan. 9, 1889, a tornado swept over Reading, Pa., destroying the Grimshaw Silk Mill and the Reading Railroad paint shop, killing 17 and injuring more than 100 people., Printed area, including mourning border, measures 25.3 x 19.8 cm., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
Pfarrer Mennigs Chur fürs wilde Feuer. : Wild Feuer, flieh, flieh, flieh. Der rothe Faden jagt dich hie. ... / Geschrieben von George Mennig.
An incantation and folk cure for a skin rash, written by Rev. George Mennig, Lutheran pastor, of Schuylkill County and Berks County, Pa., Printed area measures 17.8 x 15.5 cm., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
Record of birth & baptism : Unto these two parents: [blank] and his wife [blank] a daughter of [blank] was born a [blank] on the [blank] day of [blank] in the year of our Lord 18[blank] This child was born in [blank] county of [blank] state of [blank] was
At foot: +27., Printed area, including ornamental border, measures 23.5 x 31.0 cm., Library Company copy hand-colored; completed in MS. for Lydian Wolfskill (later Artz), born Dec. 13, 1866 in Brecknock Township, Lancaster County, Pa., daughter of John and Elizabeth Mesner Wolfskill, baptized by Daniel Hertz, witness Elizabeth Wolfskill., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
Record of birth & baptism. : To these two parents: as [blank] and his wife [blank] a daughter of [blank] was born a [blank] on the [blank] day of [blank] in the year of our Lord 18[blank] This child was born in [blank] in [blank] county, in the state of [
Printed area, including color-printed ornamental border, measures 35.5 x 26.4 cm., Library Company copy completed in MS. for Tyrus Franklin Zerbe, born Aug. 8, 1873 in Pine Grove, Schuylkill County, Pa., son of George and Mary Donmoyer Zerbe; he was baptized by Rev. Elias S. Henry Oct. 26, 1873, with Adam and Sarah Donmoyer Lengel as witnesses., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
Der Regenbogen. : 1 Mosis ix. 9, 13.-- / Hart.
Hymn in nine stanzas; words only; a translation of Joseph Hart's Rainbow; first line: Als taub für jede Warnungsstimm',., Includes "Tod des Gläubigen Gewinn. Philipper i. 21.--Kent. C.M.", a hymn in nine stanzas; words only; a translation of a hymn by John Kent; first line: Zu stimmen in der Sel'gen Sang,., Two hymns printed side by side, divided by a single rule; printed area, including ornamental border, measures 19.9 x 13.0 cm., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
Sehnsucht nach dem himmlischen Jerusalem.
A hymn in five verses and a chorus, words only; first line: Kommt ihr Freunde, wir eilen jeszt fort., Caption title., Dated by Yoder, "probably from the late nineteenth century.", Printed area measures 14.4 x 6.5 cm., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
Sunday school hymns. To be sung by the children at the grand gathering, June 13th, 1868.
Caption title., Without music., Hymns printed in two columns divided by a single rule; printed area, including ornamental border, measures 31.0 x 14.2 cm., Contents: The happy land -- The Sunday school army -- Beautiful river -- Dismission., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
Teachers' local institute.
Signed: J. O. Knauss, County Superintendent and Chairman Ex. Committee., Printed area measures: 15.8 x 11.1 cm., Held at Seiberlingsville Church, Weissenberg Township, Lehigh County, on Saturday December 22nd, 1877., "Members will be at liberty to express their views in either the English or the German language.", Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
This certifies that [blank], the [blank] of [blank] and his wife [blank], as born [blank] on the [blank] day of [blank] 18[blank], and that [blank] was baptized on the [blank] day of [blank] in the year of our Lord 18[blank]
A baptismal certificate., Copyright 1873 by Crider & Bro., "Lith. by A. Hoen & Co. Baltimore.", Printed area, including ornamental border, measures 32.0 x 24.0 cm., Library Company copy completed in MS. for Marranda, daughter of Davilla and Amilia Fiand Peifer, borner April 6, 1875, and baptised June 27, 1875 by Preacher Wolf, with the parents as sponsors; the blanks are incorrectly used, and there are errors in spelling and grammar., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
To the memory of James Gifford, who was killed by the bursting of a cannon on the 24th, day of December 1832, aged 20 years 9 months and 10 days at Tuckahoe, New Jersey.
Poem in ten four-line verses, with grape cluster border and mourning vignette., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
United States of America. Bucks County, Pennsylvania. : Be it remembered, that at a Court of Common Pleas, held at Doylestown, for the county of Bucks, in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in the United States of America, on the [blank] day of [blank] in
The words "Bucks County, Pennsylvania." are typeset within the banner of a spread-eagle headpiece., Printed area measures 37.7 x 26.3 cm., Library Company copy completed in MS. for Conrad Deisenoth, native of Sachsen Weimar, dated Sept. 18, 1857, and signed by A.W. Gilkeson., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
Vater unser, der du bist in dem Himmel, : geheiliget werde dein Name; zukomme uns dein Reich; dein Wille geschehe, wie im Himmel, also auch auf Erde; gieb uns heute unser täglisches Brod; und vergieb uns unsere Schulden, wie auch wir vergeben unsern Schul
The English "lith." is use, rather than Steindruck, but the lithographer has not been identified; imprint place and date are conjectures., Printed area measures 32.5 x 21.5 cm., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
Ein vortressliches Mittel gegen die Wassersucht. : Nimm 4 Quart klarer süsser Seider, ... Neues Mittel wider Auszehrung. ...
Dated from typographical evidence., Printed area, including ornamental border, measures 16.7 x 12.3 cm., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
Eine wahre Geschichte, oder eine probirte Kunst in Feuers-Gefahr wie auch in Pestilenz-Zeiten zu gebrauchen. : Ist von einem christlichen Singmeister, König aus Egypten, erfunden worden. Es wurden im Jahre 1714, den 10 Tag Juni, im Königreich Preuszen 6 Z
The gypsy's fire charm, a magical incantation for preventing fire or pestilence., Printed area, including ornamental border, measures 25.1 x 13.0 cm., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
Watchman's address on the return of Christmas, 1851.
Verse in fifty-six lines; first line: Now Christmas dawns, the season dear., Caption title., At head of title is a woodcut eagle with the banner: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year., The poems is printed in two columns divided by a wavy rule., At foot is a woodcut of a watchman on a snowy night, along with "Counting house almanac" for 1852, "Solar and lunar eclipses for the year, 1852," and "Regulations of the state house bell in case of fire.", Printed area, including arched ornamental border, measures 43.5 x 26.6 cm., Library Company copy pasted to a 20th-century hand-painted sign advertising: Sermons by the Redemptorist preacher Rev. Andrew L. Doran, ..., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
Wunsch zum Neuen Jahre.
Verse in four unnumbered stanzas; first line: Zum neuen Jahre geh'n vom Herzen., Parallel German and Czech texts; Czech title: Přáňi k nowému roku., Signed at foot: Dero unterthänigste Kaminfeger - Gesellen des Herrn Leopold Jedlicz̃ka., Presumably printed in late 1847 for distribution on or about New Year's Day., Printed in two columns inside an ornamental border that includes depictions of chimney sweeps; printed area measures 39.8 x 24.7 cm., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
Wunsch zum neuen Jahre.
Verse in thirty-two unnumbered lines; first line: Im Verklärungslichte schweben., Signed at foot: Dero unterthänigste Schornsteinfeger in Korneuburg., Presumably printed in late 1846 for distribution on or about New Year's Day., Printed inside an ornamental border, signed "J. Zwettler lith.", depicting the change from 1846 to 1847, and the moths of the year; printed area measures 35.9 x 21.2 cm., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
Zum Andenken. : Verschied dieses Lebens, am 22sten Mai 1851, in Maxatany, Berks Caunty, an einer langwierigen Auszehrung: Frau Esther Hermann, geliebte Ehegattin des Ehrw. Herrn Charles G. Hermann, reformirten Predigers von Kutztaun und Umgegend. Sie war
Signed at foot: G.F.J.J. [i.e. Gottlieb F.J. Jäger, 1795-1879]., Printed area, including ornamental border, measures 19.5 x 14.2 cm., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.