A Return to the Elegance of House Stationery

As I write from my home office, it's cold, it's snowy and it's windy. It's still February. So it's time to begin thinking about more pleasant things over the horizon.

A couple of weeks ago, the members of the extended Porter family (Wendy's side) sent in their requests for vacation time at the Porter House. This gem overlooks Phinney's Harbor in Monument Beach on Cape Cod, and has served as the family's vacation getaway since 1913. Built in the late 1800s as the boat house for homes on Phinney's Point, it's been in the family now for five generations.

In June, we'll have members of four of those five generations in attendance at a big family reunion on Phinney's Point, with the Porter House serving as the focal point of activity.

It occurred to me the other day - thinking about summer at the Porter House - that this is the perfect place for "House Stationery."

House stationery is a wonderful tradition going way back where a family engraves an illustration of their home on their stationery. House stationery is available for use by members of the family or by anyone staying at the house. Many times house stationery is in supply at a second home or a vacation home, where the pace of life tends to slow and one can become more reflective.

I found some excellent examples of engraved house stationery when riffling through the archives the other day:







If this strikes your fancy, you should consult with your stationer, who will be able to contact Crane's Art Department for instructions on submitting images and to request a quote for custom artwork. There are some up-front costs, but the reward is well worth it.

Because of the image I hope to use (see below. Painting by Wendy's very talented cousin Tyler Ryder) I may opt for a full-color digital image on Museo Artist Cards. Luckily, I'll have time to explore my options. After all, it's still February.