Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1904 - 1922 (Creation)
Level of description
Collection
Extent and medium
1 Cubic foot : 3 boxes
Context area
Name of creator
Biographical history
Robert George Robinson, who was originally named Sigmund Robinson, is a native Chicagoan. He was born on June 12, 1901 and thereafter was raised as an orphan, living at a variety of different orphanages. In 1916, Robert graduated from Lake Bluff Grammar School, and the following year (1917) at the age of 16, he moved to Highland Park with a job as an errand boy for department stores. A local Highland Park family took Robert in, and he graduated from Deerfield-Shields Township High School in 1923 at the age of 22.
In high school, Robert developed a skill and passion for poetry, which continued into his adult years. These skills also allowed Robert to attend the University of Illinois, where he graduated in 1927 with a major in journalism. After graduation, Robert returned to Highland Park and began working an apprenticeship under Leon Harris at the Yorktown Shop and later at the Red Shutters. Here he developed his interior decorating skills and developed his love and passion for antiques. 25 years later in 1968, Robert opened his own store, Robert G. Robinson and Associates, dealers in antiques and interior decorating.
Robert would often talk with local groups about antiques and interior decorating. His knowledge was highly respected and nationally recognized as an antique expert. Some of his collections and remakes have even been on display at the Met (Metropolitan Museum of Art) in New York. Through his love of the past and the objects it held, Robert felt that Highland Park needed its own museum to house its own specific treasures. With this idea, he became one of the founding members of the Highland Park Historical Society in 1966. He was also a President and Curator.
Robert began collecting the first day of his apprenticeship. He would buy pieces he liked, thought were interesting, and felt would have value. One of his prized collections is the valentine collection. He began the collection because the valentines were unique items that had value to them. They were also a testament to their time, a way of life, and allowed Robert to reflect on a period that he preferred to the present. Robert was not a fan of modern styles and thought processes, so he put a lot of value into his prized valentine collection and would often put them on display at the local flower shop during February. Only one other Highland Park native collected and placed value on old valentines, Mrs. Lawrence McClure. Mrs. McClure and Robert often discussed their collections, shared their joys, and kept a friendly competition while hunting for additions.
Repository
Archival history
Robert G. Robinson re-founded the Highland Park Historical Society served as its curator. He donated his personal vintage valentine collection organization's collections. Robinson may have obtained valentines from schools and teachers.
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Robinson, Robert G.
Content and structure area
Scope and content
This collection is comprised of valentines ranging designed and printed 1904 to 1918. Many of them have names written on them, and seem to have been given from students to teachers. Height, size, and style varies. Many of them have moveable parts, lace, macramé, and tissue paper. They are very delicate objects and fall apart easily. The valentines are styled as flat calling cards, double folio cards (some standing with a leg and some just open), while the majority of the collection are pop-ups, both with moveable and non-movable parts. A single valentine is in German, but the rest of the collection is in English.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
System of arrangement
All series is arranged in the order in which it was received. Minor preservation rearrangements were undertaken so that valentines would not be crushed.
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
None.
Conditions governing reproduction
Language of material
- English
Script of material
Language and script notes
Physical characteristics and technical requirements
Finding aids
Allied materials area
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related units of description
Notes area
Alternative identifier(s)
Access points
Subject access points
Place access points
Name access points
Genre access points
Description control area
Description identifier
Institution identifier
Rules and/or conventions used
Status
Level of detail
Dates of creation revision deletion
Language(s)
- English
- German
Script(s)
Sources
Archivist's note
Processed by Konstandina D Argyropoulos, 2012.