Ticket to a Year of Happiness

One of the fun things about digging through old family papers is discovering the whimsical pieces that someone has tucked away. My great-great grandfather, Carl Straube, tucked away a little treasure for the new year.

This two-sided mid-19th century "mock coupon," printed on what seems like newsprint is full of curious tidbits that remain a mystery until we translate them.

I see two men toasting on one side with other images of birds, cherubs, and 19th century gentlemen and ladies. The other side shows what looks upon close inspection to be a stork, images of domestic happiness and phrases and poems printed all over, including around the border.