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Bufford Collection

"Bufford: A Journey Through Time and Trade Cards" Step back in time to the year 1851, when the steamship Union met its tragic fate on the coast of lower California

Background imageBufford Collection: TRADE CARD, c1887. 1st premium cabbage head. Trade card published by J. H. Bufford

TRADE CARD, c1887. 1st premium cabbage head. Trade card published by J. H. Bufford
TRADE CARD, c1887. 1st premium cabbage head. Trade card published by J.H. Bufford, c1887

Background imageBufford Collection: The wreck of the steamship Union on the coast of lower California, 1851 (1937)

The wreck of the steamship Union on the coast of lower California, 1851 (1937). Artist: John Henry Bufford
The wreck of the steamship Union on the coast of lower California, 1851 (1937). From Old California, In Pictures and Story, by Stewart Edward White and published by Doubleday

Background imageBufford Collection: TRADE CARD, c1887. Potato bug. Trade card published by J. H. Bufford, c1887

TRADE CARD, c1887. Potato bug. Trade card published by J. H. Bufford, c1887
TRADE CARD, c1887. Potato bug. Trade card published by J.H. Bufford, c1887

Background imageBufford Collection: TRADE CARD, c1887. Take a pinch. Trade card published by J. H. Bufford, c1887

TRADE CARD, c1887. Take a pinch. Trade card published by J. H. Bufford, c1887
TRADE CARD, c1887. Take a pinch. Trade card published by J.H. Bufford, c1887

Background imageBufford Collection: TRADE CARD, c1887. A Corn-et Dance. Trade card published by J. H. Bufford, c1887

TRADE CARD, c1887. A Corn-et Dance. Trade card published by J. H. Bufford, c1887
TRADE CARD, c1887. A Corn-et Dance. Trade card published by J.H. Bufford, c1887

Background imageBufford Collection: TRADE CARD, c1887. Apple sauce. Trade card published by J. H. Bufford, c1887

TRADE CARD, c1887. Apple sauce. Trade card published by J. H. Bufford, c1887
TRADE CARD, c1887. Apple sauce. Trade card published by J.H. Bufford, c1887

Background imageBufford Collection: TRADE CARD, c1887. Plum full. Trade card published by J. H. Bufford, c1887

TRADE CARD, c1887. Plum full. Trade card published by J. H. Bufford, c1887
TRADE CARD, c1887. Plum full. Trade card published by J.H. Bufford, c1887

Background imageBufford Collection: TRADE CARD, c1887. A swell peach. Trade card published by J. H. Bufford, c1887

TRADE CARD, c1887. A swell peach. Trade card published by J. H. Bufford, c1887
TRADE CARD, c1887. A swell peach. Trade card published by J.H. Bufford, c1887

Background imageBufford Collection: TRADE CARD, c1887. Pressed grapes. Trade card published by J. H. Bufford, c1887

TRADE CARD, c1887. Pressed grapes. Trade card published by J. H. Bufford, c1887
TRADE CARD, c1887. Pressed grapes. Trade card published by J.H. Bufford, c1887

Background imageBufford Collection: TRADE CARD, c1887. How do I a pear? Trade card published by J. H. Bufford, c1887

TRADE CARD, c1887. How do I a pear? Trade card published by J. H. Bufford, c1887
TRADE CARD, c1887. How do I a pear? Trade card published by J.H. Bufford, c1887

Background imageBufford Collection: TRADE CARD, c1887. A Wheat Girl. Trade card published by J. H. Bufford, c1887

TRADE CARD, c1887. A Wheat Girl. Trade card published by J. H. Bufford, c1887
TRADE CARD, c1887. A Wheat Girl. Trade card published by J.H. Bufford, c1887

Background imageBufford Collection: TRADE CARD, c1887. An Orange Man. Trade card published by J. H. Bufford, c1887

TRADE CARD, c1887. An Orange Man. Trade card published by J. H. Bufford, c1887
TRADE CARD, c1887. An Orange Man. Trade card published by J.H. Bufford, c1887



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"Bufford: A Journey Through Time and Trade Cards" Step back in time to the year 1851, when the steamship Union met its tragic fate on the coast of lower California. Captured in a stunning artwork by John Henry Bufford, this historical event serves as a reminder of the perils faced by seafarers. Fast forward to c1887, where Bufford's talent extends beyond maritime scenes. His trade cards showcase an array of subjects that capture the imagination. From premium cabbage heads to pesky potato bugs, each card is a window into a different facet of life during that era. Take a pinch and join in on "A Corn-et Dance, " as depicted in one of Bufford's charming trade cards. The whimsical illustrations transport us to simpler times when joy could be found in even the smallest moments. Indulge your taste buds with delectable delights like apple sauce and pressed grapes - all showcased beautifully on Bufford's trade cards. Plum full or enjoying a swell peach, these images evoke nostalgia for flavors long gone but not forgotten. But it's not just about food; it also captures human experiences through his artistry. Wonder at how one can become "A Wheat Girl" or marvel at "An Orange Man. " These characters bring to life the diverse occupations and roles people played during that period. As we admire these trade cards published by J. H. Bufford, c1887, we are transported back to an era filled with curiosity and wonderment. Each image tells a story - whether it be tragedy at sea or simple pleasures found in everyday life. So let us celebrate John Henry Bufford's artistic legacy as we delve into this captivating collection of trade cards - glimpses into history preserved through ink and paper.