The Vintage Ephemera Collection

Ephemera represents the beauty of the temporary—items like letters, vintage boxes, and cigar wrappers that were originally intended for short-term use but have survived to become precious historical records. Judith has always been captivated by the artistry of 19th and early 20th-century paper, with a particular fondness for "Gipsy Lady" motifs and early fashion plates. Her archive is a diverse exploration of graphic history, offering a rare glimpse into the visual culture of decades past.

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Included in this archive are items of Black Memorabilia, a category that carries significant historical weight. Among these are original Cream of Wheat illustrations from magazines such as Modern Priscilla and Needlecraft. While Judith acknowledges that these depictions are seen as inappropriate by modern standards, she has chosen to include them as a tribute to her late husband, Ernest Shealy. A proud African American man and a dedicated collector, Ernest believed that acknowledging these realities was essential to honoring history rather than erasing it. These illustrations are shared in that spirit—as artifacts of a complex past.