The first time I laid eyes on "Zinnias and Larkspur," it took my breath away. I was immediately captivated by its vibrant colors and intrigued by the collaboration evident in the signature "Mary and Nelson Grofe." This beautiful lithograph sparked my curiosity about the artists behind it. However, my initial searches on the internet only yielded a small amount of information about the better known Nelson Grofe, with no mention of his wife and collaborator, Mary Grofe. As a woman and the first artist listed on the prints, I did not feel satisfied in reporting only what I'd found on Nelson, and so I dug deeper. His alma mater, Boyertown High School, had his 1917 class photo posted to their Facebook page, so I reached out to them to ask permission to use the photo and find out if they had any additional information on the Grofes. They referred me to Betty Burdan, who shares a connection with Nelson Grofe through the school. Betty graciously provided me with a treasure trove of newspaper clippings, census reports, and photographs that she had compiled on the Grofes. Armed with this new knowledge, I’m excited to share the story behind my favorite floral lithographs from my collection: "Roses and Larkspur" and "Zinnias and Larkspur."
Mary Olive Minnick Grofe
(Ancestry.com, PheasantHound shared on 31 Aug 2013)
Mary Olive Minnick Grofe was a talented artist and dedicated educator born on January 3, 1899, in Prospect Park, Pennsylvania. She was the fifth of nine children in her family. Mary pursued her passion for art at the Philadelphia Museum College of Art and later earned a master's degree from Temple University’s Tyler School of Art. Her career began as an illustrator for the Curtis Publishing Company and the Waldorf Hotel in New York City, where she created illustrations for high-profile events, including those hosted by the Duke of Windsor, Edward VIII, and notable authors.
Mary Olive Minnick and Nelson Grofe on their wedding day
During World War II, Mary's career took a significant turn when she started teaching art. She became an art supervisor at Pottstown Junior High School and was actively involved in community art projects and student exhibitions. Mary was known for her innovative approach to art education, organizing events such as a "school-community" Halloween window painting contest and collaborating with local clubs to enhance the cultural life of Pottstown. In 1963, Mary broadened her horizons by traveling to Europe on an art tour, visiting cities like Athens, Rome, and Paris to study their art treasures and bring her experiences back to her students.
Despite her professional success, Mary's personal life saw its challenges. She and Nelson Grofe, her husband, divorced in 1951. After the divorce, Mary continued to pursue her artistic and educational endeavors with vigor. She purchased a home built in 1920 at 385 North Charlotte Street, where she planned to establish an artist's studio. Mary remained dedicated to her art and teaching until her passing in May 1978, leaving behind a legacy of creativity and inspiration that continues to be felt through her works and the many students she mentored.
Five teachers ending their careers with Pottstown School district; Mrs. Mary Grofe is second from left. –Pottstown Mercury, Pottstown, PA, June 7, 1967
Nelson Grofe was an accomplished artist born on July 10, 1899, in the tiny town of Bechtelsville, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Boyertown High School in 1917 and pursued his passion for art at prestigious institutions including the Philadelphia College of Art, the Academy of Fine Arts in Philadelphia, and the Maryland Institute in Baltimore.
Throughout his career, Nelson became a prolific illustrator, contributing to renowned magazines such as Scribner's, Good Housekeeping, and The Saturday Evening Post. His vibrant and detailed illustrations were highly regarded, and he was known for his ability to bring various subjects to life through his art. Nelson also served as the head of the art department in the Pottstown School District from 1947 until his retirement in 1969, where he made significant contributions to art education.
Boyertown High School Class of 1917, courtesy of Boyertown High School; Nelson Grofe is in the third row, second from the left.
1930-1931 "House Beautiful" magazine cover art by Nelson Grofe
In addition to his work as an illustrator and educator, Nelson had a deep interest in Pennsylvania folklore, which influenced his decorative work on furniture and ceramics. His artistic talents were not limited to illustrations; he also created marionettes, which were exhibited at the Paris Art Exhibition in 1951. Despite the challenges in his personal life, including his divorce from Mary Grofe in 1951, Nelson continued to pursue his passion for art until his passing in September 1978. His legacy lives on through his numerous contributions to art and education, as well as the lasting impact he had on his students and the art community.
Nelson Grofe circa 1970s (ancenstry.com, shared by PheasantHound on 31 August 2013)
"Roses and Larkspur" is a captivating lithograph featuring an exquisite arrangement of yellow roses interspersed with blue larkspur set against a dark background. This contrast brings the vibrant colors to life, creating a timeless piece that draws the viewer in. The lithograph was printed in the 1930s to 1940s on high-quality paper that is both stippled and watermarked, adding to its tactile and visual appeal. The high-density ink used in the printing process enhances the richness of the colors and the depth of the details. The print bears the mark "Reproduced by Ketterlinus," a prestigious printing company renowned for its excellence in lithographic reproductions.
"Zinnias and Larkspur" stands out as a stunning representation of floral art. This lithograph showcases a vivid bouquet of zinnias accompanied by delicate larkspur, all set against a rich cobalt blue background. The striking contrast between the bright orange zinnias and the deep blue backdrop makes the flowers appear almost luminous. Like "Roses and Larkspur," this piece was printed in the 1930s to 1940s using high-density ink on textured, watermarked paper. The print’s exceptional quality is further highlighted by the "Reproduced by Ketterlinus" mark, indicating the use of advanced printing techniques by one of the most respected lithographic firms of its time. The superior materials and craftsmanship ensure that the colors remain vibrant and the details crisp, making this lithograph a cherished piece in any collection.
The Ketterlinus Printing Company, established in 1842 by Eugene Ketterlinus in Philadelphia, was renowned for its exceptional quality and innovative techniques in lithographic printing. The company was a pioneer in color and embossed lithographic production, earning prestigious awards like the Franklin Institute's premium award of excellence in 1858. Under the leadership of Eugene's son, John Louis Ketterlinus, the firm continued to excel, utilizing advanced equipment such as the Hoe steam power press. Ketterlinus became known for producing high-quality prints, including advertising trade cards and labels, maintaining its reputation for superior craftsmanship until around 1970.
Mary and Nelson Grofe’s work is a true testament to their skill and artistic vision. Their floral lithographs continue to inspire and captivate, preserving their legacy and ensuring their art is treasured by collectors and art lovers alike. Nelson Grofe’s extensive contributions to various magazines and his dedication to art education further cement his status as a notable figure in American art history. Mary's role as both an artist and educator, along with her travels and explorations, enrich the narrative of their artistic journey. Exploring their "secret garden" has deepened my appreciation for their work and the legacy they left behind, and I'm honored to be able to share the history and humanity of the artists–in particular, that of another talented female American artist–behind these beautiful pieces of art.
"None but herself can be her parallel." - Mary Olive Minnick, U.S., School Yearbooks, 1900-2016, Pennsylvania, Chester, Chester High School, 1917
I'd like to close this blog with the quote attributed to Mary in her 1917 high school yearbook: "None but herself can be her parallel." What an empowering statement from someone so young, at a time when women were still very much undervalued, to celebrate her confidence, strength, and uniqueness. It is no wonder that this young woman matured into such a creative and inspiring artist and teacher.