Clara Barton Gifts Red Cross Memento in Signed Note to Family Confidant PSA Auto

Title:
Clara Barton Signed 1888 Holiday Red Cross Pamphlet to Dr. Herbert Barton — PSA/DNA Certified (Cert #AS01146)

Description:
Presented here is a remarkable 1888 holiday keepsake pamphlet titled "The MacClenny Nurses: A Holiday Tribute to Red Cross Workers," personally inscribed and signed by Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross. This rare piece includes Barton’s warm handwritten note to Dr. Herbert P. Barton, penned on the inner front cover, and is authenticated by PSA/DNA (Cert #AS01146).

Measuring approximately 4.5" x 6.75", the folded booklet is printed on heavy cardstock with the iconic red cross emblem boldly printed on the front cover and the Red Cross seal blind-embossed on the back. The front bears a printed dedication:

Compliments of Clara Barton, President of the American Association of the Red Cross, Washington, D.C.

Beneath this, Clara has added in her hand:

To Mr. Herbert P. Barton, with love.

The interior features a printed holiday tribute poem, flanked by Barton’s own handwritten inscription on the left side in sepia ink:

Dear Herbert, Please accept this little memento as a reminder of the first visit paid me, and which has been to me an unbroken succession of happy moments, with only the last to be regretted, and this less the sharpness of the pang in the hope that it is soon to be crowded out by the visit which shall follow this.
Always affectionately, Clara
Washington, D.C. Jan. 2, 1889

Despite age-related soiling and wear—most notably on the covers—the writing remains dark, clear, and fully legible. The pamphlet retains its original string binding.

Historical Context:
This beautifully personal holiday greeting reflects Clara Barton’s enduring commitment to both humanitarian service and personal connection. As President of the American Red Cross, Barton issued this commemorative in December 1888, offering tribute to nurses who had served during the recent yellow fever outbreak in MacClenny, Florida—a deadly epidemic that tested the resolve and courage of the young Red Cross.

What makes this piece exceptional is the personalized dedication to Dr. Herbert P. Barton, Clara’s beloved relative and later administrator of the Clara Barton Hospital in Los Angeles. Her words reveal a deep emotional bond and her lifelong commitment to nurturing those close to her, even while leading national efforts in health and crisis relief.

This holiday memento, exchanged during Barton’s active presidency of the Red Cross, highlights her dual legacy—as a towering public figure and a warm, attentive friend and mentor. The date, January 2, 1889, places it in a significant moment of Red Cross history, when Barton was expanding the organization’s reach nationally.

Authentication & Encapsulation:
This item has been certified authentic by PSA/DNA with Letter of Authenticity dated October 13, 2025, Certification Number AS01146.

• PSA confirms that all handwritten material—including the corner dedication and interior message—is in Clara Barton’s hand.

• A tamper-evident PSA sticker is affixed to the LOA for reference.

• Additional Documentation & Provenance: At buyer’s request, Historical Autographs Gallery will include an additional “Historical Autographs Gallery Certificate” signed by our company founder Luke Pascal at no cost.

Closing Appeal:
This signed 1888 Red Cross holiday pamphlet is a rare and heartfelt artifact from Clara Barton’s presidency of the American Red Cross, combining printed tribute with personal inscription. Its dual significance—as a holiday publication and intimate gift—makes it a cherished piece of Red Cross and American humanitarian history. The inclusion of a handwritten message of affection and hope elevates this item as an extraordinary acquisition for collectors of Civil War, nursing, and women’s history.

Shipping Notice:
For insurance purposes, items sold over $600 may require signature confirmation upon delivery. Higher-value items, likely over $1,500, are shipped via FedEx 2-Day with Direct Signature Confirmation. FedEx provides the most flexibility when requiring a signature, allowing you to make special delivery requests directly through their tracking system. This ensures both security and convenience for the buyer.