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Frances Hook

By Lorraine

Series titled, American Beauties, children prints illustrated in soft pastels by Frances Hook were promotional prints from Northern Paper Mills, later Northern Tissue.Isn’t this the sweetest baby face! The softness. The large inquisitive eyes, rosey cheeks and chubby hand. Do you remember this sweet print from long ago? This and more adorable prints are the work of illustrator Frances Hook.

 

Editor’s note: This is an updated version of an article originally posted September 2010 with better photos and additional information.

 

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American Beauties, is a series of children prints illustrated in soft pastels by Frances Hook. They promotional prints from Northern Paper Mills, later Northern Tissue.
 

Frances Hook

Frances Arnold Hook was born just outside Philadelphia in Ambler, Pennsylvania. She studied throughout high school and earned a scholarship to the Pennsylvania Museum School of Art where she worked with the noted illustrator Harry Pitz. She was well known for her prints that captured the innocence of children in soft pastels.
 
 
American Beauties, a series of prints of children by Frances Hook begin to appear in the Northern Tissue advertisements in 1958 as the original Northern Girls.
 
 
 
A series titled, American Beauties, were children prints illustrated in soft pastels. They were promotional prints from Northern Paper Mills, later called, Northern Tissue. The advertisements began appearing in 1958, skyrocketing sales for the company.

Frances Hook Prints

Promotional prints for Northern Paper Mills, later Northern Tissue, titled, American Beauties. Sweet children in soft pastels by illustrator, Frances Hook.

 

 

Promotional prints for Northern Paper Mills, later Northern Tissue, titled, American Beauties. Sweet children in soft pastels by illustrator, Frances Hook.

From: Northern Paper Mills, A Marathon Division of American Can Company, Green Bay, Wisconsin
 

AMERICAN BEAUTIES Collection

Artist:  Frances Hook of Flourtown, Pennsylvania. First offered in 1959
 

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ALL-AMERICAN BOYS Collection

 

All American Boys, is a series of children prints illustrated in soft pastels by Frances Hook. They promotional prints from Northern Paper Mills, later Northern Tissue.

Frances created a set of three little boy prints, titled, All American Boys.

Northern Paper Mills

Here is a little history about these sweet prints. I photographed sections from a pamphlet that accompanied the prints.
 
History of Northern Paper Mills, pamphlet with info on illustrator of American Beauties and All American Boys, Frances Hook.
 
 
History of Northern Paper Mills, pamphlet with info on illustrator of American Beauties and All American Boys, Frances Hook.
 
 
 
History of Northern Paper Mills, pamphlet with info on illustrator of American Beauties and All American Boys, Frances Hook.
 
 
 
History of Northern Paper Mills, pamphlet with info on illustrator of American Beauties and All American Boys, Frances Hook.
 
 
 
History of Northern Paper Mills, pamphlet with info on illustrator of American Beauties and All American Boys, Frances Hook.
Signature of Frances Hook.
 

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Comments

  2. b683249c-1fd4-11e2-a4da-000bcdca4d7a says

    When I was a little girl I received 7 of these pictures and always kept them in a "safe place" planning on using them to decorate my children's room someday but never seemed to find just the right spot. As the years went by and the kids grew up they became part of my collection of favorite things and as always they were kept in a "safe place". Then one day recently the roof leaked down into the closet, the water went into the box these pictures were stored in. Some of them received more water damage than others the fact is I still can't throw them out.

    I love these pictures as they represent such an innocent time in life. The moral of this story is to enjoy and appreciate what you have now because it can be gone in a heartbeat.

    However, if anyone out there knows the value of these pictures BEFORE they were damaged I would appreciate knowing it for insurance purposes.

    Reply

  4. Anu@My Dream Canvas says

    This is beautiful. I am hosting a 50 dollar CSN Giveaway on my blog. I would love for you to stop by. Thanks Anu!

    Reply

  8. Ann says

    Love the prints. I wonder if I can still get a set of those for a quarter…lol I remember a couple of the little girls but I don't recall ever seeing the little boys.

    Reply

  10. Sherry from Alabama says

    These prints are breathtakingly beautiful! I have enjoyed my first visit to your lovely blog. We seem to have a lot in common. I've signed up to be a follower and will be back soon to read more of your posts.

    Sherry @ A Happy Valentine

    Reply

  12. Cassandra says

    Memories!!! Thank you so much for posting these AND the information which came with them – I especially enjoyed the decorating ideas and the unbelievably low (by today's standards) prices for the prints! I must forward this posting to my sisters! Cassandra ♥

    Reply

  14. Cori says

    What a trip down memory lane for me. I'm about to celebrate 52 years in this wonderful world. I had those beautiful big-eyed girls on my bedroom wall. They are truly timeless and as "current" today as they were 50 years ago.

    Thanks for sharing this at My Romantic Home.. I'm smiling with happy memories.

    Cori
    Starview Sonnet

    Reply

  16. My Crafty Little Page says

    I think I remember all of these and have always loved the Northern babies. Lucky you to have some! 🙂 Nancy

    Reply

  17. Julie says

    Oh My I think I have these somewhere. they were my mom's. I have to go dig in the basement to see. Thanks for the memories.

    Reply

  18. Mildred says

    These are beautiful Lorraine. Like Victoria Lynn, my favorite is the girl in mittens in the snow. Thank you so much for sharing.

    Reply

  20. NanaDiana says

    Oh How I love those! I have a calendar in perfect condition that was a promotional piece done for the Northern Paper Mills here in Green Bay. Hubby's grandmother have saved it in a tube..I have always thought I should do something with the prints-but never have. Thanks for reminding me that I have it stored away! Diana

    Reply

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