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Archive: December 2025 (2 Posts)

envelope addressed to Mr. Thomas Price in Champaign City in Champaign Co., Ill that features a flag

Opening the Envelope

Posted by: Ellen Terrell

In December, with Christmas cards and annual family update letters keeping mail carriers busy, it seems like a good time to look at the envelope.

Posted in: Business

an advertisement for hair goods that shows eight different kinds of puffs and pompadours half of them displayed on a woman’s head

Hair from Over There: Centuries of Human Hair Trade Data

Posted by: Ellen Terrell

In 1876, human hair imports to the United States were valued at $4.5 million in today’s dollars. Where did all this hair come from and what was it used for? We investigate the hair industry and Library of Congress resources relevant to trade data, including our new research guide on international economics and trade.

Posted in: Business