With the launch of our Brand Friend program, we’ve been able to connect with others who love the art of the handwritten note, our products, and our brand. If this sounds interesting to you, learn more about how to be a Dempsey & Carroll Brand Friend on our website!
We’re thrilled to introduce you to Tadd Casner as part of our new Brand Friend Spotlight series. Based in Reading, Pennsylvania, Tadd is a Gilded Age historian, architecture enthusiast, writer, and more!
How did you learn about Dempsey & Carroll? Were there any particular products that drew you in?
I actually found your firm a couple years ago while looking for a proper engraved calling card. I used my Emily Post etiquette book (1924 edition) as my guide!
When ordering my calling cards I knew that I only wanted my full name centered in the middle and my street address only (not city & state) in smaller font size in the lower right corner. Very old fashioned! I live in a city, albeit much smaller than New York! The font style and card stock thickness were very important to me. The calling cards that Dempsey & Carroll produced for me are perfect in every way!
How do you make traditions modern? We’d love to hear more about the work that you do in your historic neighborhood!
My husband and I live in our 1908 Queen Anne twin townhouse here in the Centre Park Historic District here in Reading, PA. The Centre Park Historic District, Inc. is a volunteer neighborhood organization that was established in 1982. Its mission is “to promote architectural preservation and enhance neighborhood living.” We have various events throughout the year including our annual Gourmet Garden Tour and Christmas House Tour. We promote our events on our website as well as on our Facebook page. In 2008, “This Old House Magazine” named Centre Park Historic District one of the top ten neighborhoods in America to purchase an historic fixer-upper.
I am now in my third year of serving as President of the Centre Park District. Truthfully, I became President because few people were interested in undertaking the task, though it has been a rewarding experience so far!
When did you know that you wanted to be a historian? Are there any particular time periods that interest you the most?
I’ve been fascinated by history and architecture since childhood. I suppose I was born with a talent for it! My main focus is on The Gilded Age in America and Britain because I’ve always loved the style of that period. I can remember reading the same books over and over again and being obsessed with photographs taken during that era when I was young.
Are there any interesting projects that you’re working on now?
I am currently working on writing a Biography of J.H. Sternberg, a steel magnate here in Reading during the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century. He was a very important pioneer in the iron and steel industry, as he patented machinery to produce nuts and bolts. For seven years, I actually resided in the home he had constructed. The home, “Stirling,” sits on a five-acre property in the Centre Park neighborhood.
I am the co-host for two live TV programs at our community television station. One of the shows covers the Centre Park Historic District events, and the other show, “The Passing Scene,” is focused on local history in general.
Where is your favorite place to write and catch up on correspondence?
As we are restoring our home, I’m limited to writing at a small built-in desk in one of our dressing rooms. I also use the dining table in our restored dining room, though I am currently looking for an Edwardian period writing desk. 
I love writing letters and notes. In our modern era of texts and emails, a handwritten missive seems so much more special and permanent.
