Civil War Envelopes from the Collection of Steven R. Shook
Opening inside the Robert Cain Gallery on November 7, 2026
Both Union and Confederate sides published envelopes (or “covers”) during the American Civil War that featured patriotic illustrations from each side of the national conflict. Steven R. Shook is a Porter County historian and longtime friend of the PoCo Muse.
Inscription: "Let Me Alone." Jeff Davis & Co. "Seeing the Elephant." J. G. Wells, cor. Park Row and Beekman Street, N. Y.Printer: J. G. Wells, New YorkDescription: Slight foxing and minor creasing. Four paste down marks on reverse. One tear on front lower right corner. Imprint in black on buff cover.Condition: Good
About the Robert Cain Gallery
The Robert Cain Gallery honors M. Robert “Rob” Cain (1930–2022), a lifelong Valparaiso resident and beloved art teacher who taught at Valparaiso High School. Cain participated in the gallery’s dedication in 2014 at the museum’s former home at 153 Franklin Street. Its naming was made possible by a special gift from Joanne Urschel, whose family members had been inspired by Cain during their time as his students. The gallery continues to bear his name at the museum’s current home at 20 Indiana Avenue.