-
Joyce Clyde Hall grew up in David City, Nebraska. -
At age 9, Hall began selling postcards door to door, showing early signs of entrepreneurship and business ambition. -
As a teenager, Hall started his own postcard company, traveling to sell products to stores and customers though mail order. -
Hall left high school to focus entirely on his growing postcard business, taking a major personal risk. -
J.C. Hall and his brothers founded Hall Brothers, the company that would later become Hallmark. -
Hall moved to Kansas City, Missouri, to expand his business opportunities in a larger market. Hall traveled throughout the Midwest selling postcards to retailers, learning firsthand about sales and distribution. -
A fire destroyed their inventory, forcing Hall to rethink his business strategy and focus on greeting cards. -
After the fire, Hall shifted fully to producing greeting cards, which became the company’s main product. -
The company changed the name to “Hallmark." -
Hallmark became one of the first companies to sell folded greeting cards with envelopes, changing the industry. -
The iconic Hallmark crown logo was introduced. -
Hallmark expanded into entertainment by sponsoring television programs, increasing brand recognition. -
Hallmark expanded beyond cards into gift wrap, ornaments, and other personal expression products. -
J.C. Hall stepped down from active leadership but remained influential in the company’s values and vision. -
Joyce C. Hall is inducted into the 2nd Television Academy Hall of Fame. -
J.C. Hall passed away on October 24, 1987, in Leawood Kansas. leaving behind one of America’s most successful family owned companies. His family still continues to run the company.