Gamecock Kem Cards, circa 1940

Item — Box: 3, item: 7

Scope and Contents

2 decks in plastic case; 1 sealed, 1 unsealed.

Dimensions: 2.57" x 3.69"

Original inventory number: 41

Dates

Creation: circa 1940

Conditions Governing Access

Advanced notice required for access.

Biographical / Historical

KEM Cards began producsing cards during the early 1930s. They are made of bendable and washable cellulose acetate. They were created as playing cards before that were made of paper would be torn and bent easily and were the a germ-carrier second only to the dollar bill. Kem cards are plastic and able to be washed, making them the cleanest playing cards. The revenue stamp on the decks was only produced in 1940, so it is safe to assume the decks were made about that time.

Full Extent

From the Collection: 2 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

From the Collection: English

Additional Description

Physical Description

Black metal casing. Two wrapped decks within contain the KEM cards . There is also a booklet on the history of KEM cards and the proper way to clean them. Each deck has a revenue stamp on the plastic from 1940. Backs of the cards have nature graphic designs.