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This remarkable cache of over 4,500 rolls, 1,377 patterns of antique wallpaper dating back to 1850, was discovered by the Brillion Historical Society which recognized the significance of the find but was not able to provide sufficient storage space or the care it deserved. Florence L. Schroeder became aware of the collection and purchased the entire lot including elaborate friezes, ceiling medallions and sidewalls. The papers had never been unrolled thereby maintaining their original brilliance of color unlike most faded specimens in museums. All of the papers, which were manufactured by American wallpaper companies, were deacidified and encapsulated in Mylar to preserve the original colors.Shortly after the discovery of this collection, the Cooper-Hewitt Museum in New York became aware of it and sent Mrs. Ann Dorfsman, the museum’s wallpaper archivist, and librarian Robert Kaufman, to personally examine and categorize the find. They returned to New York with samples of all the patterns and gave a detailed report to the Museum Board which was enthralled. "This is something our collection badly needed. With the upsurge of interest in Victorian restorations, we feel we should provide a broader coverage of patterns from this period," said Dorfsman. "I collect old wallpaper books but the samples in them are usually faded and worn. Where else would I get a chance to see an absolutely pristine collection, never before unrolled and exposed to the light, air pollution and handling?" said Kaufman. Mrs. Schroeder offered the Museum samples of the collection, which are now in the archives of the Cooper-Hewitt, the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Design. The patterns were photographed and sealed in clear, acid-free Mylar and protected by sheets of Plexiglas formulated to screen out ultraviolet rays so that students and researchers can examine the originals.
Many sources of inspiration were the Rococo and Renaissance revivals. Some were inspired by American Indian geometric and the Arts and Crafts Movement.
What a wonderful variety; there are poppies, cabbage roses, scrolls, swags, ribbons and medallions. The colors are deep and vibrant or delicately shaded. Many of the patterns have complementary ceiling and border designs. "How poor ornament is now and how rich it used to be," Kaufman observed.
In addition to the donation to the Cooper-Hewitt Museum, other donations were made to Old World Wisconsin for the Mary Hafford and Wesley Benson Houses. The Victoria and Albert Museum in London also purchased a quantity of originals from Victorian Collectibles.