History of Acme Graphics & The Regal Line Funeral Stationery Product Line

Acme Greeting Cards was established in 1913 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa by local
businessman James Canfield. Canfield searched for a descriptive word to express his
passion for how to conduct business. Merrian Webster defines the word “Acme” as “the
highest point: something that represents perfection” - and Acme Greeting Cards was
born.
Initially, Acme was dedicated to importing both Valentine’s Day and Greeting Card
products from Germany and England due to their unsurpassed quality, craftsmanship
and use of specialty papers unavailable in the United States. The attention to detail of
these products was generally recognized and appreciated worldwide.
In time, as manufacturing and printing technology increased, Acme began purchasing
its own printing equipment, including new embossing and foil stamping machines that
allowed Acme to begin producing its own specialty card products and expand its
greeting card sales across the entire continent.
During the mid-1920’s, local funeral directors approached James Canfield to ask if he
would consider producing funeral stationery products for their funeral homes since they
were not happy with the limited quality and selection available at the time from local
printers. The word got out to the funeral industry and the Regal Line Funeral Stationery
product line was born. Canfield quickly realized the impact his new product line was
having on the funeral industry in the United States and continued to increase the
selection while maintaining high quality standards that are still evident today.
The beginning of World War II saw the rationing of all raw materials, including paper
products and Acme chose to concentrate exclusively on its Regal Line funeral stationery
product line.
Now known as Acme Graphics, the company provides over 1000 funeral stationery and
accessory products of all kinds and continues to respond to the needs of funeral
directors everywhere. We are currently in our 112 th year and remain a family-owned
business dedicated to exceptional service and personal attention.