Her War

Interpreting Women's Lives during the American Civil War

Envelope Glue

Period Glue Recipes

Envelope Gum courtesy of Steve Ingram

This is the glue to use for the sealing flap. After this glue dries, it can be remoistened and will stick again. It can also be used for sealing the seams.

What you’ll need:photo 2

  • 18 tablespoons of vinegar
  • 2 small packages of unflavored gelatin
  • sauce pan
  • container for the glue. You might want something with a period look, such as a bottle with a tight fitting cork, if you plan to use it at living history events.

Bring the vinegar to a boil.

Add gelatin. Stir until completely dissolved.photo 3 (2)

Pour into a small container with a tight seal and allow to cool.

Once cooled it is ready to use.

Gum Arabic glue for sealing the envelope seams

From MacKenzie’s Five Thousand Receipts published in 1854.

What you’ll need:

  • 1 ounce gum Arabic
  • ½ ounce refined sugar
  • 1 quart water
  • container for the glue. You might want something with a period look, such as a bottle with a tight fitting cork, if you plan to use it at living history events.

Dissolve the gum Arabic and sugar in the water.

Strain the mixture through a piece of muslin.

Pour into a small container with a tight seal.