W. T. Larned, John Rae

The P. F. Volland Company, established in Chicago in 1908 by Paul Frederick John Volland Hughes Phelps, operated until 1959. The firm specialized in publishing a diverse range of materials including poetry, greeting cards, music, children's books, calendars, cookbooks, and children's occupational games. They were recognized for their adoption of innovative printing techniques, such as offset printing, and the use of vibrant color illustrations. Throughout its existence, Volland published works by numerous notable artists and writers.

Following Paul Volland's death in 1919, Frederick J. Clampitt took over as president. The company underwent a merger with the Gerlach Barlow Company in 1924, expanding its operations. In the post-World War II era, Volland also began producing greeting cards targeted at the African American market. By 1935, some of Volland's book titles were acquired by other publishing houses. The company was ultimately purchased and its operations ceased by the Shaw Barton Company in 1959.

The P. F. Volland Company developed a specific philosophy for its children's books, known as the "Volland Ideal." This guiding principle dictated that books intended for young readers should aim to foster happiness and character development in a natural way. Crucially, these publications were to avoid any content that might instill fear, suggest danger, celebrate mischievous behavior, justify malice, or condone cruelty. This approach shaped the content and tone of their children's literature, emphasizing positive and constructive themes.

P. F. Volland Company was instrumental in collaborating with many significant artists and writers of the early 20th century, often engaging them as freelancers. The company's physical presence evolved, with offices located in Chicago's Monroe Building, designed by architect Walter Burley Griffin, who also had offices there. Griffin's wife, Marion Mahony Griffin, contributed illustrations to some of Volland's greeting cards. The company later moved to the Garland Building and was incorporated in Delaware in 1917. A significant business merger occurred in 1924 with the Gerlach Barlow Company, leading to shared office spaces and the continued use of the Volland brand name.