Visual and textual materials from the Library Company's Asian American and Pacific Islander History Collection.

Pages

All together! Enlist in the Navy [graphic] / H. Reuterdahl.
World War One recruitment poster for the United States Navy and depicting a white man American sailor standing among five other men sailors from allied countries. Flags are underneath each sailor to denote their nationality (left to right): Japan, France, United States, White Ensign of the Royal Navy used for the British Commonwealth, Russia, and Italy. In the left, the Japanese sailor, depicted with a dark-colored skin tone and attired in a blue uniform, holds his cap in his right hand. Next to him, the brown-haired, white French sailor with a mustache, attired in a blue shirt with two medals, a black utility belt, white pants, and black shoes, carries a rifle and bayonet in his left hand. He holds his cap up in the air with his right hand. The blond-haired American sailor, attired in a white cap and a blue uniform, stands in the center with his left arm around a sailor of the British Commonwealth. The British Commonwealth sailor, depicted with a light-brown color skin tone, is attired in a brimmed, straw sennet hat and a white sailor’s uniform (possibly to be portrayed from the Caribbean). He holds a telescope under his left arm and smiles at the American. The Russian sailor beside him with a mustache and attired in a white cap, a white shirt, and black pants, puts his arm on his back and on the back of the Italian sailor. In the right, the black-haired Italian sailor with a mustache and his face depicted with dark tones, is attired in a white cap, a blue shirt, and white pants. He stands and holds a rifle and bayonet over his right shoulder. In the background, battleships with Allied flags on the masts are visible on the water., Title from item., Publication information inferred from the content., Date from the artist's signature on recto: H. Reuterdahl, U.S.N.R.F. ’17., Accessioned 1980., Description revised 2022., Access points revised 2022., Henry Reuterdahl was a Swedish-born painter and illustrator who was well-known for his paintings of ships and nautical scenes. He served as artist-correspondent during the Spanish-American War and went on to develop a close association with the United States Navy.
[Asian decorative motifs]
Illustrated trade card depicting Asian decorative motifs, including bamboo, a crane, and a fan. In the left a dragonfly flies over a stalk of bamboo. In the center is a large Asian character, possibly meant to be Chinese, surrounded by a geometric border. In ther right, a crane stands on one leg among reeds and a hand-held fan is spread open., Title supplied by cataloger., Date based on medium and content., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Digitized.
Ask for Liebig Company's extract of meat. Annual sale, four million jars.
Trade card promoting the Liebig Company and showing three Japanese boys, depicted in racist caricature, bowing to an oversized container with a label inscribed: "Extractum carnis Liebig manufactured by the Liebig's Extract of Meat Company limited, London..." Shows the boys, attired in yellow pants; colorful tunics of blue, red, or green; and green and red cloth slip-on shoes, kneeling and bowing. The figure in the middle and in the right wear chonmage haircuts with a braid. In the left, a Japanese-style building and archway are visible. Von Liebig, a German-born chemist, who developed a manufacturing process for meat extract in 1840, established the Liebig Extract of Meat Company in 1865. The extract was marketed as an alternative to meat., Title from item., Date inferred from dates of operation of advertising business., Advertising text printed on verso: Ask for Liebig Company’s extract of meat. Being the finest meat-flavouring ingredient. None genuine without the fac-simile of Baron Liebig, the inventor’s signature in blue color across the label. Avoid all imitation extracts. Directions. Beef-tea. Efficient tonic in all cases of weakness and digestive disorder. Dissolve a quarter of a tea-spoonful of Liebig Company’s extract in a breakfast cup of boiling hot water, and plenty of salt, this will make a strong and clear beef-tea. You may add according to taste a tea-spoonful of Madeira, Sherry or Port wine or the yolk of a fresh egg, or a trifle of fresh butter or some bread or a boiled potato. A slight addition of Worcestershire sauce is liked by many. This beef-tea acts as a pleasant tonic especially when taken in the morning, and may well be taken several times a day. Soups. A variety of excellent meat and vegetable soups may be made with the aid of the Liebig Company’s extract and any soup will acquire at once strength and fine flavor by a slight addition of extract. Vegetable soup. Potato, pea, rice soup, etc. Boil the vegetables, etc. sufficiently with a little fat, a few bones or some slices of meat, or some fresh butter, add extract and salt according to taste. Sauces. Both strength and flavor imparted by the extract. Night-cap. This beef-tea soothes and settles the stomach, allays brain excitement and induces sleep. “The most admirable and successful Night-Cap.” Dr. Harry Lobb., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Digitized., RVCDC
[B.L. Dai looking at books of the Nashi who inhabit the high mountains between China & Tibet several hundred years ago. Now in The Library of Congress] [graphic].
Photograph depicting B.L. Dai, attired in a suit and tie, standing in front of shelves of folio books at the Library of Congress's Oriental Division on Jan. 9, 1931. He holds open a book of pictographs, probably Dongba, the script of the Nashi language. The Nashi (or Nakhi, Naxi) people inhabit the foothills of the Himalayas., Title supplied by cataloger from manuscript note on verso: Books of the Nashi who inhabit the high mountains between China & Tibet several hundred years ago. Now in the Library of Congress., Corporate photographer and publisher from stamp on verso: This credit line should not be omitted, altered, or abbreviated: Underwood & Underwood Studios. This photograph is realeased for use in one publication only and must not be used for trade or advertising purposes, copied, loaned, syndicated or rented. Underwood & Underwood, Inc. 1230 Connecticut Ave, Washington, D.C., Label on the front, Underwood & Underwood, Washington., Identity of sitter from duplicate photograph in the collections of the Library of Congress., Retrospective conversion record: original entry, edited., Gift of William H. Allen.
Boston boot and shoe and gents’ furnishing house, also, a fine line of hats, caps, trunks, valises &c. At no. 253 South Clark St., near Jackson, Chicago. L. F. Shanovski, - proprietor. [graphic].
Trade card promoting L.F. Shanovski’s shoe store and depicting a racist caricature of a Chinese man upset that a cat has taken a rat from his plate. Shows the man, wearing a queue hairstyle and attired in red pants and brown cloth slip-on shoes, holding a large white plate across his chest and a pair of chopsticks in his right hand. He opens his mouth upset that a cat is taking a dead rat from his plate. Louis F. Shanovski was born in Germany and moved to Chicago in the early 1870s, opening a shoe store in circa 1877. The firm L.F. Shanovski and Bro. dissolved in 1899., Title from item., Date inferred from dates of operation of business advertised., Gift of Linda Kimiko August., RVCDC
[Bust-length portrait of an unidentified Asian American woman] [graphic].
Bust-length portrait of a young unidentified Asian American woman. The woman, wearing her hair parted in the middle with tight curls close around her head and attired in a light-colored fur shawl and earrings, looks at the viewer., Title supplied by cataloger., Date inferred by the attire of the sitter., Gift of Joseph Kelly, 1982.
Cathay Restaurant, 1221-23 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, Pa. [graphic] : Music, dancing, broadcasting.
Interior view of the Cathay Restaurant located at 1221-1223 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia. Shows the view from the second-floor staircase, looking down at the main dining room on the first level and the balcony sections that flank the main stairway. Depicts on the first floor, a line of red tray holders for waitstaff in the left and rows of white table-clothed dining tables and chairs. On the balconies are additional rows of white table-clothed dining tables and chairs. The edges of the balcony are lined with different-colored figurine lamps with fringed shades. Colored paper lanterns and a chandelier hang from the ceiling. The Cathay restaurant, also called the Cathay Tea Garden, was a Chinese restaurant that had a large dance floor where musicians and bands played. They also broadcasted a live radio show. The restaurant closed in 1973., Title from item., Date inferred from medium and content., Numbered 95415 on verso., Sheet number: 112A03., Divided back.
The celluloid corset clasps side & dress steels.
Trade card advertising celluloid corset clasps and depicting racist caricatures of Chinese men laundry workers comparing celluloid and traditional corsets. In the center, the laundry worker, wearing a queue hairstyle with the braid sticking straight out to the right and attired in gold hoop earrings, a red tunic, white pants, and blue and white cloth, slip-on shoes, smiles as he holds up a clean, white corset with celluloid clasps. In the left, the laundry worker, wearing a mustache and queue hairstyle and attired in a blue tunic, yellow pants, and blue and white cloth, slip-on shoes, holds a soiled and dirty corset as he opens his mouth in dismay looking at the clean corset. In the right background, the Chinese man, wearing a queue hairstyle and attired in a yellow tunic, blue pants, and white cloth, slip-on shoes, washes laundry with his hands in a steaming washtub. Also visible are a basket of laundry; a corset hanging on a line; and a table with an iron on top of it., Title from item., Date inferred from content., Contains advertising text printed on verso: Celluloid corset clasps. Side and dress steels. Perspiration proof. Elastic. Durable. In introducing these improved corset clasps, &c., let us call your attention to some of the points of their superiority over all others heretofore in use. 1st.--The inferior is finely tempered clock spring steel. 2d.--The exterior is celluloid. 3d.--The combination of the two unites the strength of the steel with the rust-proof qualities of the celluloid. 4th--The trouble of ripping out and sewing in the steels every time corsets are laundried becomes unnecessary as these steels need not be taken out for that purpose. 5th--They are warranted not to rust and thus stain the corsets or other garments. 6th--They are the best steels in every particular ever offered. Sold by all dry and fancy goods dealers throughout the country., RVCDC, Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Digitized.
Celluloid cuffs, collars & bosoms, water & perspiration proof [graphic].
Trade card advertising J.H. Richelderfer’s celluloid collars and cuffs and depicting a racist caricature of a Chinese man at the beach watching a white man demonstrate the waterproof qualities of his celluloid cuffs, collar, and bosom or bib. In the center, the white man, wearing a mustache and attired in a red robe, red-and-yellow striped shorts, and white celluloid cuffs, collar, and bosom, stands in the ocean with water dripping down his clothes, showing that they are waterproof. In the right, a Chinese man, wearing a queue hairstyle, a red tunic, blue pants, and slip-on, cloth shoes, carries two sacks of laundry and looks over at the man in the water. In the left, a white man, attired in a straw hat, a white collared shirt, a red vest, yellow striped pants, and red shoes, sits on the sand holding an umbrella and wipes perspiration from his face with a handkerchief. In the background, a white man swims in the water and a boat is visible., Title from item., Date inferred from content., Stamped on recto: J.H. Richelderfer, 1032 Chestnut St., Phila., Text printed on verso: Waterproof linen, patented. Ladies’ and gent’s cuffs, collars and bosoms, made from celluloid. Waterproof, elastic, durable. These goods are far superior to any Linen Goods yet placed before the public, and in recommending them, we would call attention to some of their remarkable features, which will commend their use to all who study economy, neatness and beauty. 1sr. The interior is fine linen. 2d. The exterior is celluloid. 3d. The unison of above, combines the strength of linen with the waterproof qualities of celluloid, 4th. The expense of washing is saved. If the goods are soiled, simply cleanse with soap and water. 5th. The goods never wilt or fray on edges and are perspiration proof. The best preparation to effectually cleanse them is celluline. For sale by all gent’s furnishing and fancy goods houses throughout the country., RVCDC
Celluloid waterproof collars, cuffs & shirt bosoms. [graphic].
Trade card advertising J.H. Richelderfer’s celluloid collars and cuffs and depicting a racist caricature of a Chinese boy smoking a pipe and carrying a cane. Shows the boy, wearing a queue hairstyle with a pink bow tied at the end of his braid and attired in a colorfully patterned Chinese robe with oversized celluloid cuffs, collar, and hat, and red, slip-on, cloth shoes. He holds the smoking pipe to his lips with his left hand and carries a walking cane in his right hand., Title from item., Date inferred from content., Stamped on recto: J.H. Richelderfer, Gent’s furnishing and over-gaiters, 1032 Chestnut St., S.E. Cor. of 11th., Text printed on verso: Celluloid (Waterproof linen.) Collard, cuffs and shirt bosoms. The following will commend the use of these goods to all who study convenience, neatness and economy. The interior is fine linen. The exterior is Celluloid – the union of which combines the strength of Linen with the Waterproof qualities of Celluloid. The Trouble and expense of washing is saved. When soiled simply rub with soap and water (hot or cold) used freely with a stiff brush. They are perspiration proof and are invaluable to travelers, saving all care of laundrying. Advice. In wearing the turn-down Collar, always slip the Necktie under the roll. Do not attempt to straighten the fold. The goods will give better satisfaction if the Separable Sleeve Button and Collar Button is used. Twist a small rubber elastic or chamois washer around the post of Sleeve Button to prevent possible rattling of Button, To remove Yellow Stains, which may come from long wearing, use Sapolio, Soap or Saleratus water or Celluline, which latter is a new preparation for cleansing Celluloid. Goods for sale by all dealers., RVCDC
Celluloid waterproof collars, cuffs & shirt bosoms. [graphic] : Economical, durable, handsome.
Trade card advertising J.H. Richelderfer’s celluloid collars and cuffs and depicting racist caricatures of Chinese men laundry workers in shock when a white man holds up a box of celluloid collars and cuffs. In the left, a white man, attired in a black bowler hat, a white collared shirt, a red bowtie and waistcoat, a blue-and-white checked suit, and black shoes, stands holding and pointing his finger to a box labeled, “Wear Celluloid Cuff & Collars.” Four Chinese men laundry workers jump up in surprise on their tiptoes with their mouths open and grimacing and their queue braids flying straight up into the air. The men have long fingernails and are attired in gold hoop earrings, colorful clothes, including yellow, red, or green tunics, and yellow or blue short pants, and cloth, slip-on shoes. In the left, one laundry worker stands behind the white man with his hands in a steaming washtub. Also visible are two baskets full of laundry on the ground, a table with irons on top, and white sheets hanging on a line. The text, “The Last Invention” is printed on the bottom right., Title from item., Date inferred from content., Stamped on recto: J.H. Richelderfer, Gent’s furnishing and over-gaiters, 1032 Chestnut St., S.E. Cor. of 11th., Text printed on verso: Celluloid (Waterproof linen.) Collard, cuffs and shirt bosoms. The following will commend the use of these goods to all who study convenience, neatness and economy. The interior is fine linen. The exterior is Celluloid – the union of which combines the strength of Linen with the Waterproof qualities of Celluloid. The Trouble and expense of washing is saved. When soiled simply rub with soap and water (hot or cold) used freely with a stiff brush. They are perspiration proof and are invaluable to travelers, saving all care of laundrying. Advice. In wearing the turn-down Collar, always slip the Necktie under the roll. Do not attempt to straighten the fold. The goods will give better satisfaction if the Separable Sleeve Button and Collar Button is used. Twist a small rubber elastic or chamois washer around the post of Sleeve Button to prevent possible rattling of Button, To remove Yellow Stains, which may come from long wearing, use Sapolio, Soap or Saleratus water or Celluline, which latter is a new preparation for cleansing Celluloid. Goods for sale by all dealers., RVCDC
[Chas. McKeone & Son Soap Manufacturing Co. trade cards]
Series of illustrated trade cards for Chas. McKeone & Son Manufacturing Co. at 2518-2550 Callowhill Street in Philadelphia. Illustrations depict a dog biting and pulling the pants of a white boy carrying a basket of fruit while another white boy climbs a stone wall to escape; a white child sitting on a pile of blankets with their pet dog beside an open doorway; a white boy hanging with his shirt caught on a tree branch while another white boy looks on with a basket on fruit at his feet; a white woman cradling a baby on her lap. Racist card depicting white women, an African American woman, and Chinese men working in a laundry room. In the center, a white woman and an African American woman, portrayed in racist caricature and attired in an orange head kerchief, a red dress, and a white checked apron, stand beside a wash basin and hold up a white cloth. A well-dress white woman comes over to inspect the cloth. In the left, a Chinese man, wearing a queue and mustache and attired in a black cap, a blue shirt, tan pants, and slip-on, cloth shoes, holds up and inspects a box of "McKeone's Extract of Soap." Behind him in the background, another Chinese man, wearing a queue and attired in a yellow shirt, washes a white cloth in a steaming wash basin. In the right, a white woman carries a basket of clothes and another white woman washes laundry in a wash basin and looks on at the scene. Also visible are wooden crates, a basket of laundry, and a drying rack filled with clothes., Title supplied by cataloger., One print [1975.F.620] printed by E. Ketterlinus & Co., Advertising text promoting McKeone's "Crown Jewel Soap" and "Kalistine concentrated extract of soap" printed on versos., Gift of Emily Phillips, 1883., RVCDC, Description revised 2021., Access points revised 2021., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Digitized., Added to African Americana Digital Collection through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services as administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education through the Office of the Commonwealth Libraries, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Tom Corbett, Governor, 2013-2014.
Chinatown by moonlight Philadelphia, Pa. [900 block Race Street] [graphic].
View of Chinatown on the 900 block of Race Street in Philadelphia. In the right, shows the exterior of the Far East Chinese Restaurant at 907-909 Race Street built after the designs of Thomas Ustick Walter in ca. 1827 and later altered with 907 raised one story and 909 raised two stories. There are Chinese architectural details on the balcony and awning which reads, 907 Far East Chinese Cafe. A white man police officer and a white woman stand under the awning and face the viewer. Buildings extend on both sides of the street including another restaurant with a sign that reads, 917 Cafe. Light emanates through windows and from the signs on the buildings, and the moon shines from above. Men and women pedestrians walk on the sidewalks. The Far East Chinese Restaurant operated from circa 1906 to 1952., Title from item., Date inferred from medium and content., Divided back., Library Company copy has manuscript message and address written on verso and is postmarked, Philadelphia, Pa. Jul 17, 1915 1[0] A.M., Gift of Linda Kimiko August.
Chinatown. Looking north on Hutchinson Street which dead ends into Race Street [graphic].
View from Hutchinson Street towards the 900 block of Race Street, Philadelphia. Shows in the foreground a partial view of a car and the buildings flanking Hutchinson Street. In the center, depicts an exterior view of the four-story building at 919-921 and the three-story building at 923 Race Street. Part of the sign for the Shanghai Garden Restaurant at 919 is visible. The neighboring business has a storefront glass window which reads, "Hong Tai & [Co.] 921 Chinese Good[s]" with a display of merchandise. The adjacent building reads, "Fook Lee Co. 923" on the storefront glass window, and a seated man is visible inside., Title and date from label on verso., Photographer's imprint stamped on verso: Photo by Phila. Inquirer, Oct. 2, 1955., Gift of Linda Kimiko August.
Chinatown, Philadelphia, Pa. [900 block Race Street] [graphic].
View of Chinatown on the 900 block of Race Street in Philadelphia. In the right, shows the exterior of the Far East Chinese Restaurant at 907-909 Race Street built after the designs of Thomas Ustick Walter in ca. 1827 and later altered with 907 raised one story and 909 raised two stories. There are Chinese architectural details on the balcony and awning which reads, 907 Far East Chinese Cafe. A white man police officer and a white woman stand under the awning and face the viewer. Buildings extend on both sides of the street including another restaurant with a sign that reads, 917 Cafe. Men and women pedestrians walk on the sidewalks. The Far East Chinese Restaurant operated from circa 1906 to 1952., Title from item., Date inferred from medium and content., Divided back., Library Company copy has manuscript message and address written on verso and is postmarked, Philadelphia, Pa. Jul 13, 1911 4:30 P.M., Gift of Linda Kimiko August.
Chinese Gent and Lady.
Full-length portrait of a Chinese man and Chinese woman seated at a table. In the left, the woman, attired in a decorative headdress and a dress with large, full sleeves, sits on a carved, wooden chair with her feet on a wooden footrest. In the right, the man, attired in a cap, a traditional robe with fur at the cuffs, and cloth slip-on shoes, sits with his legs crossed and faces the viewer. A vase of flowers and possibly a tea set are on a tablecloth-lined table in-between the man and woman., Title from publisher's printed series list on verso with thirty other titled views (No. 1-36)., Date inferred from content., Series number (No. 28) also written in manuscript note on mount below image., Photographer's imprint printed on verso above titled series list., Publisher's imprint printed on mount., Orange mount with rounded corners., Manuscript note on verso: S.R. Marrines., Retrospective conversion record: original entry, edited., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Gift of Ms. Jane Carson James., Indianapolis photographer D. R. Clark was included in one of eight observation parties sponsored by the United States government to gather information about the December 8, 1874 Transit of Venus. His party traveled to Vladivostock, Russia.
A Chinese laundry in Philadelphia [graphic].
Interior view of a Chinese owned and operated laundry in Philadelphia. In the center, shows the owner of the business attired in a top hat, white collared shirt, bowtie, suit jacket, waistcoat, and pants. He sits in a wooden chair with his legs crossed and smoking a cigarette as he supervises the workers. The four Chinese men laundry workers wear queue hairstyles and are attired in tunics, pants, and slip-on, cloth shoes. In the left, two men stand behind the counter and iron, one of whom spits water from his mouth onto the laundry. In the right, the man stands facing the viewer with his hand on top of his head while a man irons from another countertop. Steam rises up from the irons. There is a storage closet with the door partially open revealing shelves with folded laundry. More stacks of folded laundry sit on the countertops. In the right foreground, there are five irons warming on a heater and two baskets of laundry. A clock hangs on the wall., Title from item., Date and publication information from original source., Published in the June 3, 1876 issue of the Graphic, a British weekly illustrated newspaper., Text description of the engraving from the Graphic, p. 542: A Chinese Laundry in Philadelphia. Though not nearly so numerous as in California, where their presence has recently excited extreme hostility among the white working classes, the Chinese are to be found, though few and far between, in the Eastern States. There are several Chinese laundries in Philadelphia, and as they have only been recently introduced from California, they are almost as much objects of interest to Philadelphians as to foreigners. Our artist came across the laundry shown in our engraving unexpectedly. As soon as the Chinamen perceived him sketching it through the window, they rushed out and shouted after him, whereupon he made off, thinking it prudent to avoid a scene. The Celestial in European dress is the "boss," or master, who owns several laundries, and who attends to the customers and business arrangements. The manner of damping the clothes preparatory to ironing is peculiar, the operator fills his mouth with water, and squirts it over the linen., Gift of Linda Kimiko August., RVCDC
Columbia trading with all the world.
Allegorical print depicting "Columbia" (i.e., the United States) as a white woman with brown hair, on the deck of a ship. She holds a caduceus and disperses treasures from a horn of plenty held by "Wisdom," who is portrayed as a white woman attired in a helmet, armor, a skirt, and sandals. Wisdom holds a spear in her left hand and gives the treasures to three male figures representing the country's international trade partners. Figures depicted are: Africa as a Black man attired in a headpiece shaped like an elephant's head and leaning on a tusk of ivory; Asia as a bearded man with a light-brown color skin tone attired in a turban; and South America as a man in a feathered headpiece carrying a bow., Title from item., Date inferred from content., Possibly published in London and not the United States., Revised state. Previous title and imprint faintly visible and illegible below image., Gift of Dr. Mary DeWitt Pettit, 1965., RVCDC, Description revised 2021., Access points revised 2021., Part of digital collections catalog through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services as administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education through the Office of the Commonwealth Libraries, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Tom Corbett, Governor, 2013-2014.
[Construction of the Ridge-8th Street Subway.]
Aerial views of the Ridge-8th Street Subway (later known as the Broad-Ridge Spur) under construction. The approach to the Benjamin Franklin Bridge at 5th and Race Streets and the adjacent Franklin Square are visible, as is the area bounded roughly by Callowhill to the north, Market Street to the south, Front Street to the East and 10th Street to the west. The Ridge-8th Street Subway opened in 1932., Title supplied by cataloger., Date from manuscript note on negative sleeve: Eighth st. Subway, Frank. Square; Phila. Pa.; June 13, 1931., Negative numbers: 14407n.
Day's soap does it. [graphic] : Washee, washee, see him rub on his washboard in the tub; see him wash and smile with glee for he's from hard labor free; with Day's soap his work is done when his rivals just begun. / Avil & Co. lith.
Title from item., Date from copyright statement: Copyrighted 1887 by Day & Frick., Racist metamorphic trade card showing a caricaturized Chinese man laundry worker washing a sheet on a wash board in a washtub. Includes a tab that when pulled lifts the washer's arms up and down to reveal the text "Day Soap" on the wash board. The man wears his hair in a queue and is attired in a long-sleeved, blue collared shirt with buttons down the front, blue pants, and slip-on, cloth shoes. He smiles and looks to the right. The tub rests on a table beside a bar of soap, labeled “Day’s Soap.” On the ground behind the table is a basket of laundry. Sheets hang on a drying line. In the background, the wall has Chinese-stylized decorations including a gold wallpaper depicting birds and fish and a purple and gold wall hanging that reads, “Day’s Soap.” Peter Day founded the Day & Frick soap manufactory firm in 1886. He retired as president of the firm in 1917., Purchased with funds from the Walter J. Miller Trust for the Visual Culture Program., RVCDC, John D. Avil founded the Avil Printing Company (also known as John D. Avil & Co.) in West Philadelphia and managed it from the early 1860s until his death in 1918.
[Eiichi Hirose collection of bookplates].
Collection of seventeen Japanese bookplates owned by Eiichi Hirose. Sixteen bookplates were designed and created by Yumimaro Ohmori, and one was created by Koson Nakayama. The bookplates depict scenes of Japanese landscapes, flowers, insects and animals, and people, including a person on a bridge over water and looking at a mountain; a man leading a horse; two people at a camp fire; a Japanese woman attired in a kimono; a young man farmer riding backwards on an ox; a potted plant; cherry blossoms; dragonflies; and a bird flying over bamboo. Two type-written letters are included describing some of the bookplate designs and gifting the bookplates to the Library Company of Philadelphia., Title supplied by cataloger., Date from letter of gift., Partial transcript of letter accompanying the gift: I enclosed my ex-libris in use, designed and engraved by Yumimaro Ohmori, a graduate of the Tokyo College of Fine Arts, and would be glad to make an exchange of ex-libris with you. Because of my great interest in which I have been collecting ex-libris for three years, I shall appreciate very much if you can favor me with some of your specimens. I desire to extend this collection all over the world, and any information in this connection will be deeply appreciated. With best wishes, I am yours very truly, Eiichi Hirose. Oct. 8th, 1935., Text of accompanying letter: The design of this ex-libris represents a tombstone characteristic of 12th century Japan. This plate is designed and used by Koson Nakayama of Tokyo. The design of this plate is symbolical of dramatic art, the three colors, perhaps of curtains, representing the three largest theatres that existed in Yedo (present Tokyo). This plate is used by Shuzan E. Hirose. The design show a youthful farmer rising an ox. From this one may infer that the owner (Hirose) is a collector of books on agriculture and rural problems.
Ethnographic tableau
Chart showing racist depictions of fifty-four, bust-length, portraits of men and one woman of different "races" from eight geographic regions to emphasize contrived differences in cranial characteristics. The “Geographical Distribution” includes I. Arctic, II. Asiatic, III. European, IV. African, V. American, VI. Polynesian, VII. Malayan, and VIII. Australian. With each region, six depictions of individuals of that race are shown, some facing forward and some in profile. Many of the individuals are depicted as racist stereotypes. Many are attired in hats, turbans, or headdresses custom to their country of origin. In the left, under the caption “Cranioscopic Examples,” nine different skulls in right profile are depicted. In the right, chart sections include “Mankind, Grouped Physiologically” and “Linguistic Distinctions.”, Title from item., Folded plate removed from Josiah C. Nott and George R. Gliddon's Indigenous races of the earth (Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott & Co.; London: Trubner & Co., 1857) (LCP *Am 1857 Nott (1)2733.Q (Rush)). See "Explanations of the tableau" pages 618-638., Captions below images on recto: Artic: Eskimo, Tchucktchi, Koriak, Aleoutian, Aino, Samoyede. Asiatic: Kamtschadale, St. Laurent Islander, Tartar, Chinese, Kalmuck, Tuda. Euro[pean]: Finn, Icelander: Cuvier, Bulgarian, Greek, Caucasian. [Euro]Pean: Syrian, Arab, Fellah, Berber, Uzbek Tatar, Affghan (sic). African: Ababdee, Sahara Negro, Yeboo Negro, Mozambique Negro, Caffr, Hottentot. American: Kutchin Indian, Stone Indian, Ottoe Indian, Yucatan Indian, Boroa Indian, Fuegian. Polynesian: New Zealander, Samoa Islander, Tikopia Islander, Vanikoro Islander, Tana Islander, Viti Islander. Malayan: Malay, Javanese, Marianne Islander, Hindoo, Mintira, Negritto. Australian: North Australian, West, Australian, South Australian, Tasmanian, Tasmanians (Men, Women)., Bequest of Dr. James Rush, 1869., RVCDC, Description revised 2021., Access points revised 2021., Part of digital collections catalog through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services as administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education through the Office of the Commonwealth Libraries, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Tom Corbett, Governor, 2013-2014.
[Ships departing from California](Amerikashū Karuharunoyakō shuppan no zu) [graphic].
Oval-shaped textile label for the firm established in 1851 by B. B. & R. Knight Brothers in Providence, Rhode Island. Shows a woman seated by a loom near a cotton plant. Also contains a logo., Contains color wood engraved border., Printed and inscribed on recto: No. 490. Patt. Z59. Irish Manufacture Size 50., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Gift of Helen Beitler and Estate of Helen Beitler.
[Full-length group portrait of Imperial Japanese Troupe members Denkichi, Sentarō, Yonekichi, and Rinzō Hamaikari] [graphic] / F. S. Keeler, S. E. cor. Eighth & Market Sts., Philadelphia.
Full-length group portrait depicting the Hamaikari family, who were members of the Imperial Japanese Troupe. From left to right, shows brothers Denkichi, Sentarō, Yonekichi, and their father Rinzō Hamaikari. Denkichi and Rinzō wear chonmage hairstyles, which are shaved in the front with a top knot. They are attired in kimonos and sandals and carry swords in scabbards at their waist. Sentarō and Yonekichi wear their hair in top knots and are attired in long-sleeved shirts, striped pants, and sandals. Denkichi and Rinzō sit in wooden chairs, while Yonekichi stands with his right arm on Sentarō’s shoulder, who is seated on a small wooden stool and looks down. In the background is a backdrop with a column and a two-handled urn. Richard Risley Carlisle (1814-1874), known as Professor Risley, assembled and managed a group of eighteen Japanese acrobats and musicians from Yokohama, Japan called the Imperial Japanese Troupe. They toured America in 1867, performing in Philadelphia in March. They then travelled to Europe, including Britain, France, Belgium, and Spain. Rinzō Hamaikari played the flute and his sons were acrobats., Title supplied by cataloger., Date inferred from content and active dates of photographer at address in his imprint., Photographer's imprint printed on verso.
[Full-length portrait of Imperial Japanese Troupe member Koman Sumidagawa] [graphic] / F. S. Keeler, S. E. cor. Eighth & Market Sts., Philadelphia.
Full-length portrait of Koman Sumidagawa, a top spinner in the Imperial Japanese Troupe. She wears her hair tied back with two kanzashi (decorative hair ornaments), and is attired in a kimono with a brooch at the neck, and geta (sandals with a raised wooden base). She sits on a wooden chair and holds a book in her left hand on her lap. Her right elbow rests on a desk. On top of the desk is a vase with flowers, a book, and papers. A curtain drapes down in the right. Richard Risley Carlisle (1814-1874), known as Professor Risley, assembled and managed a group of eighteen Japanese acrobats and musicians from Yokohama, Japan called the Imperial Japanese Troupe. They toured America in 1867, performing in Philadelphia in March. They then travelled to Europe, including Britain, France, Belgium, and Spain., Title supplied by cataloger., Date inferred from content and active dates of photographer at address in his imprint., Photographer's imprint printed on verso.
General Grant and the Chinese viceroy, Li Hung Chang [graphic] / Levytype Co. Phila.
Full-length, forward-facing portrait of Ulysses S. Grant and Li Hongzhang, also known as Li Hung Chang, in Tianjin, China in 1879. In the left, Grant, wearing a beard and attired in a white collared shirt, a white bowtie, a black waistcoat with a pocket watch chain, a black jacket, and pants, sits on a chair with his hands curled on his lap and his feet on a footrest. In the right, Li Hongzhang, wearing a beard and attired in a conical hat, a traditional Chinese robe with buttons down the front, and cloth slip-on shoes, sits with his left hand on his lap, his right arm resting on a side table, and his feet on a footrest. On the table between the two men is a vase filled with flowers and two teacups. Ulysses S. Grant and his wife Julia embarked on a diplomatic tour of 19 countries from May 1877 to September 1879. Grant visited China in April to May, 1879 and met with Governor General Li Hongzhang. They discussed China's dispute with Japan over the Ryukyu Islands., Title from item., Date from manuscript note written above the image: 2-10-90., Text printed beneath image: From the original photograph taken in Pekin (1879) and loaned to the Exhibition by Mr. Geo. W. Childs., The original photograph was taken by photographer Liang Shitai also known as See Tay., Part of a collection of disbound scrapbook pages re-housed in folders in three boxes., Brothers Louis Edward Levy (1846-1919) and Max Levy (1857-1926) founded a photoengraving business in Baltimore in 1875. In 1877, they moved to Philadelphia and reorganized the firm as the Levytype Company. In 1900, the firm was renamed the Graphic Arts Company.
The genuine Murray & Lanman Florida Water the richest of all perfumes.
Illustrated trade card promoting Murray & Lanman’s perfume and depicting a full-length profile of a woman, possibly meant to be Asian, carrying a parasol over her shoulder. The woman wears her hair tied up in a bun and is attired in a pink and yellow, kimono-style dress, with a white collar, and pink shoes. She stands on the grass in front of a large fountain and dangles an object in front of her face, observing it closely. Murray & Lanman, the partnership between perfumer Robert I. Murray and David Trumbull Lanman, formed in 1835 in New York City. The firm's style changed to David T. Lanman & Co., then Lanman & Kemp in 1861., Title from item., Date from copyright statement: Copyright 1881 by Lanman & Kemp, N.Y., Advertising text printed on verso: Always a favorite. Time has proved beyond a question that our claim to the title of “Imperishable Perfume” for our Murray & Lanman’s Florida Water is based upon absolute facts. It is to-day, as when first it appeared, winning immediate favor with all classes. The sweetest, the richest, the most delicate, the most lasting of all perfumes. Where, except in this delicious floral water, can one find such a rare combination of excellencies? Since the introduction of Murray & Lanman’s Florida Water, numberless rivals and imitations have been foisted upon the public, to live their day and fall into the neglect which, sooner or later, attends pretentious inferiority. The genuine article is known by the words, “Lanman & Kemp, New York,” Printed in water-mark on every leaf of the little pamphlet wrapped around each bottle. This mark also protects our other preparations., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Digitized.
Group of old Japanese [graphic].
Full-length, forward-facing, group portrait of seven Ainu men. Shows a row of four men sitting cross-legged on the floor with a row of three men sitting in chairs. The barefooted men have long, white and gray hair and beards and are attired in patterned robes. A woven mat hangs behind them. The Ainu are an indigenous people from the northern region of the Japanese archipelago, particularly Hokkaido. The Ainu culture is distinctive, with a language that is unrelated to Japanese., Title from manuscript note written on recto., Date inferred from content., Manuscript note written on verso: A group of Japanese old men.
[Half-length portrait of an unidentified Japanese woman] [graphic].
Half-length portrait of an unidentified Japanese woman. The woman wears her hair tied up with numerous kanzashi (decorative hair ornaments), which protrude all around her head. She is attired in a patterned kimono, and sits kneeling with her hands on her lap as her eyes look to the left. Behind her is a wooden stool., Title supplied by cataloger., Date inferred from content., Manuscript note written on recto: Hair, dress, Japan., Manuscript note written on verso: Japanese fashion.
“The Far East” Chinese Restaurant, Yuen Doon Low, 907 Race St. Phila, Pa. A refined first class restaurant. [graphic].
Menu depicting an exterior view of the Far East Chinese Restaurant at 907-909 Race Street, Philadelphia built after the designs of Thomas Ustick Walter in ca. 1827 and later altered with 907 raised one story and 909 raised two stories. There are Chinese architectural details on the balcony and awning which reads, 907 Far East Chinese Cafe. The balconies are decorated with lanterns and plants. Two American flags and a Chinese Republic National Flag are on flagpoles on the restaurant. The cover has a border of bamboo plants. The menu is in English and organized with numbered dishes from 1 to 106 and “to avoid mistakes patrons are requested to order by number.” Categories are: “Soups”; “Chicken Specialties”; “Chop Suey”; “Boiled Soft Noodles”; “Beef Specialties”; “Pork Specialties”; “Chow Main”; “Omelettes and Eggs”; “Fried Rice”; “Sandwiches”; “Miscellaneous”; “Preserves, Cakes and Candies”; “Teas”; “Special Dishes”; and a prix fixe “Table d’Hote” with five different options and prices from 85 cents to $3 dollars per person. Menu notes that dining on the third floor incurs “an additional charge of five cents.” The menu also includes the hours of service and telephone number. The Far East Chinese Restaurant operated from circa 1906 to 1952., Title from item., Date inferred from content and active dates of the publisher., Gift of Linda Kimiko August.
A high caste lady's dainty "lily feet" - as they really are - China. [graphic].
Stereograph depicting a Chinese woman's feet on display. Shows the woman from the waist down attired in a tunic and pants with stripes at the bottom. She holds a closed fan in her hands on her lap. Her bare feet are exhibited on a cloth-covered box. The left foot points to the viewer, while the right foot is shown from the side displaying the heel and the toes bent over the arch. A newspaper in English is draped behind her legs., Beige mount with rounded corners., Contains Sun Sculpture trademark on mount., Title printed on mount., Date from copyright statement: Copyright 1900 by Underwood & Underwood., Title printed in six different languages, including French, German, and Spanish on verso., Gift of Linda Kimiko August.
The Hunters three and O.N.T. [graphic].
Circular promoting Clark Thread Company and depicting racist caricatures of African, Asian, and indigenous men. Volume also contains several lines of narrative, promotional text written as a children’s story. The front cover is a color illustration of three white "merry gentlemen" in Cololonial attire and riding on horseback as "they hunt and hunt." The men are attired in tri-corn hats; red jackets; white breeches with riding boots; and white wigs. They ride on a road towards the viewer. The figures are bordered with pictorial details of the Clark’s O.N.T trademark. The rider in the middle raised his hat with his hand. Image is reproduced in black and white on p. [2]. P. [3] shows the horsemen observe three white children standing before them whom they believe "...must be princes. They sew their clothes with O.N.T." P. [4] show the "gentlemen" observe from a distance three African Zulu men. The men drive a lion into a net made of O.N.T. thread. One man is nude except for a feather on his head and bangs a large drum labeled "Clark's O.N.T. spool thread." Another man is attired in a skirt made of palm leaves and carries a shield and arrows. A third man carries arrows and wears a feather on his head. P [5] shows the "hunters" "spy" "three happy Hottentots" who roll down a hill on large spools of Clark's thread in a "chariot race." The three African men have their hair in buns atop their heads and are attired in white shorts and hoop earrings. One man is also attired in a shell necklace, and two men hold spears. P. [6] shows the three men find a Chinese man flying a kite strung with O.N.T. thread thread and to which a Chinese boy is attached. He is seated on a rug with his back to the viewer. To his right is a pipe. His hair is styled in a queue, and he is attired in a white shirt with a vest decorated in a print of dragons and slip-on, cloth shoes., P. [7] shows the white men finding an Inuit man on a sled made from a Clark's spool and pulled over the ice by a team of dogs. The sled driver is attired in a hooded parka and boots. P. [8] the three riders encounter a Native American man reigning in a buffalo with O.N.T. thread. He is attired in knee-high boots; a patterned blanket draped around his chest; hoop earrings; and a feather headdress. P. [9] shows a view of the back of the three riders bordered by pictorial details of the Clark’s O.N.T trademark. The back cover is a color illustration of a white girl with long blonde hair attired in black boots; red stocking; a green dress; and a blue striped apron. She is seated on an oversize spool of O.N.T. thread and playing cat's cradle with a white boy. The boy is attired in a red fez; a green coat; blue stockings; and black boots. The George A. Clark & Brother Company, manufactory of embroidery and sewing thread, was founded in 1863 in Newark, N.J. The firm was renamed Clark & Co. in 1879, and in the 1880s created a six-cord, soft finished thread called "Our New Thread" or "O.N.T." The business merged with J. & P. Coats in 1896, which lead to a series of mergers with fourteen other companies. Into the 21st century, the company continues to manufacture thread under the name Coats & Clark., Title from item., Advertising text printed on verso of front cover: Use Clark's trade mark O.N.T. spool cotton on white spools! It is superior to all others for hand and machine use. Garments sewed with O.N.T. fast black will never show white on the seams after being worn or washed., Advertising text printed on verso of back cover: Use Marshall's linen thread on 200 yard spools. Guaranteed full length. Made from the bext flax, and Milward's Helix Needles in patent wrappers. For sale everywhere., Place of publication deduced from place of operation of advertised business., Date deduced from history of advertised business., Distributor's name printed on p. [1]: George A. Cole, sole agent., Gift of David Doret.
The Inasmuch Mission [graphic] / Frank H. Taylor.
Reproduction of a drawing of a busy street scene with the four-story "Inasmuch Mission Men's Hotel and Restaurant" at 1019 Locust Street, Philadelphia. Completed in 1913, the mission house, the exterior resembling a warehouse, rehabilitated "fallen" men through religious and social services. Scene includes views of the nearby markets adorned with awnings under which men and women shoppers peruse displays, converse, and stand idle. The African American man, attired in a bowler hat, a shirt, a jacket, pants, and shoes, stands leaning against the awning pole with his hands in his pockets. In the right, the Chinese man, wearing a queue and attired in a tunic, pants, and slip-on, cloth shoes, stands against a wall and looks down the street away from the viewer. A horse-drawn wagon and pedestrians traverse the street. In the left, a man organ grinder with a monkey entertains children standing on the sidewalk., Copyrighted., Drawn by artist in 1914., See accompanying pamphlet containing the artist's descriptions of the views, "Ever-Changing Philadelphia" (Philadelphia: Frank H. Taylor), p. 6., Accessioned circa 1916., RVCDC, Description revised 2022., Access points revised 2022.
Japanese Com. Dwelling.
Exterior view of the front elevation of the Japanese Commissioner's Dwelling designed by Matsuo-Ehe for the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia. Shows the front entrance and porch, wooden lattice-work on the first floor, and wooden panels on the second floor. Also shows an ornate folding screen in the front doorway. The dwelling was used to house Japanese workers. The Centennial Exhibition celebrated the centennial of the United States through an international exhibition of industry, agriculture, and art., Title on negative., Date from item., Photographer's imprint printed on mount and on verso. Imprint on verso contains initials "CPC" in decorative border surmounted by date range 1776-1876., Series number on negative illegible., White curved mount with rounded corners., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
Japanese Com.'s Dwelling.
Oblique, exterior view of the front and side elevations of the Japanese Commissioner's Dwelling designed by Matsuo-Ehe for the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia. Two men sit on the ground in front of the building. The walkway leading to the building is visible in the foreground. The dwelling was used to house Japanese workers. The Centennial Exhibition celebrated the centennial of the United States through an international exhibition of industry, agriculture, and art., Title on negative., Date from item., Photographer's imprint printed on mount and on verso. Imprint on verso contains initials "CPC" in decorative border surmounted by date range 1776-1876., Series number on negative illegible., White curved mount with rounded corners., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
A "lily footed" woman of China - this outrage against nature has been in vogue 900 years. [graphic].
Stereograph depicting a full-length portrait of a Chinese woman with her bound feet on display. Shows the woman wearing her hair tied back and attired in a tunic and pants with decorative stripes and lotus shoes. She sits atop what is probably a wooden shelf with her feet resting on a circular wooden stool. She holds flowers in her left hand and looks slightly left. In the right is a tree stump and a flower pot on a wooden shelf. In the background are two chairs covered in cloth, and a patterned rug is on the floor., Beige mount with rounded corners., Contains Sun Sculpture trademark on mount., Title printed on mount., Date from copyright statement: Copyright 1900 by Underwood & Underwood., Title printed in six different languages, including French, German, and Spanish on verso., Gift of Linda Kimiko August.
[Morgan & Headly trade cards] [graphic].
Series of illustrated trade cards promoting jewelers Morgan & Headly in the Mutual Life Building at the northwest corner of Tenth and Chestnut Streets in Philadelphia. Trade card depicts a large diamond jewel [1975.F.579]. Illustrated trade card depicts a caricaturized Japanese woman and boy playing a horn. The woman, wearing her hair tied up and decorated with kanzashi (decorative hair ornaments) and attired in a floral patterned kimono, stands before a Japanese-style building. She leans her left arm over a wall and looks down at a boy, wearing a shaved head with a small ponytail and attired in a tunic, a belt, pants, and cloth, slip-on shoes, playing a horn next to a bird with its beak open [1975.F.592]. Trade card depicting a Japanese-stylized scene of a crane bending over and cleaning its feathers with its beak. Also includes flowering tree branches [1975.F.593]., Title supplied by cataloger., Date inferred from content and history of the advertised business., One print [1975.F.579] contains vignette printed on verso depicting a hand-held fan superimposed onto a ribbon., RVCDC, Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Digitized.
[Naval Parade on the Delaware River during the Peace Jubilee] [graphic].
Photographs of ten views of the Naval Parade on the Delaware River during the Peace Jubilee on October 25, 1898. The ships depicted are the Tug Philadelphia; Japanese cruiser Kasagi; Texas; Topeka; Columbia; Mayflower; Marblehead; New Orleans; Gloucester; and the Transports Panther and Olivette. The Japanese cruiser Kasagi is depicted with two engine stacks, lines of nautical and national flags, and Japanese flags flying on the masts. Crew men are visible walking and standing on the deck and on the staircase on the side of the ship. Philadelphia honored the end of the Spanish-American War with the Peace Jubilee celebration from October 25-28, 1898. In addition to war ships, the naval procession included yachts, steamers, tugs, barges, and rowboats. The last warship in the line was the Kasagi, recently built at William Cramp & Sons’ shipyard in Philadelphia. Captain Kashiwabara, with the Japanese officers and crew, lined the deck in full dress., Title supplied by cataloger., Date from manuscript note on verso., Gift of Ann L. Wood.
No more Chinese cheap labor. Celluloid cuffs, collars & bosoms. [graphic].
Trade card containing an illustration depicting a racist scene with the figures of Uncle Sam and America, and a Chinese man laundry worker. In the left, the laundry worker, wearing his hair in a queue and attired in a long-sleeved, orange tunic; long, wide-legged, white pants; and orange slip-on, cloth shoes; sits on an over-turned wooden wash tub. His eyes are closed, and he holds his head down in his left hand. His left leg is crossed over his right, and his right hand is on his left ankle. To his left, the white woman figure of Columbia/America, looks down at the laundry worker and points up with her right hand. In her left hand, she holds up a shield with the pattern of the American flag and marked "Invention." She wears her dark hair pulled back to the nape of her neck and is attired in a gown with the pattern of the American flag, a red and blue cap adorned with a white star, and sandals. An open box of spilled starch lies between her feet and those of the laundry worker. Behind the laundry worker, is a laundry iron on a shelf, Chinese characters written on a wall, and Uncle Sam resting his arms on the ledge of an opening in the wall. Uncle Sam has red hair and a beard and is attired in a top hat, a blue jacket with a white star pattern, a red neck tie, and white shirt with the collar turned up. He looks at America. Above his head is the sign "Gon Up Chinese Laundry." Patented during the 1860s and 70s, separable celluloid collars, unlike separable paper collars, were waterproof and longer lasting, as well as fashionable and affordable. Following the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, the celluloid collar industry leveraged the racist legislation to promote the use of celluloid collars as patriotic and as a means to make Chinese launderers obsolete and to facilitate the end of Chinese immigration., Title from item., Date inferred from content., Includes advertising text printed on verso: A New Improvement-Patented. Waterproof Linen. Waterproof-Elastic-Durable. Ladies' & Gents' Cuffs Collars, [Bossa]ms, Made From Celluloid. In Introducing this new invention [italicized], we beg to call the attention of the public to some of the remarkable features of this "new departure," [italicized], which will commend the use of these goods to all who study economy, neatness, and beauty [italicized]. 1st. The Interior is Fine Linen. 2d. The Exterior is Celluloid. 3d. The Union of Above, Combines the Strength of Linen With The Waterproof Qualities of Celluloid. 4th. The Expense of Washing Is Saved. If The Goods Are Soiled Simply Wipe Them Off With Soap And Water. 5th. The Goods Never Wilt Or Fray On Edges. 6th. They Are Perspiration Proof. For Sale by All Gents' Furnishing & Fancy Goods Houses throughout the Country., Image caption: "Othello's occupation gone." The Hand Writing on the Wall., Purchased with funds for the Visual Culture Program., RVCDC
Old processee starchee no goodee. It smellee rots & makee shirts yellee.” "I will never use any other but the New Process Starch." New Process Starch. Manufactured only by the Firmenich Manufacturing Company, Peoria, Ill. [graphic].
Trade card promoting Firmenich Manufacturing Company and depicting a racist caricature of a Chinese man laundry worker contrasted in a split panel with a white women doing laundry. In the left, the Chinese man, wearing a queue hairstyle and attired in a white tunic and pants and blue cloth slip-on shoes, stands and irons a shirt on a table. He speaks in pidgin English, “Old processee starchee no goodee. It smelle rots and make shirts yellee.” On the floor are two boxes of “Old Process Gloss Starch.” On the table is a bowl of steaming water. A teapot heats on the stove behind him, and clothes hang on the clothesline. In the right, the white woman, attired in a pink dress with a white bow around the neck and white cuffs, stands behind the table ironing. She says, “I will never use any other but the new process starch.” A young white boy hands her a box of “New Process” starch, and two additional boxes lie on the floor in the right. On the table is a bowl of water. A tea kettle steams behind her on the stove. Buildings are visible through a window in the background. Dr. Joseph Firmenich (1828-1903) started a starch company with his two sons, George and Frank. The Firmenich Manufacturing Company was incorporated in 1884. The Company opened a glucose plant in Marshalltown, Iowa in 1887. The Company operating into the 20th century., Title from item., Date inferred from dates of operation of business advertised., Advertising text printed on verso: New process starch. This starch is manufactured by a new process, with pure spring water. The light starch and gluten usually found in other starches, especially if made from white corn, are entirely removed and manufactured into other articles. The patents of this process are owned solely by this company. We guarantee all our starch perfectly pure and sweet. This starch, having the light starch and gluten removed, one-third less can be used than any other in the market. Ask your grocer for the new process gloss and corn starch and take no other. Manufactured only by the Firmenich Manufacturing Company. Peoria, Ill., Gift of Linda Kimiko August., RVCDC

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