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

[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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
[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.
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
[P. Madeira trade cards]
Series of illustrated trade cards promoting Pugh Madeira's cutlery and surgical instrument establishment at 115 South Tenth Street, Philadelphia. lllustrations represent world countries by depicting boys attired in styles of clothing native to China, France, Germany, South America, Hungary, United States, Turkey, Spain, Italy, England, Russia, and Mexico. Also shows two boys riding horses. The card labeled, “China,” shows a Chinese boy with a carrying pole across his shoulders, which holds cards on each side. He wears a queue hairstyle and is attired in a red hat with a black brim; a colorful, long-sleeved tunic; yellow pants; and yellow boots. He holds an orange card in his left hand. A piece of wood is yoked across his shoulders and wire or string hangs down on both sides, which balance the weight of the load. The border has decorative Chinese-stylized decorative motifs., Title supplied by cataloger., Date inferred from dates of operation of the advertised business., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Digitized.
Porcelain ware, Japanese Court.
View showing porcelain ware, mostly vases, in a stall in the Japanese Court within the Main Building designed by Henry Pettit and Joseph M. Wilson at the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia. Vases, bowls, and jars of various sizes are displayed on tiered tables and on the carpeted floor. Framed artwork hangs on the walls. A small decorative table is in the left. 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., Advertisements printed on verso for twelve businesses including Centennial Photographic Company, Gilbert & Bacon, Partridge's Dining Rooms, The Crosscup & West Wood and Photo-Engraving Co., Starkey & Palen, Amos Hillborn & Co., A. & G. Taylor, Hale & Kilburn Mfg. Co., Wm. J. Dornan, I.H. Wisler, Eichmann & Meier, and R. Levick, Son & Co., White curved mount with rounded corners., Gift of Mr. Saul Koltnow., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012.
Scrapbook
Scrapbook compiled by Philadelphia socialite Minnie Campbell Wilson (neé Harris) containing primarily place, greeting, holiday and calling cards predominantly issued in the United Kingdom and the Northeast United States. Majority of the cards are printed and or chromolithographs, with a small number illustrated with drawings by hand. Many cards also contain ornate border details, embossing, and adornments, including ribbons, fringe, lace, a wishbone, and overlays. Contents also include die-cuts of fans, horse shoes, a spoon, a flamingo, one-quarter moon, a woman’s leg, and a bird as a cover for a H. O. Neill & Co. illustrated hat catalog. Cards often depict sentimental and genre imagery including cupids, butterflies, flowers, vases and baskets; religious, historical and Asian-themed scenes, figures and/or decor; seasonal landscape views; women, children, and costumed figures; animals, including birds, chicks, dogs, and cats; and fruit. Other imagery includes two witches flying on brooms holding a "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year" banner; London printer William Dickes series of women in native costume from Switzerland, Russia, and Norway; a holiday card that opens to a sledding scene of children holding letters spelling "Merry Christmas"; and a Valentine Day card showing a letter slot filled with valentines. Scrapbook also contains watercolors and drawings, trade cards, programs, menus, invitations, ribbons, photographs, etchings, newspaper clippings, including an announcement of the wedding of Adelaide Watson, and a post card from "cousin Will." Trade cards advertise businesses, including J. E. Caldwell & Co., Stephen F. Whitman & Son, P. Fleischner & Co., Sharpless & Sons, F. T. Howell & Co., A. Ripka & Bro., J. H. Way & Bro., and Automatic Signal Telegraph Co. containing four scenes showing a robbery and fire and police and fire department., Scrapbook contains a number of items depicting Asian people or decorative themes, including a greeting card that reads, "A Happy New Year to You," and showing a Japanese woman, attired in a kimono, sitting and watering a potted plant [p. 9]; a card that reads, "Miss Harris," and depicting a Japanese woman, attired in a kimono made of fabric, standing and facing left [p. 18]; a card titled, "Bric a brac," and showing a blue and white porcelain bowl, vase, and pitcher bordered by hand fans and three flying cranes [p. 29]; and Asian men attired in kimonos having their noses pulled or pulling noses [p. 47]., Watercolors and drawings depict a woman attired in early 19th-century garb in a pumpkin patch, marinescapes, and an anthropomorphic frog. Photographs include a half stereograph showing a croquet match in front of a resort hotel and a photograph of Fifth and Walnut streets (Philadelphia) “taken by Chris in "88." Etchings include a portrait of an elderly man and one signed F. A. Stokes showing a man at a table. Other ephemera includes a hand-made tablet with a cover containing a watercolor depicting birds; a cloth padded bird figurine; a metamorphic playbill for the play "French Flats" at Union Square Theatre; a typewritten engagement announcement composed as a poem; a Christmas Hymnal booklet; handwritten word games, including 'Progressive Conversation"; a Pennsylvania Railroad "Old Point Comfort" tour schedule; and a train schedule scrap annotated with a doodle and inscribed text., Black binding, stamped on cover: Scrapbook., Label pasted on verso of cover: Patent Back Scrap Book. Pat. March 28, 1876., Inscribed on front free end paper: Minnie Campbell Harris Philadelphia. January 12, 1887., Provenance and date of majority of contents identified by brief inscriptions. Provenances include Nannie (i.e., Mary Jaudon) Harris, Lucy and Susan Jaudon, Mai Philler, Carrie (i.e., Caroline) Biddle, and Helen Morton., Printers include Philadelphia firms Craig, Finley & Co., Dreka, Rowley & Chew, and Sunshine Pub. Co.; Boston firm L. Prang & Co.; and British and Irish firms William Dickes, Marcus Ward & Co., and Eyre & Spottiswoode., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Housed in phase box., Gift of Elizabeth McLean., Inventory available at repository., Mary Campbell Harris (known as Minnie), daughter of U.S. Naval Commander Thomas Cadwalder Harris (1826-1875) and Mary Louisa Bainbridge Jaudon (1835-1914), was born in New York on December 27, 1862. Descended from Commodore William Bainbridge and Thomas Harris, the first surgeon-general of the United States Navy, Harris and her family resided in Philadelphia by 1866. In 1893, she married John L. Wilson (b. 1850), later treasurer of Coal Land Corporation and the couple resided in the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood. Harris was active in the Sedgely Club and often attended and held card parties, teas, and luncheons noted in the local press. Harris spent her later years residing in Bryn Mawr where she died circa 1948.
Traymore House, Atlantic City, N.J.
Illustrated trade card promoting the Traymore hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey and depicting two Japanese women walking in opposite directions. Shows the women, attired in kimonos and holding parasols, walking on the grass. In the right is a partial view of a fence and part of a roof with geometric designs along the side. A tree grows in the background. The Traymore began as a boarding house in Atlantic City in 1879 and expanded to become a large resort hotel. It was demolished in 1972., Title from item., Date inferred from dates of operation of the advertising business., Advertising text printed on verso: “The Traymore,” Sea end of Illinois Avenue, Atlantic City, N.J., Will re-open for the reception of guests June 1st. The House, situated at the sea end of Illinois Avenue, containing upwards of seventy apartments and being one of the nearest to the beach (which is within 100 yards), with nothing to obstruct the view, gives it the advantage of having more pleasant Ocean rooms than any other house of its capacity in Atlantic City., Cataloging funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (PW-506-19-10), 2010-2012., Digitized.
Tsow Chaoong. Canton. [graphic].
Calling card for the Boston Chinese Museum "Writing Master" Tsow Chaoong. Includes a border containing flowers, birds, and cherubs. Chaoong's name also printed in Chinese characters. The Boston Chinese Museum, established following the first official trade agreement between the U.S. and China (Wanghsia Treaty of 1844), operated 1845-1847 in Boston before traveling to Philadelphia. The Museum operated in Philadelphia 1847-1849 and New York 1849-1850 before closing. Chaoong produced custom made cards for visitors that contained their names and places of birth in Chinese characters that were accompanied by his calling cards., Title from item., Date inferred from content., Originally part of a McAllister scrapbook of views of Philadelphia., Card described in Ronald J. Zboray's "Between "Crockery-dom" and Barnum: Boston's Chinese Museum, 1845-47" American Quarterly, June 2004, pp. 292.
Use Muzzy's starch [graphic].
Trade card promoting Elkhart Starch Company and depicting a racist caricature of a Chinese man laundry worker holding up a shirt to a white family. Shows the family standing in the right, including the white man, attired in a brown bowler hat, a white collared shirt, a black bowtie, and a brown-checked suit, holding a walking stick; the white woman attired in a yellow and pink hat and a blue dress with a red bow; and the white girl, attired in a yellow hat and a red and blue dress, holding a small box. In the left, the Chinese man, wearing a queue hairstyle and attired in a blue tunic and blue pants with yellow accents, stands behind a table with an iron and ironing board on top of it. He holds up a white shirt, which shows the reflection of the white woman. A basket full of laundry is on the ground. In the background is a stove and a clothesline of white shirts and clothes. A.L. Muzzy built the Muzzy & Sage Mill in Elkhart, Indiana in 1870. Albert R. Beardsley (1847-1924) purchased the mill in 1878 and founded the Elkhart Starch Company. The Company was bought by the National Starch in 1893., Title from item., Date inferred from dates of operation of business advertised., Advertising text printed on verso: "Be sure to use Muzzy's Corn Starch." Includes six recipes, including for sponge pudding, creamy pudding sauce, Salem pudding, scolloped oysters, oyster pie, and butter scotch., Gift of Linda Kimiko August., RVCDC