Collection of illustrated ephemera, primarily trade cards, envelopes, receipts, letterheads, billheads, and labels, for predominantly Pennsylvania businesses and trades, ca. 1830-ca. 1910.

Pages

J. Sandberg with J. Simon, dealer in ready-made clothing and gent's furnishing goods, no. 429 North Second Street, East side, Philadelphia.
Trade card containing a vignette showing a menagerie of men's clothing, including collars, a cravat and bow tie, vest, a shoe, plaid trousers, and a coat. Imagery also includes a scissor. Sandberg is listed in city directories as a peddler 1862-1863., Scribbles in pencil on verso., 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.
J. V. Randall, carriage builder, Newtown, Bucks County, Pa.
Trade card for Randall Carriage Manufactory containing vignette views of a flat top coach and convertible carriage. Randall Carriage Manufactory was established in 1857 by J. V. & W. Randall on State Street below Jefferson Street. John V. Randall operated soley by the early 1890s., 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.
Jacob H. Hain, manufacturer of saddles, harnesss, bridles, collars, covers, whips, No. 321 Penn Street, Reading, Pa., (a few doors below the "Adler" Printing Office,) orders respectfully solicited and all work warranted.
Trade card containing a central vignette depicting a horse in a plaid cover, including a hood., Ritter & Co., also known as Johann Ritter und Companie, was renamed Eagle Book Store circa 1873., 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.
James Vick, Rochester, N.Y. Flower, vegetable, seeds &c.
Pictorial envelope advertising the seed business established in 1855 by printer and horticulturist James Vick. Contains flourishes and floral pictorial details framing and comprising the text. Details include flowers, vinery, and foliage. Vick issued seed catalogs beginning in 1856., Title from printed return address., Addressed in manuscript to: Miss Susan Smith, Pughtown, Pa., Date inferred from three-cent stamp, printed in green and depicting a profile portrait of George Washington, pasted on recto., Contains ink-stamp postmark. Rochester, N.Y. May 20., Printed on recto: If not called for within 10 days, please return., 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.
Jay[ne's] Carmina[tive] Balsam. Prepared only by Dr. Jayne, wholesale druggist & chemist, no. 84 Chestnut Street below Third, Philada.
Patent medicine label containing an "infirmary" scene with four women, including a nursemaid, and several children. Shows the nursemaid comforting a girl as she is fed a spoon of medicine from a seated woman upon who children crawl and tug. In the left, another seated woman holds a baby. Behind her, a woman reaches for a jar of medicine on an upper shelf in a large cabinet. Jayne began to produce the carmative balsam (probably his first patent medicine) in 1831, which remained on the market until the 1930s., Printed below image: Keep the Tops of the Bottles Up., Several lines of advertising text printed on recto. Text promotes the balsam as a "safe and effective remedy" for several ailments, including griping pains, headache, hysterics, nervous tremors and twitchings, and "for all bowel affections and nervous diseases.", 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., Upper right corner missing.
Jno. Adams, general agent for the Parsons oil burner, Bradford, Pa.
Pictorial envelope advertising the Parson Manufacturing Company containing a diagrammed image of an oil burner. Parts include a steam outlet; oil pipes and valves; oil trap; steam and water pipes; and a burner., Title from printed return address., Contains on recto: ink-stamp postmark: Carrol[?] Jun 24 and cancelled three-cents stamp printed in green ink and depicting George Washington in profile., Date inferred from stamp., Contains on verso: calculation in pencil and ink-stamp postmark: New York June 25 8 30 AM.., Addressed in manuscript to: Mr. Jacob Stover, Frenchtown, N.Y., 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.
John A. Dorward, veterinary surgeon. Office: 1043 North Ninth St., Reading, Pa.
Trade card containing an image of a horse wearing a harness. Dorward served as a proprietor of Robson Bros. Show circus by the 1910s., Date inferred from Dorward's year of graduation - 1889 - from veterinary school., 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.
John F. Schreck, manufacturer of Conestoga tobacco, chewing and smoking. It's all in the quality
Trade card containing a view showing a four-horse team conestoga wagon passing a mountain side. A man rides one of the horses of the team and a dog follows the wagon. Lancaster County, Conestoga Township began to serve as a center for the production of tobacco in the 1860s., Mauscript notes in pencil on verso, including: 9 full Molding Wash Board., 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.
John Orr's Cohocksink's leading hardware store, 2033 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia.
Trade card containing a bust-length portrait of John Orr. Also contains list of "Where To Buy Reliable Goods, Just Dealing, Polite Attention and - Low Prices - Guaranteed by the following Popular Business Houses" printed on verso. Ten North Philadelphia and Germantown businesses listed, include Orr's, "Enterprise Laundry," "Undertaker and Embalmer" Henry Schneider, "General Upholsterer" Geo. F. Chinery, and "Original Diamond St. Grocer" Edmund A. Ryan., Printed on recto: [over], 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.
Large schooner yacht, "Henry Disston," Captain Conklin. Sloop Yacht, I. C. Covert," Captain Fisher.
Trade card contains vignette depicting a homestead view framed by pictorial details, including flowers and a blue bird., 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.
Lichten Bros., manufacturers of fine cigars, s.e. cor. 5th and Cherry Sts., Philada.
Pictorial envelope containing a scene titled "Little Champions" showing two boys, fists up, in a boxing ring. The children wear leggings and are surrounded by weights. Lichten Bros. was a partnership between prominent Philadelphia Jews Aaron and Moses H. Lichten, who died in 1897 and 1905, respectively., Title from printed return address., Date from ink-stamp postmark: Philadelphia, PA., May 4, 1888., Contains cancelled two-cent stamp printed in green and depicting a profile portrait of George Washington., Addressed in manuscript to: Mr. L.A. [Myers?] Jr., 69 W 126 St., New York City, Contains ink-stamp postmarks on verso: J 6-5-88 7A N.Y. and P.O.N.Y. 6-5-88 5A 41., 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.
Major H. (English hackney.) J. L. Huye, owner, Lancaster, Pa.
Trade card containing vignette of a hackney horse wtih bobbed tail and wearing a bridle., Manuscript notes, calculations, and scribbles in pencil and pen on verso., 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.
Making ends meet.
Trade card for the Philadelphia branch of the Singer Sewing Manufacturing Company containing a comic view showing a boy sewing the ends of two cat's tails together with a Singer sewing machine. Two other boys hold the horrified looking cats, while a dog sits near the machine. Singer Manufacturing Company relocated to 1202 Chestnut Street in 1882., Advertising text printed on verso: Principal Office of The Singer Manufacturing Company Removed to 1202 Chestnut Street. Genuine Singer Sewing Machines. At Low Prices For Cash., 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., For duplicate, see trade card - Singer [1975.F.865]
Martha Washington. Manufactured by Arnett, Wemple & Ellyson, Danville, Va.
Tobacco label for the firm (originally Arnett & Wemple) in operation 1876-1886. Shows a half-length portrait of Washington in winter attire, including a bonnet overlaid with a muslin wrap. Also includes ornamental cornices., Title annotated in ink: & Ellyson., 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., Empire Lithographing and Engraving Company operated under this firm name 1879-1884.
Martha Washington. Printed by S. H. Greene & Sons. Riverpoint, R.I. Coffin, Artemus & Co. Sole agents.
Textile label for the textile print works founded in 1828 by Simon H. Greene and Edward Pike. Depicts Washington, in a sitting room, standing next to a table with knitting, and holding a letter reading "For the Soldiers at Valley Forge, George Washington." View also includes a window looking onto a winter scene and a framed portrait of George Washington. Label also contains an ornamental border. The firm, renamed S. H. Greene & Sons in 1865, were nationally known for their "Washington" line of printed textiles., Printed and stamped on recto: No. 48 2 Yds., Copyrighted in Washington, D.C., Lines drawn on recto., 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.
May I. C. U. home?
Specimen to advertise sets of escort cards (i.e., acquaintance cards) containing a vignette surrounded by a decorative border. Vignette depicts two frogs, facing each other, and holding hands., Stamped on verso: 40 Escort Cards, 35 designs for 10 cts., 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.
McLaughlin's XXXX Coffee [paper doll]
Includes cut-out paper doll figure "8" depicting a tiger and separate die cut costume, probably from the Chicago coffee company's "Mr. and Mrs. Whimsical Wild Animal" series. Costume design is a pink, mutton sleeve dress, with gold sash, and gloved hands holding a closed fan. McLaughlin Coffee, established in 1852, introduced lines of promotional paper dolls following the Columbian Exposition of 1893 and their discontinuation of trade cards., Instructions printed on verso of P.2011.10.37: To make figure stand, bend right foot forwar[d] and tail and left foot backward, thus forming as stand., 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.
[Mechanical calendar issued by New Jersey electrician Romaine Mace]
Illustrated mechanical calendar containing four genre scenes representing "Spring," "Summer," "Autumn," and "Winter." Spring scene shows an organ grinder watching his "escaped" monkey walk across the balustrade portico of a city residence under the gaze of excited children. Summer scene shows a woman in bathing attire wading in the ocean. Piers are visible in the background. Autumn scene shows a horse-trotting race. Winter scene shows a masquerade ball. Also contains a vignette showing an hour glass adorned with wings and a pictorial detail depicting a ribbon at the center., Contains three rivets., Patent Applied For., 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.
Merchant's House, Third Street, above Callowhill. James Rochford, proprietor.
Letterhead containing a vignette showing the exterior of the five-story hotel at 407-415 North Third Street. Building also includes a veranda., Completed in manuscript on August 23, 1896 and addressed to Mr. [Byevley?] Grant, signed James Norford. Norford requests an extension in the payment of his rent., 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.
The Moser & Lyon Co., manufacturing stationers, 216 S. Clinton St., Syracuse, N.Y.
Pictorial envelope containing vignettes of paper cutters and advertising text on the recto and verso. Vignette on recto shows a reversible roll paper cutter under a "counter." A hand tears off a piece of paper from a large roll with the cutter blade. Vignettes on verso show "Roll Desk Tablet, the most convenient article of its kind ever manufactured"; "6 and 12 Inch no. 1 Reversible Cutter in Pyramid"; and "the Reversible with name on face of blade. Any name can be placed thereon." Each cutter contains a large roll of paper. Moser & Lyon entered the stationery trade in 1873 and consolidated into the stock corporation Moser & Lyon Co. in 1892., Title from printed return address., Addressed in manuscript to: Holden Bros., Turin, N.Y., Date inferred from ink-stamp postmark: Syracuse, N.Y. 1893., Contains cancelled two-cent stamp printed in red and depicting a profile portrait of George Washington., Printed on verso: Write Us For Prices. Read the Circular which is Inside this Envelope., Vignettes printed in red ink on verso., 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.
Mull a la Suisse
Die-cut textile label containing the image of a ballet dancer, She stands on her pointed toes and with one arm curved over her head. She wears an ankle-length, full skirt, and broad-rimmed hat. Also contains pictorial details, including flowers and filigree., Embossed and inscribed in border: No. 10 Yds., 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.
Munn & Co., 37 Park Row, N.Y, solicitors of American and foreign patents and publishers of the "Scientific American."
Trade card-size advertising calendar containing illustration drawn by Frank Bellew and captioned "Ready-Acting Dog-Tail and Gun-Barrel Attachment." Shows a hunter, with a hunting basket containing a frog on his back, and his dog wearing the gun attachment "Invented by Donald Read" at a pond. The hunter holds a bullfrog in one hand and the trigger attachment in the other as the dog is aimed at a frog in the water. A farmhouse is visible in the background., Contains several lines of advertising text promoting "Scientific American" "the oldest, largest, cheapest, and the best weekly illustrated paper devoted to Engineering, Mechanics, Chemistry, New Inventions, Science and Industrial Progress, published in the United States" on recto. Text describes the depth of the engravings, subscription prices, and benefits of a subscription., Contains calendar for year 1875 and several lines of advertising text promoting "Patents, Munn & Co. Established 1846" on verso. Text solicits for inventor's patents, notes "special notices" in "Scientific American," and advises the attainment of their pamphlet detailing patent laws., 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.
Myerstown Enterprise, Myerstown, Penna. Message by Mail. An angry message.
Advertisement blotter depicting a satiric, whimsical scene with two women and a life-size, stamped envelope. A woman gesturing in anger stands on one end, and another, attired in hat, coat, and bustled skirt, stands and looks taken aback on the other. Also contains rates for the "Advertising Schedule of the Myerstown Enterprise, W. S. Uhrich, Publisher, Myerstown, Pa." printed on verso. Rates based on one to three weeks, one to six months, and one year and inches and column size range from $.50 to $80. Myerstown Enterprise was issued 1888-1919., Date inferred from clothing of figures depicted., 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.
The National Live Stock Journal, handsomely illustrated, contains 48 large pages, devoted to the interests of stock breeders and farmers.
Pictorial envelope containing vignettes of live stock on recto and verso. Vignettes on recto depict oval-framed images of the head of a cow and the head of a horse. Vignettes on verso depict full-length portraits of a cow, two pigs, and a ram. Images also include grass and fencing. The National Live Stock Journal was established in 1870., Addressed in manuscript to: Clark Co. Democrat, Winchester, Ky., Date inferred from stamp., Contains cancelled one-cent stamp printed in blue and depicting a profile portrait of Benjamin Franklin., Printed on verso: Price of cuts, this size, post paid, one cut, $2.50; two cuts $1.00. For specimen sheet of cuts, address Stock Journal Co., Chicago, Ills., 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.
No. 71 Good Luck series, 5 designs from E. Currier & Co. Brockton, Mass.
Specimen trade card containing floral imagery., 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.
Normandie.
Textile label showing a half-length portrait of a girl in traditional Normandy costume. She holds a small bouquet of flowers to her chin., Printed and inscribed on recto: Style 17491-2. Yds. 41 2., Inscribed on recto: U 1/2/10., 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.
Tokio cigarettes
Textiles from a series of premium tobacco silks containing half-length portraits of prominent Native American chiefs. Depicts Chief Joseph; Many Horns; and White Shield. All are shown with feather head pieces. White Shield wears a large cross. Chief Joseph silk numbered "20.", Printed above images: Factory No. 649, First Dist., N.Y., Printed in lower right corner of P.2011.10.176.1: 20., 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.
Oriental Print Works, Apponaug, R.I.
Textile label showing a scene in India. Shows a prince transported by elephant and attended by a guard armed with a sword and on horseback. A driver (mahout) rides on the neck of the elephant that is also guided by another man servant. Also shows a man smoking a hookah, an ox-driven carriage, and majestic, domed buildings. Alfred Reed and Albert Boit established the Oriental Print Works circa 1857 in Apponaug Village in Warwick, Rhode Island. The firm ceased operations in 1883., Printed and stamped on recto: No. Yds. 44., 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.
The Philadelphia & Chester Valley Railroad Company.
Stock certificate for the railroad chartered in 1850 as the Chester Valley Railroad Company. Contains central vignette showing a train, including a "U.S. Mail" car, traveling through countryside. A steamboat travels on a river in the background. Company reincorporated as Philadelphia and Chester Valley Railroad company in 1888. The train operated between Philadelphia and Downingtown., Pictorial details printed above title labeled "Number 191" and "Shares.", Contains ornamental border. Printed within border: Shares $50 Each., Transfer agreement printed in letterpress on verso. Includes monogram "L.S.", Reissue statements dated "188_" printed on flap., 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., Allen, Lane & Scott partnered by 1875.
The Philadelphia Wagon manufactured by Rech-Marbaker Co. Girard Ave & 8th St. Philadelphia Pa.
Advertisement blotters, reused as mounts, containing calendars and vignette views of wagons designed for specific firms by the manufactory. Wagons include H.H. Battles, flowers; Dexter's Tip-Top Bread (Springfield, Mass.); and Lit Brothers Furniture. Also contains cut-outs of fashionable female figures attired in dresses captioned in type "Most Beautiful"; "Merry Youth"; and "Easy Always" pasted on the versos., Printed below title: Wm. A. Rech, President; W. E. Marbaker, Vice President; and J. Edwin Rech, Secretary and Treasurer., 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.
Philip Doersom, carriage builder, Lancaster, Pa.
Trade card containing a view of Agricultural Hall, one of the main buildings at the Centennial Exhibition of 1876. View includes visitors walking and on horseback on the grounds. Also contains length and width of building. The Centennial Exhibition of 1876 celebrated the centennial of the United States through an international exhibition of industry, agriculture, and art., Advertising text on verso: Good Workmanship. Reasonable Prices. Philip Doersom, Successor to Steigerwalt & Doersom, Manufacturer of Carriages, Buggies, Phaetons, Market Wagons, &c., No. 128 East King Street, A Half Square East of the Court House. Lancaster, Pa. Repairing Promptly and Carefully attended to., 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.
Pig tail
Label, possibly a cigar label, containing a vignette of a pig with a curly tail., 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.
A plan of the borough of Harrisburg.
Reproduction of the grid street map showing the old 8th Ward of the city after incorporation into Harrisburg city limits in 1838. Includes the area between the Susquehanna River and Paxton Creek and Paxton Street to North street. Also includes bridges, the Harrisburg and Lancaster Railroad, and Pennsylvania Canal., Includes "Explanation" of key to twenty major landmarks (A-T), including the State Capitol, Court House, and several churches., 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.
Pleis' celebrated fit powders & liver pills, 860 N. Third Street, Philadelphia.
Trade card containing a parental scene using animal figures. Shows a mother and father bunny playing jump rope with their bunny child. The child bunny wears a ribbon around his neck and jumps under the airborne rope. Rabbit tracks are visible on the ground. Also contains several lines of advertising text on the verso. Text promotes the testing of the powder by "over 40,000 cases," its curative powers for any age and for any length of time of the affliction of "spasms," and price per box ($.85 cents or $1). Advertising text also promotes "Pleis' Vegetable Liver Pills" at "25 cents per box.", 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.
Pope's rifle air pistol gallery, 41st Street, opp. Poplar, Centennial grounds, 40 ranges, 10 shots, 10 cts.
Trade card for the Boston pistol manufacturer containing a comic image titled "When the Swallows Homeward Fly." Shows a man, a bib at his neck, eating from plates with a roast and a whole chicken. The large-eyed man places a spoon of food into his very wide mouth. Also contains an image of a $5.00 "Pope's Rifle Air Pistol," advertising text, and "A Few of the Many Testimonials" printed on the verso. Advertising text includes details about the adjustable gun stock, ease of loading for a "lady or boy," and additional paraphernalia (darts, slugs, and ramrod claw wrench). Albert Pope established Pope Manufacturing Company circa 1865., Printed on recto: [over]., Stamped on verso in red ink: Prices Reduced. Black from $5.00 to $3.00. Nickel $6.00 to $4.00., 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.
Public Ledger Job Printing Office, south-west corner Sixth and Chestnut Street, Philadelphia
Trade card containing a whimsical view showing a colonially-attired typesetter and printer at a typesetting table and press in the presence of two foppishly attired figures., Text providing figures showing "the daily edition of the Philadelphia Public Ledger...taken from the Press Room Books for the weeks ending the 18th and 25th of March, 1871" printed on verso. Figures exceed 460,000., 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.
Raffaele Orlando, tin smith, 1213 So. 7th Street, Philadelphia, Pa.
Trade card containing a vignette showing an "Excelsior" cooking stove., 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.
Reading's Sesqui-Centennial, Reading, Pa. Jubilee Week June 5th to 12th, 1898. 150th Anniverary.
Pictorial envelope designed by Sesqui-centennial committee members Samuel Dilbert, W. Morris Deischer and Howard L. Boas containing a menagerie of imagery bordering two vignettes. Vignettes depict a view of the Reading "Court House, 1782-1841" and a view captioned "1748" showing Native Americans near a teepee watching a traveling Conestoga wagon from across a river. Other images show a locomotive, factories, train shed, and a winged female allegorical figure holding a trumpet and bolt of lightning, probably representing progress. An anvil, gear, and angle rest at the figure's feet. Over 700, 000 envelopes were printed and distributed nationally. The sesqui-centennial celebration included band concerts; civic, firemen, and industrial parades; grand illuminations; fireworks; and an equestrian and bicycle day., Addressed in manuscript to: Ronalds & Johnson Co., 139 N. 7th St., Philadelphia, Pa., Printed in red ink on recto: Return to E. S. Summons' Plumbing & Heating Co., 209 N. 6th St., Reading, Pa., Ink-stamp postmark on verso: Received Philadelphia, PA Mar 31, 1898 6 30 PM., Publication information from Morton Luther Montgomery, History of Reading, Pennsylvania: and the anniversary proceedings of the sesquice-centennial, June 5-12, 1898 (1898)., 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.
Reward of merit
Contains vignette showing a scene with the theme of salvation, including a missionary. Ships approach a coastline on which a missionary and cross are encircled by converts attired in robes. Tribesmen watch from a cliff above., Presented to William W. Waln. By S. A. Fell., 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.
Reward of merit
Contains central vignette showing a female allegorical figure seated in a chariot pulled by lions. She wears a crown, and holds a key and sceptor. Figure possibly personifies earth or represents the republic of the United States., Includes verse: Love thy Maker-let it be duty and delight to thee. When the day breaks o'er the hill. At the sunset hour so still. Let each living creature share Thy warm love & be they care; Let what'er thine eyes may see Form a link twixt heaven & thee., 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.

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