This collection includes historical materials or references to or descriptions of historical materials that may be considered offensive or harmful. Historical records are evidence of the time in which they were created and often contain language and images that are racist, homophobic, sexist, ableist, or otherwise derogatory and insensitive. The Library Company takes responsibility for these materials and their importance for the study of the past seriously. The Library does not endorse the views expressed in these materials.

If you encounter language in this digitized collection, or elsewhere that you find offensive or harmful, or if you have questions about the statement above or about our work, we welcome your feedback. A full statement and feedback form where you can alert us of potentially harmful material is available here.

The Race and Visual Culture Digital Collection contains historical visual material and popular art works, often racist in content, that pertain to the visual culture of race and its social, cultural, and historical complexities and biases. The collection, in correlation with the African American History Graphics Digital Collection, includes over 1,600 images and descriptions of visual material that depict or reference the BIPOC community between the 18th and 20th centuries. The sub collections contained within are arranged by date spans based on the creation date of the item. The supplied titles, descriptions, and subject headings were reviewed, revised, and remediated to include anti-racist language as part of a 2021-2022 remediation cataloging project of our African American History Graphics Collection. Many records still include legacy Library of Congress Subject Headings, which conform to national and institutional cataloging standards that are under review for their continued public use in our catalogs. The collection was first published in 2023.

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The lovers quarrel. "Now, Blanche, don't!" [graphic] : Clarence Brooks & Co. varnishes. Clarence Brooks & Co. fine coach, railway & pianoforte varnishes, cor. West & West 12th St. N.Y.
Trade card promoting varnish manufacturer Clarence Brooks and Co. and depicting a racist, genre scene of an African American man and woman during a winter promenade in the snowy countryside based on Sol Eytinge's "Lover's Quarrel-Now, Blanche, Don't" originally published in Harper’s Weekly in 1879. In the left, a man stands with his arms stretched down, palms out, and his eyes pointed to a woman to the right. He says "now, Blanche, don't!" The woman, her back turned to the man, walks away. The man is attired in knee-length black boots; yellow pants; a rumpled, green coat; blue scarf; top hat; and gloves. The woman is attired in black boots; a blue dress with a straight skirt and pink sash that billows behind her waist; white fur vest; and a short-brimmed, black hat with white fur trim and a feather. She holds a white fur muff in one hand and lifts the bottom of her dress up in the other. In the distant background is a house and trees. Clarence Brooks established his varnish business in 1859 as Brooks and Fitzgerald, later Clarence Brooks & Co. In 1881, the firm issued a calendar illustrated with African American caricatures in genre scenes., Title from item., Place of publication deduced from place of operation of advertised business., Date deduced from history of the advertised business and visual content., Gift of David Doret.
Lustre starch [graphic].
Trimmed trade card promoting Gilbert S. Graves’s Lustre Starch. Depicts a racist caricature of an African American man portrayed with exaggerated features tipping his hat. Shows an African American man attired in a black top hat, a white collared shirt, a red bowtie, a yellow waistcoat, a blue jacket with tails, and white striped pants. He is attired with numerous accessories, including a red flower boutonniere on his lapel, a gold pendant pinned to the center of his white shirt, a gold pocket-watch chain, gold cufflinks, and a gold ring on the pinky of his right hand. The man stands with his right arm behind his back while he raises his top hat off his head with his left hand. Gilbert S. Graves (1849-1935) founded a corn starch manufactory in Buffalo in 1877. It was acquired by United Starch Company in 1899., Title from item., Place of publication inferred from place of operation of advertised business., Date deduced from history of the advertised business., Distributor's imprint printed on verso: H.H. Sayles & Co., wholesale grocers, Elmira, N.Y., Card is trimmed at the top and bottom., Gift of David Doret.
Magnolia ham, winter cured. Don't talk bout henhouses to me. [graphic].
Racist trade card depicting a genre scene of an African American man and boy "stealing" hams through a field at night. In the right, in front of the boy, the man carries a packaged ham under each arm and one on his hand. He is barefoot and attired in a loose-fitting shirt and calf-length, worn, blue pants. The boy stands behind him and struggles to hold one ham to his chest in his arms. He is barefoot and attired in a wide-brimmed hat, a white shirt, and calf-length, red pants. Both figures are portrayed with exaggerated features. Countryside and a crescent moon in the sky are visible in the background. McFerran, Shallcross & Co. began curing hams in 1863 as McFerran & Menefee. The firm was composed of John B. McFerran, S.H. Shallcross, R.J. Menefee, and W.P. Clancy. Largely based in Louisville, Kentucky with large packing facilities, the company also had agencies across the United States., Title from item., Date inferred from dates of operation cited in history of firm published in 1886 volume, "The City of Louisville and A Glimpse of Kentucky," p. 129., Printed in lower right corner: Over., Advertising text on verso: Below you will find figures showing the increase of the Annual Cure of the Magnolia Ham. The history of Ham Curing furnishes no such example. From 7,500 they have already attained a Cure of 375,000 Pieces, and the end is not yet. 1863 - 7,500; 1864 - 15,000; 1866 - 42,000; 1867 - 75,000; 1868 - 92,000; 1869 - 110,000; 1870 - 118,000; 1871 - 125,000; 1872 - 175,000; 1873 - 200,000; 1874 - 225,000; 1875 - 250,000; 1876 - 300,000; 1877 - 341,000; 1878 - 375,000. "The Proof of the Pudding is in the Eating." All Winter Cured and guaranteed unsurpassed in cut, cure, flavor and style. Cured By McFerran, Shallcross & Co. Louisville, KY. Try Them., Gift of David Doret.
Meikleham's, Opera house block, Cohoes, N.Y. [graphic].
Racist trade card depicting a whimsical scene with an African American boy pouring a bucket of water into an oversized, upside down top hat. The boy is attired in a wide-brimmed hat and a striped collared shirt with the sleeves rolled up. His right foot is visible from behind the large hat and next to his foot is another bucket filled with water. Meikleham's was owned and operated by John Meikleham during the late nineteenth century. A suit brought against Meikelham in 1890 by hatters Henry Stern and Charles Eichold was heard by the New York Supreme Court., Title from item., Publication information from copyright statement: Copyright by Henry Seifert A.D. 1883., Advertising text printed on verso: Fall. The largest and best selected stock of Hats, Caps! And Gent's Furnishing Goods Ever Seen In This City Is Now On Sale at Meikleham's, Opera House Block, Cohoes, N.Y., Gift of David Doret.
Merrick Thread Co., "Fooled dis time, cully. Dis cotton ain't gwine to break." [graphic].
Racist trade card depicting a smiling African American boy portrayed as fishing bait for an alligator in a swamp. Shows the boy suspended from a tree limb over the gaping jaws of the head of the reptile jutting out from the body of water below him. The boy is held up by a hook in the seat of his pants that is attached to white thread wrapped around the tree limb and from a large spool that floats in the water. The spool bears the Merrick Thread Co. logo. The boy holds the fishing line of thread and fishing rod in his hands and by his face. He is barefooted and attired in a blue hat, a red shirt with the sleeves rolled up, a white vest, and blue pants with a patch on the right knee. The boy is depicted with exaggerated features. Print also contains an image on verso depicting a partially opened box of several spools of thread, on which the thread company's tagline "Merrick Thread Co's Ready Wound Bobbins for Sewing Machines Warranted 200 Yards" is printed. Merrick Thread Co. was founded in 1865 by Timothy Merrick, Austin Merrick, and Origen Hall in Mansfield, Connecticut. After its founding, the company established mills in Holyoke, Massachusetts. In 1898, the company merged with thirteen other independent thread and yarn manufacturers to form the American Thread Company., Title from item., Date inferred from content and genre of print., Advertising text printed on verso: Buy Merrick Thread Co.'s Best Six Cord Soft Finish Spool Cotton For Machine & Hand Sewing Warranted 200 Yds. Also For Sale By E. Erdman, Dealer in Dry Goods, Notions, Queensware, Groceries, and General Merchandise, Rucksville, Pa., Gift of David Doret.
Merrick Thread Co. "Fooled dis time, cully. Dis cotton ain't gwine to break." [graphic].
Racist trade card depicting a smiling African American boy portrayed as fishing bait for an alligator in a swamp. Shows the boy suspended from a tree limb over the gaping jaws of the head of the reptile jutting out from the body of water below him. The boy is held up by a hook in the seat of his pants that is attached to white thread wrapped around the tree limb and from a large spool that floats in the water. The spool bears the Merrick Thread Co. logo. The boy holds the fishing line of thread and fishing rod in his hands and by his face. He is barefooted and attired in a blue hat, a red shirt with the sleeves rolled up, a white vest, and blue pants with a patch on the right knee. The boy is depicted with exaggerated features. Print also contains an image on verso depicting a partially opened box of several spools of thread, on which the thread company's tagline "Merrick Thread Co's Ready Wound Bobbins for Sewing Machines Warranted 200 Yards" is printed. Merrick Thread Co. was founded in 1865 by Timothy Merrick, Austin Merrick, and Origen Hall in Mansfield, Connecticut. After its founding, the company established mills in Holyoke, Massachusetts. In 1898, the company merged with thirteen other independent thread and yarn manufacturers to form the American Thread Company. The distributor of the thread, Isaac J.H. Bordner, owned a store which was built in 1881 and located in the Mount Aetna neighborhood of Tulpehocken Township in Pennsylvania. In addition to being a businessman, Bordner was served as the local postmaster between 1870 and 1899., Title from item., Date inferred from content and genre of print., Advertising text printed on verso: Buy Merrick Thread Co.'s Best Six Cord Soft Finish Spool Cotton For Machine & Hand Sewing Warranted 200 Yds. Also., Distributor's imprint printed on verso: Isaac J.H. Bordner, Dealer in General Merchandise, Mt. Aetna, Berks Co., Pa.
Merrick Thread Co. "If this was not Merrick's thread I'd get that coon." [graphic].
Racist trade card promoting Merrick thread and depicting a scene of a dog confronting an African American boy stealing a chicken. Shows the smiling African American boy kneeling on the ground and lifting a triangular-shaped wooden cage off a chicken as a large, grey pit-bull like dog lunges at him from the right. The boy is dressed in a blue and white plaid vest, a red shirt, blue pants rolled at the cuffs, and black shoes. The dog is tugged back by a white thread tied around its red collar and pulled from a large spool marked with the "Merrick Thread Co. Best Six Cord 8" logo. Behind the dog is a wooden dog house. Two African African boys watch from above and behind a fence with missing wooden panels. All figures are portrayed with exaggerated features. Print also contains an image on verso depicting a partially opened box of several spools of thread, on which the thread company's tagline "Merrick Thread Co's Ready Wound Bobbins for Sewing Machines Warranted 200 Yards" is printed.Merrick Thread Co. was founded in 1865 by Timothy Merrick, Austin Merrick, and Origen Hall in Mansfield, Connecticut. After its founding, the company established mills in Holyoke, Massachusetts. In 1898, the company merged with thirteen other independent thread and yarn manufacturers to form the American Thread Company. John Wanamaker opened his dry goods store the Grand Depot in former Pennsylvania Railroad sheds in 1876., Title from item., Date inferred from content and genre of print., Advertising text printed on verso: Buy Merrick Thread Co.'s Best Six Cord Soft Finish Spool Cotton For Machine & Hand Sewing, Warranted 200 Yds. Also. Be Progressive. Try the ready-wound Bobbins and save both time and labor. Use them once and be convinced. Made for all Sewing-Machines. Same price as six cord., Distributor's imprint printed on verso: John Wanamaker, Thirteenth, Chestnut & Market Sts., Gift of David Doret.
Merrick Thread Co. "The rhinoceros feels safe to tread his lofty way on Merrick's thread." [graphic].
Racist trade card promoting Merrick thread. Depicts a scene showing an animal act managed by a bare-breasted African woman. The woman holds a thread in her right hand that is tied around the horn of the rhinoceros walking a tightrope. The rhinoceros balances on his left leg on the white tightrope attached to two intersecting poles on one end. The woman, her hair pulled into a bun and adorned with two red feathers, is attired in a white sarong, a gold hoop earring, and a gold bracelet on her left arm. She is depicted with exaggerated features. She holds a spiked club to the ground in her left hand. Behind the woman is a spool of thread which is marked with "Merrick Thread Co. Best Six Cord 8" logo. Print also contains an image on verso depicting a partially opened box of several spools of thread, on which the thread company's tagline "Merrick Thread Co's Ready Wound Bobbins for Sewing Machines Warranted 200 Yards" is printed. Merrick Thread Co. was founded in 1865 by Timothy Merrick, Austin Merrick, and Origen Hall in Mansfield, Connecticut. After its founding, the company established mills in Holyoke, Massachusetts. In 1898, the company merged with thirteen other independent thread and yarn manufacturers to form the American Thread Company. The distributor, B.A. Glase's Son, was owned by John Oscar Glase, who inherited the business from his father Benneville A. Glase after his death in 1882., Title from item., Date inferred from content and genre of print., Advertising text printed on verso: Buy Merrick Thread Co.'s Best Six Cord Soft Finish Spool Cotton For Machine & Hand Sewing. Warranted 200 Yds. Also., Distributor's imprint printed on verso: B.A. Glase's Son, General Merchandise, Friedensburg, Pa., Gift of David Doret.
Mertens & Phalen, best made clothing. Troy, N.Y. [graphic].
Racist trade card depicting a sentimentalized view of an African American girl. Shows the smiling, cherubic-faced girl in bust-length, standing behind a barely-visible brick wall and holding a white cloth with embroidered edges over it. The girl holds the cloth in both hands as well as an up-turned feathered duster in her right hand. She is attired in an orange and white ruffled cap, an orange bowtie, a white and orange polka dot shirt, and a blue and white striped apron. Visible in the background are flowers and greenery. Mertens & Phalen, a branch of the firm J.M. Merten's & Co., was a retail business in Troy, New York. J.M. Merten's was founded in 1888 after J.M. Merten assumed ownership of a clothing manufacturing business formerly owned by A.C. Yates and Theodore Dissel., Title from item., Date inferred from dates of operation listed in Dwight Hall Bruce, ed., "Memorial History of Syracuse, N.Y.: From Its Settlement to the Present Time," (H.P. Smith & Company), 636-637., Gift of David Doret.
M.H. Moses & Co., 122 Christopher St., Corner Bedford, New York. [graphic].
Racist trade card depicting an African American delivery man standing on the front steps of a home and smoking a cigarette. He carries a basket full of packages with his left arm and holds a package of coffee in his right hand, which is torn and is spilling beans without the man's knowledge. The man is attired in a top hat, a white collared shirt, a brown jacket, blue pants, a white apron, and black shoes. M.H. Moses & Co. was founded in 1840 and was located in the West Village in New York City., Title from item., Place of publication deduced from place of operation of advertised business., Advertising text on verso: Make a Specialty of High Grade Teas and Fine Coffees, Sugars at Actual Cost. Try Our No. 81 Combination Coffee, 25 Cents Per Poud Package., Gift of David Doret.
Minstrels! [graphic] : Branch, 1602 South St.
Racist trade card illustration depicting a large troupe of African American minstrels on a stage. Five of the men in the front row are seated in white chairs and a man in the center stands on his right leg with his arms wide. In the background are several palm trees. Visible in the center of the image is an ovular gold pendant with a caricatured portrait of a smiling African American man depicted with exaggerated features. He is attired in a white collared shirt, a red checkered necktie, and a brown jacket. The minstrel troupe is attired in white pants, red jackets, and white shoes. Some men hold red and white hats in their hands. The trade card is likely advertising Phillip Conway's business, Conway Gent's Furnisher, a custom clothing shop., Title from item., Gift of David Doret.
Mirth! music! originality! The success of the season! "Jollities" [graphic].
Racist trade card promoting “The Electrical Doll” play at the Gaiety Theatre in Boston. Depicts a caricature of an older African American man, possibly a peddler, carrying a dead duck and a basket of produce. The man is balding and has tufts of white hair on the sides of his head and is attired in plaid pants, a collared shirt, a collared jacket, and a plaid scarf tied around his neck. He holds a dead duck by the legs in his left hand. Around his left shoulder, he carries a straw handled basket, which has the leaves of a vegetable sticking out of it. Behind him in the background is a shelf that has a bottle and a glass on it. The Gaiety Theatre in Boston was located on Washington Street between West and Avery Streets. The 800-seat theater operated from 1878 to 1882 when it became the Bijou Theatre. Charles Atkinson with his Jollities theatre troupe produced comedic plays, including “The Electrical Doll,” which was written by Clinton G. Parrefield with music by J. Adalim. It first appeared in December, 1879 and ran for a number of years in America and Europe., Title from item., Publication information and date inferred from the content., Text printed on the recto: (Over.), Advertising text printed on the verso: Boston Press Notes. [Boston Herald, Dec. 14.]“Standing room only.” and precious little of that, was what late comers at the Gaiety Theatre found last evening. One of the largest audiences ever gathered in this cosy little house extended to the ‘Jollities’ Combination such a welcome as to dispel all doubts, if, indeed, any existed, that the levees to be given during the present week by “The Electrical Doll” will be little short of a perfect ovation.” [Boston Post, Dec. 14.] “The ‘Jollities’ presented the ‘Electrical Doll,” the funniest of all musical absurdities, before an over-flowing house last evening at the Gaiety, and gave universal satisfaction.” [Boston Globe, Dec. 14.] The Jollities. “There was not a vacant seat at the cosy Gaiety last evening. Why? Simply from the fact that Manager Gouge, who knows just what a Boston audience requires, gave one of the best performances that has graced this theatre this season. If good acting, splendid singing, bright and witty dialogue, with a capital orchestra—whose sparkling music was rendered under the baton of J.A. Norris in such an acceptable manner that encores were demanded—deserve to be called first-class, then a faint idea may be conceived of the excellencies of the Jollities Combination entertainment.”, [Boston Journal, Dec. 14.] Gaiety Theatre—“The Jollities Combination is well named, for jollier lot of performers could scarcely be brought together. At the Gaiety Theatre, last night, they appeared before a large audience in a two-act musical piece entitled ‘The Electrical Doll.” On the bills the piece is called an ‘absurdity,’ and it is deliciously absurd, yet marked by a consistency that places it as a composition for the stage very far ahead of the majority of similar productions. The Jollities deserve full houses during their stay of a week, and all who attend their clever entertainments are certain to be pleased.”, Printed with green ink., Gift of David Doret.
A mistaken identity [graphic].
Racist trade card specimen depicting a caricature of an African American woman striking a passing white man with the back of her hand. Shows the woman portrayed with exaggerated features and attired in a hat, a striped dress, a polka dotted apron with a patch, and black shoes, carrying an umbrella in her left hand and hitting a man with her right hand. In the left, the man lifts his right leg and his left hand up as he jumps in alarm after being struck., Title from item., Date deduced from the visual content., Gift of David Doret.
Monday. Monday is de wash day, an I neber sulk or mope, becase de close am nice and clean, by using Higgins' soap [graphic].
Racist trade card promoting Higgins' soap and depicting a caricature of an African American woman domestic carrying a bar of soap and a wash tub. The woman is portrayed with exaggerated features and speaks in the vernacular. Shows the African American woman with her hair in pigtail braids tied at the ends in white bows, attired in an orange and yellow striped head kerchief, a red and white shawl, a blue dress with black stripes, a white apron with red stripes, orange and white striped stockings, and black shoes. She carries a large, wooden wash tub in her right hand and a yellow bar of soap labeled “Higgin” in her left hand. The woman smiles and walks toward the viewer and says, “Monday is de wash day, an I neber sulk or mope, becase de close am nice and clean, by using Higgins' soap.” In the right, a white shirt hangs on a clothes line pinned with wooden clothespins. The Charles S. Higgins Company, established by Higgins’s father W. B. Higgins in Brooklyn in 1846, manufactured "German Laundry soap" beginning around 1860, when Charles assumed the business. The laundry soap was packaged in a wrapper illustrated with an African American woman washing in a tub. By the early 1890s, Charles S. Higgins left the firm still operated under his name and formed Higgins Soap Company. Court proceedings over trademarks and tradenames ensued and Higgins Soap Company became insolvent by the mid 1890s., Title from item., Date deduced from history of the advertised business., Gift of David Doret.
Mrs. O'Toole- Give it to im Mickey, t'was for de loikes of sich as him, yer fayther got kilt in the war [graphic].
Racist trade card specimen depicting an Irish boy portrayed in caricature preparing to fight an African American boy portrayed in caricature. Shows the Irish mother, Mrs. O’Toole, attired in a bonnet, a polka dotted scarf, and a long-sleeved shirt, holding a pipe in her left hand and leaning out of a window. She speaks in the vernacular to her son, Mickey, that "t’was for de loikes of sich as him, yer fayther got kilt in the war." In the center outside of the house, the barefooted son Mickey, attired in a hat, a torn long-sleeved shirt, a vest, and pants, holds his left hand in front of his chest as he angrily looks at the African American boy in the right. The African American boy carries a hoop and stick toy in his hands and opens his mouth in alarm. In the background, clothes hang from a clothesline., Title from item., Date deduced from the visual content., Illustration printed in red ink., Gift of David Doret.
Muzzy's corn starch [graphic].
Trade card promoting Elkhart Starch Company and depicting a racist genre scene of an African American waiter serving a white couple in a restaurant. Shows in the center of the image the couple seated at a table. In the left, the brown-haired woman, attired in a gray hat decorated with flowers and a red dress with white ruffles at the neck, sleeves, and at the bottom rests her left elbow on the table and holds a white fan. In the right, a man with brown hair and a mustache and attired in a brown jacket; a white collared shirt with a black bowtie; a cream-colored waistcoat; white pants with blue stripes; and black shoes, holds a paper labeled "Bill of Fare" in his right hand. He points his index finger at the woman with his left hand. The African American waiter, attired in a black jacket; a white collared shirt with a white bowtie; and white pants with a gold pocket watch chain stands behind the table. He carries a silver tray with two dishes, each with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. In the left background is an entryway with a red curtain. To the right of the doorway is a sideboard and a framed painting hangs above it. Image also includes, in the right, a hurricane chandelier and checkered flooring. 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 deduced from history of advertised business., Advertising text printed on verso: "Elkhart Starch Co. Elkhart, Ind. Manufacture Muzzy’s Sun Gloss refined & corn starch. Of superior quality, by a new process. A thorough test makes it a household necessity. Muzzys corn starch is the purest & best made. Capacity ten tons of starch per day." Includes an illustration depicting a train running past the Elkhart starch works manufactory., Gift of David Doret.
Muzzy's corn starch [graphic].
Trade card promoting Elkhart Starch Company and depicting a racist genre scene of an African American woman domestic servant serving a white family at the dinner table. Shows in the center of the image the man and woman couple and child seated at a table. In the left, a man with brown hair and attired in a black jacket; a white collared shirt with a yellow bowtie; a yellow waistcoat; white pants with blue stripes; and black shoes, looks down and reads the newspaper he is holding. In the right, the blonde-haired woman, attired in a long-sleeved blue and white dress, rests her left hand on the table and looks towards the African American woman. The African American woman, attired in a blue striped dress, stands behind the table and carries a steaming pan of food. To the left, a blonde-haired child, attired in a white, short-sleeved shirt, reaches their hands up toward the pan of food. On the table are plates and cutlery. 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., Place of publication inferred from place of operation of the advertised business., Date deduced from history of the advertised business., Gift of David Doret.
Muzzy's sun gloss starch. Elkhart Starch Co. [graphic].
Racist trade card promoting Elkhart Starch Company and depicting a domestic, genre scene of a white family and an African American woman domestic on wash day. The woman is portrayed as a caricaturized figure. Shows in the right, the women domestic, attired in a red and yellow head kerchief; gold earrings; and a blue and white dress with gold buttons and the sleeves rolled up to her elbows, standing behind a wooden table with an iron on it. She holds up a stiffly starched and unwrinkled white collared shirt in front of the well-dressed mother and her three children. The reflection of the mother is seen on the shirt. In front of the mother, her brown-haired older son , attired in a white collared shirt and a yellow jacket, points his finger at the shirt. To his right, his younger, brown-haired sister, attired in a yellow dress with white ruffles at the neck and sleeves, reaches both arms toward the shirt. Beside her, a cat sits up at the table and looks at the shirt. Between her and her brother, the older blond- haired sister, attired in a blue dress with white ruffles at the neck and sleeves, a yellow bowtie, and a red sash tied around her waist, hands a box labeled "sun gloss starch" to her mother. In the left, the young mother with long brown hair and attired in earrings; a necklace with a red pendant; and a red dress with white ruffles down the middle and at the sleeves; reaches her right hand out to the box of starch. She cluthches an ornate fan to her chest in her left hand. In the far left, through a doorway, the young father attired in a black jacket with tails; a white collared shirt; and white pants with blue stripes, holds a top hat, stands in a hallway, and looks into the room. 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., Advertising text printed on verso: "Elkhart Starch Co. Elkhart, Ind. Manufacture Muzzy's Sun Gloss refined & corn starch. Of superior quality, by a new process. A thorough test makes it a household necessity. Muzzys corn starch is the purest & best made. Capacity ten tons of starch per day." Includes an illustration of a train running past the Elkhart starch works manufactory., Gift of David Doret.
My boss sells the New York sewing machine. The brightest diamond of them all. [graphic].
Racist trade card illustration promoting the New York Sewing Machine Company and depicting a bust length portrait of an African American man. The man is attired in a white collared shirt, a large red bowtie which bears the advertising text, a dark colored jacket, and a reflective diamond pin. The New York Sewing Machine Company was founded in 1880 and became the Demorest Manufacturing Company, which was based in Plattsburgh, New York and operated between 1882 and 1908., Title from item., Gift of David Doret.
Nath'l Fisher & Co. school shoe. New York. [graphic].
Racist trade card illustration depicting a smiling African American boy cook. He is shown draping a white fringed cloth with advertising text printed in red over a wall with both hands whileholding a metal spoon in his right hand. Visible behind him are trees, shrubbery, and blue and pink flowers. He is attired in a dotted yellow and white chef's hat, a red and white striped collared shirt, a red neck tie, and a blue apron. The boy is depicted with exaggerated features. Nathaniel Fisher & Co. was a wholesale shoe dealer located on Duane Street in New York. The company was formed in the 1860s and was inherited by Nathaniel Fisher's children, Irving Requa Fisher and Nathaniel Campbell Fisher., Title from item., Advertising text on recto: Ask for the Red Label Brand. It is guaranteed to wear., Advertising text on verso: Our own make. "The Red Label" school shoes and "State" boots & shoes. Superior in every respect & warranted. Nath'l Fisher & Co. New York., Gift of David Doret.
Negro children in America [graphic].
Card depicting two African American women taking care of African American children in a nursery. In the foreground, three African American children sit on the floor and play with toys. In the left, the girl, attired in a blue dress, yellow socks, and black shoes, plays with blocks. In the middle, the girl, attired in a white shirt and green and red dress, holds a white girl doll costumed in an orange dress. In the right, the girl, attired in a red stocking cap, a yellow shirt, blue pants, and green socks, holds her right hand to her mouth. Beside her on the floor is a white girl doll costumed in a blue dress and a stuffed dog. Behind the seated group, two children stand and pull toys out of a container. In the left, the girl, attired in a white cap and a pink romper, leans over the container. In the right, the girl, attired in an orange dress, carries a teddy bear. In the right background, the woman, attired in a long-sleeved white dress, sits on a wooden chair with a baby wrapped in a yellow blanket on her lap. In the left background, the woman, attired in a long-sleeved pink shirt, a purple skirt, and a white apron, leans over a crib to help a young child attired in a red shirt. Two framed pictures are on the wall., Title from item., Text printed on verso: Bible Picture Card. Vol. 1, no. 14. Second Quarter. January 4, 1942. The Peanut Cow. Miss Mary’s class had met on Sunday morning. Ethel’s brown face seemed very thoughtful. “I want to tell you something,” she said after awhile. “Yesterday I was out walking. I saw six little children. They were very thin. I wish we could help them in some way.” The class was very still. They were thinking hard. “I know!” cried one of the girls. “Let’s parch peanuts and sell them. Then we can buy milk for these children.” Each day the class met. They parched peanuts and took them to be sold. They bought good rich milk with their money. “Those children need fruit.” Ethel said one day after one of her classes. “We learned today that everyone should have fruit.” “But it takes all our peanut money to buy milk,” said one of the girls. “Maybe the other boys and girls at Browning Home would like to help,” suggested Miss Mary. “Put a milk bottle in the lunch room. They can put in their extra pennies, nickels and dimes.” “Let’s call it the Peanut Cow,” suggested Ethel. Eagerly they watched the Peanut Cow. It grew fuller and fuller. How happy they were! Now they could buy both fruit and milk. Verse to Remember: “We are God’s fellow-workers.” I Corinthians 3:9. Published quarterly in sets of 13 at 4 cents per set per quarter. The Methodist Publishing House, 353 Prairie Ave., Providence, R.I. Executive and Editorial Offices, 810 Broadway, Nashville, Tennessee. Entered as second-class matter, September 15, 1941, at the post office at Providence, R.I., under the act of March 3, 1879. c. 1942, by Whitmore & Stone., Gift of David Doret.
New clothing [etc] at T.B. Segar's, Odd Fellows Block. Hope Valley. [graphic].
Racist trade card illustration depicting an African American man being chased by a white man and a dog. The African American man hangs by the seat of his pants on the jagged picket of a fence behind him. He holds a chicken in his right hand and watches a second chicken escape from him. He is attired in a blue and white striped shirt, blue pants, and shoes. The white man carries a gun in his right hand and runs as his hat flies off his head. A house is visible in the background. The African American man is depicted with exaggerated features., Title from item., Text on recto: New clothing, new hats & caps, new carpetings, new oil cloths, new house paper, new borders, new dry goods, new hoisery, new gloves, new corsets, new department for boots and shoes, an immense stock and low prices, at T.B. Segar's, Odd Fellows Block, Hope Valley., Text on recto: Ole zip coon!, Gift of David Doret.
No dinner? [graphic].
Racist trade card illustration promoting Rising Sun Stove Polish and depicting two domestic scenes with an African American husband and wife. The first scene shows the woman berating the man for buying an ineffective brand of stove polish and lunging toward him with the stick of polish in her left hand. The woman is attired in a blue and white headwrap, a red and white checkered scarf, a yellow and red patterned dress, a blue and white apron, and black shoes. The grey-haired man is attired in a blue and white top hat, a red long sleeved shirt, blue overalls, and black shoes. In the right is a bare wooden table and in the left is a dull black stove on top of which is a plain kettle. Visible beside the woman is a saucer and a brush. In the second scene, the man peeks his head from behind the door to the home and the woman faces and welcomes him with open arms. The woman is attired in a yellow and red headwrap; a blue, red, and white scarf; a red, white, and black patterned dress; a white and blue apron; and black shoes. The man is attired in a white and blue top hat. A cat with gray and black fur slinks behidn the woman. In the right is a wooden chair and a table with a red and white tablecloth, food, and utensils. In the left is a polished black stove, on top of whic sits a golden steaming kettle. Rising Sun Stove Polish Company was founded in Canton, Massachusetts by Elijah Morse in 1864., Title from item., Date inferred from content and genre of print., Advertising text printed on recto: Look yere, old man! What kind o' stove blacking you call dat? Ise been rubbin' on dat stove all mornin' an it don't gib it a polish worf a cent. You jest git de Rising Sun Stove Polish right away, or dar'l be trouble. You think I got time to 'speriment with such mud? Come in, Ephraim! Ise not mad with you dis time, case yer sent me de genuine Rising Sun Stoe Blacking; an' it shines de stove in good shape. An' here's yer dinner all ready. Somethin' agin yer? No, deed I haven't: yer tink ise an anjul to get along without good Stove Polish?, Advertising text printed on verso: An Acrostic. Royally the Rising Sun, In the east on fiery oar, Strong his daily course to run, Is with welcomes hailed afar. Nature in his radiance bright, Glowingly her form arrays; Sings her songs of sweet delight, Unisonant in his praise. Nations dwelling far and near See with joy his golden beams, Throwing back dark night, appear, Over plains and hills and sreams. Vividly his beams suggest Every bright and cheerful thing; Perfect, of its kind the best, One, the Polish that I sing. Lo! afar you find it famed, It the praise of all hath won; So, this Polish has been named, Happily, The Rising Sun., Advertising text printed on verso on right side is partially obscured., Gift of David Doret.
Noix de coco for puddings, pies, and pastry. Manufactured by Warner & Merritt. Philadelphia. [graphic].
Racist trade card promoting Warner & Merritt’s Noix de Coco and depicting a white woman in a hammock being fanned by a caricature of an African man. In the center, shows the blond-haired, white woman attired in a red headband, a blue dress, and yellow shoes, lying in a hammock. In the left, an African woman, attired in a red head kerchief, a necklace, a white shirt, and a red skirt, serves a tray of food to the woman. The white woman leans over and grabs a piece of food from the tray with her right hand and has a butterfly on her left hand. In the right, an African man, attired in hoop earrings and a red and white sarong, fans the woman with a feathered fan on a long pole. In the right foreground, another African man attired in a blue sarong, sits on steps leading to the hammock and fills a basket with coconuts. In the left are a parrot, several stacked boxes with pineapples on top, and two potted plants. In the right, a monkey sits holding a coconut. In the background is a water fountain, a statue of a woman carrying a vase on a pedestal, and palm and coconut trees. Behind the hammock is the roof of a building with a yellow curtain hanging down. The Philadelphia firm Warner & Merritt imported fruit from the West Indies and Central America from 1878 until 1884. They used 20,000 to 25,000 coconuts weekly to manufacture their desiccated coconut product, Noix de Coco., Title from item., Place of publication deduced from place of operation of the advertised business., Date deduced from the history of the advertised business., Distributor's imprint stamped on verso: Levi I. Schreffler, Dealer In Produce, Tobacco, Sugars, Fresh Fish & Truck, New Depot, Tamaqua, PA., Gift of David Doret.
Life nothing without the Alden vinegar [graphic].
Trade card promoting Alden Fruit Vinegar and depicting a racist scene of a barefooted, African man and a tiger gaurding a barrel marked "The Alden Fruit Vinegar." In the right, the man looks toward the tiger and holds a spilling bucket in his hand as he runs away from the tiger. In the left, the tiger threateningly crouches and roars on a rock. The man carries a spear across his back and holds a shield. He is attired in red-striped shorts attahced to a red-striped sash over his left shoulder, and a headband adorned with two feathers. In the background are palm fronds and thick grass. Brothers John Tolman and Walter Alden founded Alden bro., later Alden Vinegar Company in St. Louis in 1878. The business expanded to Chicago, Philadelphia, and New York. By 1907, the business collapsed., Title from item., Distributor's name on verso: For sale by L.H. Dillingham, dealer in staple and fancy groceries, Valparaiso, Ind., Advertising text printed on recto: Life nothing without the Alden vinegar., Advertising text printed on verso: The Alden Fruit Vinegar, unequalled for purity and excellence. The highest scientific authorities having analyzed, say: "It is a pure, wholesome vinegar produced by natural fermentation from fruits.", Text printed on the recto: [Bu]fford. Boston & New York., Gift of David Doret.
Office of the daily terror. The Davis Sewing Machine Co. [graphic].
Racist circular promoting Davis Sewing Machine Co. and depicting a caricature of an African American boy “spying” into an office after having played a practical joke. In the satiric scene, the boy stands on the front steps of a building that has a sign that reads, "Office of the Daily Terror." He leans towards the door and looks through the keyhole with his right eye and his mouth open in a mischievous smile. In his right hand he carries a box labelled "tacks." In his left hand he holds the leather strap of a container marked "C.H.E." and with the handle of a brush sticking out of it. He is attired in a cap; a collared, long-sleeved shirt; and plaid pants with suspenders. The image inside the circular shows the interior of the newspaper office. A balding white man, attired in dress shoes; pants; a waistcoat; and a collared shirt with a bowtie, jolts into the air out of a wooden chair. A tack sticks into his behind. He clutches a newspaper labeled, "Enterprise," in his hand, while a quill and a pair of scissors labeled, "Warranted Can't Steal" fly into the air. In the left is a wastebasket with crumbled papers, one of which reads, "Poets." In the background is a desk. Rows of sheets of paper and a "Daily Terror" sign are pinned to the wall above it. Brothers John and Joseph Sheldon founded the Davis Sewing Machine Company in Watertown, N.Y. in 1868. The firm manufactured the sewing machines invented by Job Davis. In circa 1892, the company began to manufacture bicycles, and soon thereafter phased out the production of sewing machines. The company ceased in 1924., Title from item., Publication information from copyright statement: Copyrighted 1882., Advertising text printed on verso: Office & Manufactory Watertown, N.Y. Principal Branches. Chicago...46, 48 & 50 Jackson St. Cleveland...82 & 84 Bank St, and 93 St. Clair St. Boston... 194 Tremont St. Philadelphia...1223 Chestnut St. San Francisco, Cal...130 Post St. C. Carranza & Co. Agents for South America...60 Wall St., New York. Zurich, Switzerland...Gessner Allee 15. St Petersburgh, Russia...Krasney Bridge. Sydney, New South Wales... 42 Pitt St. Melbourne,Victoria...79 Bourke St. East. Adelaide... 90 Hinkley St. Brisbane...Queen St. Christs Church N. Zealand...Columbo St. London, E.C...Queen Victoria St., Gift of David Doret.
Ole zip coon. Use kitchen and hand, mineral soap [graphic].
Trade card promoting soap manufacturer Chas. F. Bates & Co. and depicting a racist scene of an African American man stealing a chicken in the countryside. He hangs suspended on a wooden fence, snagged by the seat of his pants. He is attired in blue pants, a blue and white plaid shirt, and black boots. He holds two squawking chickens by the legs in his right hand as another squawking chicken runs away in the left. The man is portrayed with exaggerated features and a look of fear. His mouth is open and the corners turned down. His wide eyes look to the right. In the background in the right, a white man, holding a rifle, runs with a dog towards the fence. A house is visible in the center background. Charles F. Bates (1842-1925) founded the soap manufacturing company Chas. F. Bates & Co., which operated from the 1870s to the 1920s., Title from item., Date deduced from history of the advertised business., Name of the publisher from copyright statement: Copyrighted Bufford, Boston., Advertising text printed on verso: Notice. To Mechanics, laborers, workingmen, clerks, book-keepers, and others, who are engaged in using ink, this soap is of the greatest benefit. [For] removing ink, pitch, cement, varnish, paint, wheel grease, and all impurities and stains, from the hands, it is excellent and unequalled. It is the best that can be used in the counting-house, office, workshop, or kitchen. Try it, and you will be satisfied that it is the "Ne Plus Extra" for washing hands, and no one should be without it. Any quantity of references and recommendations can be given by persons who have used it, but as all will wish to try it, we now offer it to the public on its merits. Every house-keeper should be certain to use it, as it is of great benefit for all kitchen purposes. Beware of imitations which may be offered. For sale by all grocers. Chas. F. Bates & Co. Proprietors and [Ma]nufacturers, 44 Broad Street, Boston, Mass. Factory at Wollaston, Mass., Gift of David Doret.
Oliver Chilled Plow Works [graphic].
Racist trade card illustration depicting a group of African American men and women observing an African American man posing while a cow and donkey pull an -Oliver Chilled Plow in a field. A white dog in the foreground walks into a hollow and fallen tree trunk. The women in the crowd are attired in yellow and blue dresses, a red coat, and white and red headwraps. The men in the crowd are attired in blue, red, green, and yellow vests, jackets, shirts and pants. A white-haired older man in the crowd kneels forward with his hands in his knees. His top hat is visible on the ground in front of him. The man near the plow stands with his right leg crossed in front of his left and his left arm bent toward his chest. He raises his hat with his right hand and bends his head back. He is attired in a white collared shirt, green checkered pants, and black shoes. Visible in the background are two men chasing a goat. Houses, trees, fences, and a steamboat on a body of water are also depicted in the background. On the verso of the trade card is an illustration of an aerial view of the Oliver Chilled Plow Works. The Oliver Chilled Plow Works was founded in Mishawaka, Indiana in 1836 by James Oliver. Shortly after, Oliver began operating from a foundry in South Bend, Indiana where he began manufacturing chilled plows. In 1929, the company merged with the American Seeding Machine Company, Hart-Parr Tractor Company, and Nichols and Shepard Company to form the Oliver Farm Equipment Company., Title from item., Advertising text printed on left panel of verso: Oliver Chilled Plow, 750.000 now in use and more than 90.000 sold for the trade of 1883, a record that cannot be equaled. The Casaday Sulky Plow in spite of the determined opposition of our competitors has taken the very front place in the list of labor saving implements. 20.000 sold for the season of 1883 being more than the combined sales of any three of our competitors. Send for circulars., Advertising text printed on right panel of verso: Oliver Chilled Plow Works. South Bend, Ind., Housed with *Trade cards [*Trade cards - Oliver (P.2017.95.142)], Gift of David Doret.
On the o high o! [graphic] : Compliments of Goodwin brothers, wheel-wrights.
Racist trade card promoting wheelwrights the Goodwin Brothers and depicting caricatures of African Americans on a wooden barge “on the o high o,” i.e. Ohio River. In the right, two men stand and row using long oars. The man in the left is attired a hat, a blue jacket, and blue plaid pants, and the man in the right is attired in a hat, a white shirt, and green pants. In the left is a man seated on a stool playing a fiddle attired in a hat, a white jacket, and blue pants. The man in the center, attired in a hat, a green plaid shirt, and blue pants, dances with his left leg and arm raised up. Another man, attired in a hat, a white shirt, and blue pants with a straw in his mouth, watches the dancer while lying on the barge on his stomach propping his head up with his elbows. Behind the fiddler a woman, attired in a green head kerchief, a blue dress with polka dots, and a beige apron, claps her hands and taps her foot to the music. In the far left is a house with a man standing against the wall, and a boy that runs toward the barge. In the background is a white steamboat on the river. Brothers James K. Goodwin (1844-1910) and Charles W. Goodwin (1853-1943) were wheelwrights in Manchester, New Hampshire., Title from item., Date from the history of the advertised business., Advertising text printed on the verso: Goodwin Brothers, manufacturers of wheels and carriage wood work of every description. Also dealers in hubs, spokes, rims, shafts, bodies, seats, carriage gear &c. Hubs turned and mortised. Sawing and planing to order. Carriages built to order, complete. Special attention given to repairing. 441 Elm Street, Hodge’s Building, Manchester, N.H. J.K. Goodwin. C.W. Goodwin., Series number printed on the recto: 450., Gift of David Doret.
"Othello" [graphic].
Racist trade card specimen depicting an African American man “Othello” holding a knife and jealously looking at an African American woman and man conversing. Shows the African American man, attired in a hat, a red shirt with a white collar, white and blue striped pants with yellow suspenders, red socks, and black shoes, baring his teeth in an angry expression while he holds a knife in his right hand. He stands beside a building and looks over his right shoulder. Behind the building, in the background, an African American woman, attired in a red, short-sleeved dress with a white collar and red shoes, stands with her hands on her hips. She talks with an African American man, attired in a hat, a white collared shirt, a black jacket, khaki pants, and brown shoes, who has his left hand in his jacket pocket and points his index finger on his right hand at the woman., Title from item., Date deduced from the visual content., Gift of David Doret.
Out of Vacuum Harness Oil in an inland town. People cannot exist without it. Sold by WM. R. Fero, dealer in dry goods, groceries, hardware, hats, etc. Glen, N.Y. [graphic].
Racist trade card illustration advertising Vacuum Harness Oil and depicting an African American man riding a horse. The man is attired in an orange long-sleeved shirt, yellow checkered pants, and black boots. The man is portrayed with exaggerated features. Vacuum Harness Oil was founded by Hiram Bond Everest and Matthew P. Ewing in 1866. Standard Oil Trust acquired Vacuum Oil Company in 1879., Title from item., Advertising text on verso: The celebrated Vacuum Harness Oil is put up in Quart, Pint and Half-Pint Cans with Gilt Labels, and warranted full measure., Distributor's imprint printed on recto: Sold by Wm. R. Fero, dealer in dry goods, groceries, hardware, hats, etc. Glen, N.Y., Gift of David Doret.
People's boot and shoe store, 104 Clark Street, corner Washington Street. [graphic]: The return from Europe.
Racist trade card illustration depicting a group of well-dressed African American men and women strutting past other African American men, women, and children. The two well-dressed men are attired in striped pants, suit jackets, collared shirts, bow ties, and top hats. They both carry canes. The two well-dressed women are attired in frilled patterned long sleeved dresses and caps. One woman carries a parasol in her gloved hand. The other carries a handkerchief. The onlookers are dressed in plain clothing. A dog, a tree, a small wooden house, and a fence are visible in the image. The figures are depicted with exaggerated features. The illustration is based on one of a series of racist cartoons drawn by Sol Eytinge and printed in Harper's Weekly in 1878 which depicts the courtship and marriage of families by "The Twins." C.E. Wiswall & Co. was a boot and shoe company based in Chicago. The company's original building burned down durin gthe Chicago Fire of 1871., Title from item., Advertsising text printed on verso: Try us for your next pair of boots and shoes. We will give you a good article at a low price. C.E. Wiswall & Co., Proprietors., Based on "No. 8 Return from the honeymoon tour," photo - 5 x 7 - Unid. - Events [P.2017.26.7], Gift of David Doret.
Picking the coffee berries [graphic].
Racist trade card specimen depicting an African man picking coffee on a plantation. Shows the bare-chested, barefooted man, attired in a straw hat and red striped shorts, picking coffee berries and placing them into a straw basket. The basket, which is hung around his shoulders and neck by a strap in front of his waist, is full of red berries. In the left, the coffee plant that the man picks from is full of red berries. More plants are visible in the background., Title from item., Date deduced from the visual content., Gift of David Doret.
P.J. Brankin, artistic painter, no. 1815 N. Fifth Street, Philadelphia [graphic].
Trade card promoting painter P.J. Brankin and depicting a racist genre scene of an African American man being teasingly awoken by African American children. Figures are caricaturized and portrayed with exaggerated features. Shows a man, attired in a red, checkered shirt, blue pants, and one black boot, lying on his back, his right knee up, atop a large, white bundle. The boot on his left foot has fallen to the ground near his hat lying in front of the bundle. His left foot is bare. In the right, two mischievous boys peer around and over the bundle. The former, attired in a blue shirt, crouches to the ground from behind the bundle while the latter, attired in a yellow shirt with orange polka dots and orange pants, stretches out his right arm to poke the man's face with a piece of straw. In the background is a steamboat on a river. P.J. Brankin (1853-1928) was a house and sign painter who served as a president of the Master Painters' Association. By the 1920s, he was building and selling houses., Title from item., Place of publication deduced from place of operation of advertised business., Date deduced from the history of the advertised business and visual content., Gift of David Doret.
The Redwood portable range, Spicers & Peckham, makers of highest grades only. Providence, R.I. [graphic].
Racist trade card illustration depicting an interior scene with an African American woman delivering a loaf of bread to a well-dressed white woman. The African American woman is attired in a large yellow and green hat with a wide brim, a white bonnet with a green ribbon tied underneath her chin, a red shawl draped across her shoulders, a green and yellow long sleeved dress, a green apron, and brown shoes. The white woman is attired in a yellow dress lined with white and a blue ribbon attached to the back. She wears a blue hairpiece and holds a white fan in both hands. Visible in the background are a set of drawers, on top of which sits a large vase with flowers and cattail plants, and a larger partially obscured drawer in the right of the image with a large decorative plate, a vase, and an urn on top of it. A bordered image featuring a Redwood stove is superimposed over the drawer in the right. The African American woman is depicted with exaggerated features., Title from item., Several lines of partially legible advertising text printed on verso., Text printed on recto: "Don't buy you kitchen stove honey, till you have seen The Redwood.", Gift of David Doret.
Refrigerators. N.B Stevens, 43 Kilby Street, Boston. [graphic].
Racist trade card illustration depicting a group of African American men and boys looking on as a photographer takes a photograph of them. The man and boy standing in the left of the image are attired in torn clothing. The Black man in the center of the image stands directly in front of the camera and peers into the lens. A boy in the right of the image crawls toward the scene on all fours. The photographer is crouched under a cloak. Visible in the background is a woman standing beside a cabin., Title from item., Advertising text on verso: Refrigerators, Uprights and Chests, all sizes and styles. Ice cream freeers. Peerless [...] clothes wringers. The largest and best assortment of the above in New England. N.B. Stevens, 43 Kilby St., Boston., Text printed on recto: Photography under a cloud., Gift of David Doret.
The Rivals embrace [graphic] : Clarence Brooks & Co. Manufacturers of fine coach varnishes, cor. West 12th Sts. New York.
Racist, satiric trade card promoting varnish manufacturer Clarence Brooks and Co. Depicts a genre scene with two African American men suitors courting an African American woman while trying to ice skate on a frozen river. The figures are caricaturized and portrayed with exaggerated features. Two men, their mouths open clutch onto one another, their legs twisted, as they try not to fall on the ice. The man to the left is attired in ice skates; blue pants; a red jacket; white collared shirt; and a top hat that has fallen off. The man to the right is attired in ice skates; yellow suit with red checks; and a top hat. The woman they court watches the scene from the shore. Her mouth is open and her hands are apart in alarm. She is attired in white shoes; red stockings; a blue dress; purple coat; and straw bonnet adorned with a pink feather. In the background are two more ice skaters and a building. Clarence Brooks established his varnish business in 1859 as Brooks and Fitzgerald, later Clarence Brooks & Co. In 1881, the firm issued a calendar illustrated with African American caricatures in genre scenes., Title from item., Place of publication deduced from place of operation of advertised business., Date deduced from history of the advertised business and visual content., Gift of David Doret.
Robinson's sura cura for rheumatism, &c., &c. Dr. Prior's cough balsam. [graphic].
Racist trade card illustration depicting a white man opening the door of his home to find an African American baby in a basket on the doorstep. The white man is attired in pajamas and a sleeping cap. He holds a candelabrum in his left hand and looks at the baby with a surprised expression. The baby kicks their right leg up and raises their right hand in a fist while holding the handle of the basket with their left hand. Superimposed over the scene is a painter's palette with splotches of paint and text advertising Robinson's Sura Cura and Dr. Prior's Cough Balsam. R.W. Robinson & Son manufactured Robinson's Sura Cura and also operated a wholesale drugstore located on Greenwich Street in New York. The business was founded in 1835 and was known as Bush & Gale until 1857 when R.W. Robinson joined the firm. The partnership dissolved in 1870 and Robinson's son, F.M. Robinson, joined the firm. Prior Medicine Co. was based in Middletown, New York in the late 19th century., Title from item., Text printed on recto: A Male Package., Advertising text printed on verso: The household remedies. Robinson's Sura Cura, the sure cure for rheumatism, neuralgia, malaria, and a specific for all diseases arising from an impure state of the blood. Price, 50 cents and $1.00 per bottle. Dr. Prior's Cough Balsam, the best botanical remedy known for the prevention and cure of consumption, and all lung and throat complaints, cures sore throat, diptheria, whooping cough, croup, asthma. Read testimonials on circulars., Distributor's imprint on verso: Dr. AS Gibbs, Hope NJ., Gift of David Doret.
Sanford's ginger [graphic].
Racist trade card illustration depicting a smiling African American girl holding a crying African American baby in a watermelon carved in the shape of a bassinet in her lap. The girl is attired in a red and yellow dress with white lace ruffles and sits atop a large watermelon. Her hair is styled into pigtails with blue ribbons. The baby is attired in a white ruffled dress. The girl holds a bottle of Sanford's Ginger in her right arm and a piece of watermelon in her left hand. Light emmanates from behind the girl and baby and they are surrounded by wasps. Potter Drug and Chemical Corporation was founded as Weeks and Potter in the mid-19th century. The company changed its name to Potter Drug and Chemical Company in 1883 and was incorporated as the Potter Drug and Chemical Corporation in 1899., Title from item., Advertising text on verso: Sanford's Ginger. The delicious summer medicine. Prepared with the utmost skill from imported ginger, choice aromatics, and the purest and best of medicinal French brandy, from the world-renowned vintners, Messrs. Otard, Dupuy & Co., Cognac, rendering it vastly superior to all other "gingers," all of which are made of common alcohol, largely impregnated with poisonous fusil oil, and strengthened with cayenne pepper. Unripe fruit, impure water, unhealthy climate, unwholesome food, malaria, epidemic and contagious diseases, cholera, morbus, cramps, pains, indigestion, diarrhœa, colds, chills, simple fevers, exhaustion, nervousness, or loss of sleep that beset the traveller or household at this season, are nothing to those protected by a timely use of Sanford's Ginger, the delicious summer medicine. As a pure fruit stimulant, for the aged, mentally and physically exhausted, careworn or overworked, for delicate females, especially mothers, for those recovering from debilitating diseases, and as a means of reforming those addicted to an excessive use of alcoholic stimulants, it is unequalled in the whole range of medicines. As a beverage, with hot or cold water, sweetened, or hot or cold milk, or added to ice water, lemonade, effervescent draughts or mineral waters, it forms a refreshing and invigorating beverage, unequalled in simplicity and purity by any tonic medicine, while free from alcoholic reaction. Avoid mercenary dealers, who, for a few cents' extra profit try to force upon you their own or others, when you call for Sanford's Ginger. Sold by wholesale and retail druggists, grocers, etc., everywhere., Distributor's imprint printed on verso: Potter Drug and Chemical Co., Boston., Gift of David Doret.
Sanford's ginger [graphic].
Racist trade card illustration depicting a smiling African American girl holding a crying African American baby in a watermelon carved in the shape of a bassinet in her lap. The girl is attired in a red and yellow dress with white lace ruffles and sits atop a large watermelon. Her hair is styled into pigtails with blue ribbons. The baby is attired in a white ruffled dress. The girl holds a bottle of Sanford's Ginger in her right arm and a piece of watermelon in her left hand. Light emmanates from behind the girl and baby and they are surrounded by wasps. Potter Drug and Chemical Corporation was founded as Weeks and Potter in the mid-19th century. The company changed its name to Potter Drug and Chemical Company in 1883 and was incorporated as the Potter Drug and Chemical Corporation in 1899., Title from item., Advertising text on verso: Sanford's Ginger. The delicious summer medicine. Prepared with the utmost skill from imported ginger, choice aromatics, and the purest and best of medicinal French brandy, from the world-renowned vintners, Messrs. Otard, Dupuy & Co., Cognac, rendering it vastly superior to all other "gingers," all of which are made of common alcohol, largely impregnated with poisonous fusil oil, and strengthened with cayenne pepper. Unripe fruit, impure water, unhealthy climate, unwholesome food, malaria, epidemic and contagious diseases, cholera, morbus, cramps, pains, indigestion, diarrhœa, colds, chills, simple fevers, exhaustion, nervousness, or loss of sleep that beset the traveller or household at this season, are nothing to those protected by a timely use of Sanford's Ginger, the delicious summer medicine. As a pure fruit stimulant, for the aged, mentally and physically exhausted, careworn or overworked, for delicate females, especially mothers, for those recovering from debilitating diseases, and as a means of reforming those addicted to an excessive use of alcoholic stimulants, it is unequalled in the whole range of medicines. As a beverage, with hot or cold water, sweetened, or hot or cold milk, or added to ice water, lemonade, effervescent draughts or mineral waters, it forms a refreshing and invigorating beverage, unequalled in simplicity and purity by any tonic medicine, while free from alcoholic reaction. Avoid mercenary dealers, who, for a few cents' extra profit try to force upon you their own or others, when you call for Sanford's Ginger. Sold by wholesale and retail druggists, grocers, etc., everywhere., Distributor's imprint printed on verso: Potter Drug and Chemical Co., Boston., Gift of David Doret.

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