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- Title
- Lily White "the flour the best cooks use," Valley City Milling Co. Grand Rapids, Mich
- Description
- Racist trade card illustration depicting a vignette of a smiling African American infant sitting in a yellow high chair. A cup of water is overturned on the table attached to the high chair and water spills over the edge. The baby gestures toward the cup with her right hand puts her left index finger in her mouth. The barefoot child is attired in a blue, red, and white plaid dress and a white bib with red embroidery. Lily White flour was manufactured by the Valley City Milling Company, which was established in 1884 and eventually became known as the Grand Rapids Roller Mills., Title from item., Advertising text on verso: Your children will not hanker after cake and other injurious dainties so much if you provide them wiht light, sweet tasting bread made of Lily White, "the flour the best cooks use." This bread has the good old fashioned bread flavor which children like and the more they eat of it the better their general health will be. Give them more bread and less meat. Always for sale by the dealer who gave you this card. Valley City Milling Co. Grand Rapids, Mich., Gift of David Doret.
- Date
- [ca. 1890]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Valley [P.2017.95.181]
- Title
- Van Stan's Stratena, the best cement in the world Great lecture on Van Stan's Stratena by Julius Augustus Cesar at Ethiopian Hall. Mends china, glass, wood, bone, metal, jet, coral, porcelain, leather, ivory, stone, &c. &c
- Description
- Racist trade card illustration depicting an African American man lecturing in front of an audience of well-dressed African American men on a stage. The lecturer leans on a wooden table and is attired in a brown jacket, a tan vest, a white shirt with gold cuff links, a white bowtie, blue pants, and black shoes. Rolls of paper stick out from the man's back pocket. The man's upturned top hat is visible underneath the table. A decorative object advertising Stratena and a cup sit on the table. All of the men are depicted with exaggerated features. Van Stan's Stratena was manufcatured in Philadelphia during the late 19th century., Title from item., Advertising text on recto: One drop of dis yere Stratena on de conscience of a politician will make him stick to his principles. One drop on de mariage certificate will prevent de divorce court from separating you from de wife of your bosom. Do you hear me! Gentlemen I am a talking., Gift of David Doret.
- Date
- [ca. 1880]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Van Stran [P.2017.95.182]
- Title
- Compliments of Villa Park Improvement Co
- Description
- Racist trade card illustration depicting two African American girls and one boy standing near a fence and fending off two wild turkeys. The boy stands behind the two girls and is attired in a cap, a long brown coat, tan gloves, and black shoes. The older girl is attired in a red hat with a dark-colored ribbon, a yellow jacket, red gloves, red stockings, and black boots. She wields a stick in her right hand and holds the younger girl with her left. The younger girl is attired in a blue and white cap and a blue jacket. All of the children are depicted with exaggerated features. The Villa Park Improvement Company was based in New Jersey and James Moses, a Trenton businessman, was the organization's president during the 1890s., Title from item., Advertising text on recto: Compliments of Villa Park Improvement Co. Be sure to read the circular. It is interesting. Especially about the free life insurance and free car far. An ideal location for a home. Great value as an investment. No interest, no taxes, two trolley lines. Public school on the plot. Main office, 39 Muirhead Street. Branch office, Corner Hamilton and Quintin Avenues., Gift of David Doret.
- Date
- [ca. 1890]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Villa [P.2017.95.183x]
- Title
- W.H. & S.V. Lines
- Description
- Racist trade card showing an African American man facing the left and depicted in bust-length. The man is attired in a straw hat, from which three chicks peek out, and a collared shirt. He is depicted with exaggerated features., Title from item., Advertising text on verso: Boots, shoes, rubbers, trunks & bags. Good goods! Low prices! All the novelties. Buying direct in large lots to supply our seven stores enables us to sell cheaper than other dealers. Stores at Rochester, Schenectady, Ithaca, Amsterdam, Elmira, Lockport, and Geneva, N.Y. W.H. Lines, S.V. Lines, Jr., Text printed on recto: Injured innocence. I hain't seen nuffin of yer chickens! Do yer took me for a thief? Do yer see any chickens 'bout me? Go' way dar, white man! Treat a bo 'spectable if he am brack!, Gift of David Doret.
- Date
- [ca. 1875]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - W.H & S.V. Lines [P.2017.95.184]
- Title
- [African American boy in tree reaching for eggs in a bird’s nest]
- Description
- Racist trade card promoting Joshua Walker’s bone fertilizer and depicting a caricature of an African American boy in a tree trying to take bird eggs from a nest. The barefooted boy is attired in a straw hat that is torn at the top and on the brim and a white, long-sleeved shirt that covers to his thighs. The shirt has a large tear on the left shoulder exposing his chest and arm. With his mouth open, the boy stands on a branch in a tree full of pink flowers. He holds a branch with his right hand and reaches his left hand towards a bird’s nest with two eggs. A yellow and black birds flies away in the lower left. Joshua Walker was a fertilizer merchant who was active circa 1880s-1900 in Baltimore, Md., Title supplied by cataloger., Place of publication deduced from place of operation of the advertised business., Date inferred from the date supplied in the advertising text on the verso., Advertising text printed on verso: Sample No. 1747. Selected at McKnightsto[?]. Office Penn’a Board of Agriculture, Harrisburg, Pa., June 2, 1894. Analysis by Dr. Wm. Frear, Chemist, Pennsylvania State Board of Agr State College P.O., Centre Co., Penn’a. Manufactured by Jo[sh]ua Walker, Baltimore, Md. Name of Fertilizer, -Ec[onomical] [Amm]oniated Bone. Moisture….15.10 a/c 302 [?]g, Bagging, &c.,.. Souluble Phosphoric Acid, …6.68 a/c 134 lbs per ton,…Reverted “ 2.17 a/c 43 “” …Insoluble “” 1.28 a/c 26 “”… Potash…1/14 a/c 23 “” …Nitrogen…1.45 a/c 29 “”… Comparative Commercial value per ton, …, Gift of David Doret.
- Date
- [ca. 1894]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Walker [P.2017.95.186]
- Title
- Frank Miller's crown dressing Yes missus dat am de Crown of Dressing shua!
- Description
- Racist trade card depicting an African American maid shining a white woman's boots. The African American woman is depicted in profile and holds a bottle of Frank Miller's Crown Dressing in her left hand. The white woman holds up the skirt of her dress to reveal her left boot. The maid is attired in a head wrap, a dress with the sleeves rolled, an apron, and flat shoes. The white woman is attired in a ruffled, dark-colored dress, flowers in her hair, and leather boots. A bottle of Frank Miller's Crown Dressing sits atop an ornamented table. A bottle of Frank Miller's Crown dressing is also printed on the verso. A tassel is visible above the bottle and a curtain is visible behind it. Frank Miller & Co. was a New York manufacturer of shoe polish based in Manhattan. The company was founded in the 1860s and continued operating throughout the late 19th century., Title from item., Printed in red ink., Distributor's imprint printed on recto: John Cottrill, boots, shoes, trunks, &c, Wallingford, Conn., Advertising text printed on verso: Frank Miller's Crown Dressing in 4-oz. bottles, with wire, sponge, and cork. Gives a rich gloss, with a deep and durable color. While most dressings crack the leather, the Crown does not injure it in the least, and for ladies' and children's boots and shoes is rapidly displacing all others., Gift of David Doret.
- Date
- [ca. 1870]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Miller [P.2017.95.130]
- Title
- Frank Miller's blacking
- Description
- Racist trade card illustration depicting an African American man walking down a street past two white male onlookers and with a small white man behind him. The African American man stands tall with his right hand tucked into the breast of his coat and his legs crossed. He carries a cane in his left hand and smokes a cigar. He is attired in a top hat, a collared shirt, a bowtie, a coat, striped slim-fitting pants, and heeled shoes. The two white men stand with their hands in their pockets and are attired in top hats, coats, pants, and dark-colored shoes. The small white man stands in an identical pose to the African American man and carries a box in his left hand. He is attired in a coat, a vest, pants with a patch, and shoes. The African American man is depicted with exaggerated features. Frank Miller & Co. was a New York manufacturer of shoe polish based in Manhattan. The company was founded in the 1860s and continued operating throughout the late 19th century., Title from item., Date inferred from content and genre of print., Text printed on recto: Over., Advertising text printed on verso: Frank Miller's peerless black[in]g. This article will fully meet the requirements [of the] dealer and consumer, as to quality and appearance, [for] the general consumption of the country. It gives a quick [radiant], jet black gloss, without injury to the [?]. Frank Miller's improved French blacking gives a quick, brilliant and durable polish with positive nourishment to the leather. It is different in composition from common blackings, being based upon the French pro-cess, with every vluable feature of the French style retained, while such improvements have been made as to insure a dryer and more durable gloss, with increaed pliability of the leather., Gift of David Doret.
- Date
- [ca. 1870]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Miller [P.2017.95.129]
- Title
- Fine clothing, for men, youths and boys at the Misfitstore, cor. 10th & F Sts
- Description
- Racist trade card illustration depicting an African American man minstrel musician to promote a clothing store. Shows the man facing the viewer and playing a recorder. The man is attired in a red cap, a white shirt with the collar turned up, a green bowtie, a brown jacket, blue and white striped pants, and brown shoes., Title from item., Date inferred from content and genre of print., Gift of David Doret.
- Date
- [ca. 1880]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Misfitstore [P.2017.95.132]
- Title
- For the holidays, good dinners, &c., to be had at the Model Coffee House, Chas. Huber, Proprietor No. 48 East Seneca Street, Buffalo, N.Y. Separate room for ladies
- Description
- Racist trade card illustration depicting an African American man cook delivering food to a table and two blonde-haired white children trailing him. In the foreground is a table with a red and white tablecloth. Plates of food, trays, and a pitcher are visible on the table. A fish is depicted atop a plate at the center of the table and a tray in the right bears bunches of grapes and bears. Behind the three figures are shrubbery and a trellis covered in leafy vines. The cook is attired in a white chef's hat and uniform and is depicted with exaggerated features. The young white girl dons a red ribbon in her hair. Charles Huber owned a restaurant, Model Coffee House, in Buffalo, New York during the late nineteenth century., Title from item., Date inferred from content and genre of print., Advertising text printed on recto: Separate room for ladies., Gift of David Doret.
- Date
- [ca. 1885]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Model [P.2017.95.133]
- Title
- No dinner?
- Description
- 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.
- Date
- [ca. 1885]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Morse [P.2017.95.134]
- Title
- Dey's de irons to make de angels' robes white and smooth in de colored folk's heaven
- Description
- Racist trade card illustration promoting Mrs. Potts' Cold Handle Sad Iron and depicting three African American winged angels. In the foreground is an African American woman attired in a white headwrap, along-sleeved white dress, and white flat shoes. She stands with her arms wide and holds irons in both hands. In the left is a smaller boy angel who stands with his hands on his hips and in the right is an identically posed girl angel. All three figures are depicted with exaggerated figures. A box of text is superimposed over the woman angel's torso. Three irons are depicted on verso along with a disembodied hand demonstrating the detachable handle., Title from item., Advertising text printed on verso: Mrs. Potts' Cold Handle Sad Iron. Advantages: A cold detachange walnut handle, are lined with nonconducting cement. Heat quicker than other irons. Retain the heat longer. Require no holder or cloth. Do not burn the hand. Are double pointed, iron both ways, the best in use, cheap., Distributor's imprint printed on verso: Smith, Seltzer & Co., Sixth & Market Sts, Philadelphia, PA., Gift of David Doret.
- Date
- [ca. 1880]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Mrs. Potts [P.2017.95.135]
- Title
- Golden Cottolene, N.K. Fairbanks & Co. Chicago
- Description
- Racist trade card illustration depicting a short-haired African American girl picking cotton. Surrounding the image are cotton leaves, buds, and bolls. The girl carries a large, overflowing bale of cotton in the skirt of her apron and stands on her left leg while kicking her right leg outward. Visible in the right corner of the image is a tin bucket of Golden Cottolene. The girl is attired in a red and blue striped collared dress, a yellow striped apron, red socks, and black heeled boots. She is depicted with exaggerated features. Golden Cottolene shortening was was manufactured by N.K. Fairbank & Co., which was based in Chicago during the late 19th century and purchased by American Cotton Oil in 1875. The manufacturing plant in Chicago was closed in 1921., Title from item., Advertising text on verso: Directions for using Fairbank's Cottolene. Health! Purity! Economy! Cottolene, the new and popular health food, is rapidly superseding lard and butter as a cooking fat, being healthier, cleaner and more economical. Use in every place and in the same manner that lard and butter is used in cooking, taking only two-thirds (2/3) of the amount that would be required of the above mentioned articles. If more is used it is wasted. For cake making treat in the same manner as butter, i.e., creaming it with sugar, adding a little salt, for Cottolene contains none. For frying put the Cottolene in a cold pan or kettle allowing the fat to gradually come to a cooking point. This will prevent burning. Cottolene reaches a cooking point without any sputtering or smoking and quicker than lard with the same heat, and therefore care should be taken that it does not become too hot. Beware of imitations. The N.K. Fairbank Co. Chicago, St. Louis, New York, Boston, Philadelphia & Montreal. Recipe for New England Doughnuts. 1 cup sugar. 2 eggs beaten light and mixed with the sugar. 2 teaspoonfuls melted Cottolene. 1/2 cup milk. 2 teaspoonfuls baking powder. 1/2 teaspoonful salt. 1 salt-spoonful cinnamon. Flour enough to roll. Add the milk alternately with the flour. Have the kettle three-quarters (3/4) full of Cottolene, hot enough to brown a piece of bread in half a minute, or while you count sixty. Drop in the doughnuts and fry till brown., Gift of David Doret.
- Date
- [ca. 1885]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - N.K. Fairbanks [P.2017.95.137]
- Title
- Cottolene
- Description
- Racist trade card illustration depicting a three-quarter length portrait of a smiling African American girl. The girl holds an overflowing bale of cotton in her arms. A picturesque countryside and field of cotton is visible in the background. The girl is attired in a pink and blue striped short sleeved dress and her hair is tied into a braid with a yellow ribbon. She is depicted with exaggerated features. Cottolene shortening was was manufactured by N.K. Fairbank & Co., which was based in Chicago during the late 19th century and purchased by American Cotton Oil in 1875. The manufacturing plant in Chicago was closed in 1921., Title from item., Advertising text on verso: Directions for using Fairbank's Cottolene. Health! Purity! Economy!!! Cottolene, the new and popular Health Food is rapidly superseding lard and butter as a cooking fat being healthier, cleaner and more economical. Use in every place and in the same manner that lard and butter is used in cooking, taking only two-thirds (2/3) of the amount that would be required of the above mentioned articles. If more is used it is wasted. For cake making treat in the same manner as butter, i.e., creaming it with sugar, adding a little salt, for Cottolene contains none. For frying put the Cottolene in a cold pan or kettle allowing the fat to gradually come to a cooking point. This will prevent burning. Cottolene reaches a cooking point without any sputtering or smoking, and quicker than lard with the same heat, and therefore care should be taken that it does not become too hot. Beware of imitations. N.K. Fairbank & Co., Chicago. St. Louis. New York, Boston, Philadelphia and Montreal. Recipe for New England Doughnuts. 1 cup of sugar. 2 eggs beaten light and mixed with the sugar. 2 teaspoonfuls of melted Cottolene. 1/2 cup milk. 2 teaspoonfuls of baking bowder. 1/2 teaspoonful salt. 1 salt-spoonful cinnamon. Flour enough to roll. Add the milk alternately with the flour. Have the kettle three-quarters (3/4) full of Cottolene, hot enough to brown a piece of bread in half a minute, or while you count sixty. Drop in the doughnuts and fry till brown., Gift of David Doret.
- Date
- [ca. 1885]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - N.K. Fairbanks [P.2017.95.138]
- Title
- The light-running New Home sewing machine, D.S. Ewing, general agent, 1127 Chestnut St. Phila, PA
- Description
- Racist trade card illustration depicting an African American family riding a donkey and leaving their small cabin, which is likely located on or near a plantation. The family consists of a father, son, mother, and baby. Surrounding the family are two small dogs, two children waving goodbye on a wooden fence, a child who tugs the donkey's tail, a woman bidding the group farewell with her arms outstrethced, and a man who sits on the steps of the cabin in the background. A second cabin is visible in the background of the image behind the wooden fence. The father is attired in a yellow coat, a white and black top hat, and shoes. The son is attired in a white dotted shirt, a hat, plaid yellow pants, and shoes. The mother is attired in a yellow shirt, a white bonnet, a blue dotted shirt and shoes. She holds the baby in a wrapped blanket and gestures toward the onlookers behind her. A sign shaped like an arm with a hand pointing its index finger is situated beside the wood fence and reads "New home." In the upper right corner is a circular image of a New Home sewing machine. Daniel S. Ewing was a Philadelphia merchant who sold sewing machines at his eponymous store. The store was located in Philadelphia on Chestnut Street., Title from item., Text on recto: We's gwine to get a new home we is!, Gift of David Doret.
- Date
- [ca. 1885]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - New Home [P.2017.95.140]
- Title
- The "Gem" freezer
- Description
- Racist trade card illustration depicting an African American woman maid serving two bowls of freshly churned ice cream on a tray to two white children sitting at a table with a white tablecloth. The girl is attired in a yellow dress with a white and purple ruffled collar and a white ribbon in her hair. She sits with her hands folded. The boy is attired in a long sleeved purple shirt and a white bib. He holds a spoon in his right hand and reaches his left hand out toward the maid. The maid is attired in a red headwrap, gold hoop earrings, a white collared shirt with a bowtie, a blue long sleeved dress, and a white apron. On the verso of the trade card is a black and white illustration depicting a "Gem" freezer. The "Gem" freezer was manufactured by the North Brothers Manufacturing Company, which was based in Philadelphia and owned by Selden Gladwin North, Ralph H. North, and Frank H. North. The company was founded in 1878 and became a major manufacturer of various kitchen appliances., Title from item., Date inferred from dates of operation of business., Note written in manuscript on verso., Advertising text printed on verso: The "Gem" freezer. The best in practical use, because convenient, compact in size, use for smallest amount of ice and salt, run easily, freeze quickly, produce smoothly frozen creams or desserts with little bother and less work. The Pails have electric-welded wire hoops, guaranteed not to break or fall off; the cans are made of heavy tinplate with drawn steel bottoms that are guaranteed not to fall out or break and do not leak, the strongest and most durable freezer can made; the automatic twin scrapers by their positive action insure perfect scraping of frozen particles from side of can as rapidly as formed without injury to can or scrapers. All inside parts are heavily coated with pure block tin, and outside parts all thoroughly galvanized. A recipe book with complete directions for making over 100 ice creams, water ices, sherbets and other desserts packed in each freezer. W.E. Sturges, Phoenixville, PA., Gift of David Doret.
- Date
- [ca. 1890]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - North Bros. [P.2017.95.141]
- Title
- Oliver Chilled Plow Works
- Description
- 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.
- Date
- [1883]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Oliver [P.2017.95.142]
- Title
- People's boot and shoe store, 104 Clark Street, corner Washington Street The return from Europe
- Description
- 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.
- Date
- [ca. 1880]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - People [P.2017.95.144]
- Title
- The Redwood portable range, Spicers & Peckham, makers of highest grades only. Providence, R.I
- Description
- 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.
- Date
- [ca. 1885]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Redwood [P.2017.95.146]
- Title
- If you want to be stylishly shod and comfortably fitted, bring your feet to Lee Reinberg, shoe man, 7 and 11 S. George St., York, PA
- Description
- Racist trade card illustration depicting a smiling African American boy sitting on top of a crate, eating a piece of watermelon, and holding a larger piece of watermelon in his lap. The boy is attired in a white and blue shirt, brown pants, brown suspenders, and a cap. The image of the boy is surrounded by a gilded golden frame., Title from item., Printer's imprint printed on verso: Yoe Printing Co., Yoe, PA., Text printed on recto: The real thing., Gift of David Doret.
- Date
- 1901
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Reinberg [P.2017.95.147]
- Title
- H. Rendtorff, wholesale and retail dealer in stoves and hardware, 291 & 293 North Ave., Chicago
- Description
- Racist trade card depicting an interior scene of a set of African American conjoined twin sisters, their mother, their father, and their male suitor. The twins curtsy and their suitor bows his head. The twins are attired in a yellow and red dotted dress with a roffled hem and white collars. Their mother is attired in a blue and red dress with a white apron. The twins' father is attired in a green jacket, a white collared shirt, a yellow bow tie, red pants, and black boots. The twins' suitor is attired in a black jacket, a white collared shirt, a red bow tie, red and blue striped pants, and black shoes. He holds a brown hat in his right hand to his chest. Visible in the background of the scene are framed works of art on the wall, a table, a vase with flowers, a window, and a clock. All of the figures are portrayed with exaggerated features. The illustration is based on a racist series of African American caricatures originally created for Harper’s Weekly in 1878 by Sol Eytinge that satirized the courtship, marriage, and the start of families by "The Twins." A Bismarck Range stove is depicted on the verso of the trade card. Herman Rendtorff was a Chicago stove and hardware merchant whose business operated throughout the latter half of the 19th century., Title from item., Text printed on recto: Introduction of the Twins., Advertising text printed on verso: The celebrated Bismark Range. Manufactured by Burdett, Smith & Co., Troy, New York, And 34 River St., Chicago, Ill., Gift of David Doret.
- Date
- [ca. 1880]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Rendtorff [P.2017.95.148]
- Title
- A tale of the Rising Sun stove polish
- Description
- Racist trade card circular advertising Rising Sun Stove Polish. Depicts four scenes in which a white woman, identified as Mrs. Smith, buys cheap ineffective stove polish from a "crafty shopkeeper" and proceeds to purchase the more effective Rising Sun Stove Polish. In the background of the scenes in Mrs. Smith's kitchen is her African American housekeeper, Dinah. Also depicted in the scenes are Mrs. Smith's friend Mrs. Jenkins, her husband Mr. Smith, and a small white dog. Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Jenkins are attired in elaborate and colorful dresses, hats, and hair pieces. In the scene titled "The wretched household," Dinah frowns and is attired" in a yellow dress with the sleeves rolled, a white apron, yellow shoes, white socks, and a yellow headwrap. She holds a brush in her left hand. In the scene titled "The happy home," Dinah smiles and is attired in a blue and white dress with a yellow skirt visible beneath it, black flat shoes, and a red and white cap. She holds a brush in her left hand and raises it triumphantly. In both scenes, she is depicted with exaggerated features. Rising Sun Stove Polish Company was founded in Canton, Massachusetts by Elijah Morse in 1864., Title from item., Text printed on recto: The crafty shopkeeper. "It's just as good!" the shopman - he was a vile deceiver. And Mrs. Smith, unused to guile, alas, was a believer. And on the rascal's oily words and lying tongue depended, and bought the swindling compound that the shopman recommended. The wretched household. Next day wise Mrs. Jenkins called on Mrs. Smith, her neighbor, and found the house all upside down, herself distraught with labor: the fire unkindled in the stove, and Dinah vainly trying to black the stove with that vile stuff her mistress had been buying. The dinner not commenced to get, and Mr. Smith expected, each moment home - no wonder that his wife appeared djected. Wise Mrs. Jenkins gazed in tears upon the scene - said she - "For all your troubles, dear, I know a sovereign remedy.", Text printed on verso: The beautiful chromo. Wise Mrs. Jenkins and her friend a little ramble took, and at a splendid chromo in a window took a look. Said Mrs. Jenkins (verbum sap), "'twill all your cares abolish, if you will use the best of all - the Rising Sun Stove Polish." The happy home. "Home, home, sweet home," entranced we gaze upon the peaceful scene, a happy home where everything is quiet and serene. Within the polished stove the fire is burning bright, and on old Dinah's face appears a smile of a calm delight. Kind reader, heed the moral taught, and then our story's done - no stove polish is "just as good" as is the Rising Sun., Gift of David Doret.
- Date
- [ca. 1885]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Rising Sun [P.2017.95.149]
- Title
- S.H. Zahm & Co., dealers in new and second-hand books, stationery and blank books, Nos. 18 & 20 South Queen Street, Lancaster, PA
- Description
- Racist trade card illustration depicting an elderly African American man looking out of a window. The gray-haired man is attired in a red long-sleeved shirt and gold-rimmed spectacles. He holds a newspaper in both hands and a pipe in his left hand. The man looks toward the right side of the image and his mouth is agape. He is depicted with exaggerated features. S.H Zahm & Co. was owned by Samuel Hensel Zahm and his business partner Samuel Auxer. Zahm was an active member of the Lancaster community and was a member of the board of health, the Lancaster County Historical Society, and the Pennsylvania German Society. He was also a collector of Native American artifacts., Title from item., Gift of David Doret.
- Date
- [ca. 1880]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - S.H. Zahm [P.2017.95.151]
- Title
- Sanford's ginger
- Description
- 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.
- Date
- [ca. 1885]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Sanford [P.2017.95.152]
- Title
- Sanford's ginger
- Description
- 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.
- Date
- [ca. 1885]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Sanford [P.2017.95.153]
- Title
- New clothing [etc] at T.B. Segar's, Odd Fellows Block. Hope Valley
- Description
- 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.
- Date
- [ca. 1880]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - T.B. Segar's [P.2017.95.156]
- Title
- J.H. Short, dealer in music and musical merchandise, 94 Town Hall, Stamford, Conn. Piano and organ music 1/3 off
- Description
- Racist trade card illustration promoting Connecticut music dealer J.H. Short and depicting an African American male dandy, with a sheepish expresion, and posed with one hand to his lips and his other hand holding a top hat at his shoulder. He wears a ruffled white shirt, white vest adorned with a wa4tch fob, gold waist coat with tails, and bright blue and white striped pants. He stands in front of a background of fauna details., Title from item., Text printed on recto: I'se a Dude!, Gift of David Doret.
- Date
- [ca. 1890]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Short [P.2017.95.157]
- Title
- Smith brothers chemically pure Borax
- Description
- Racist trade card depicting a well-dressed white woman, two white housekeepers, and one African American housekeeper using Smith Brothers Chemically Pure Borax to complete various household tasks while standing in a kitchen. The white woman in the left of the image sprinkles Borax on to a group of cockroaches on the floor. At the center of the image, one white woman holds a white cloth with ruffles while another white woman applies Borax onto it. The African American woman stands in the right background of the image and looks at the two women. Her left hand is submerged in a tub of water. A stove with pots and pans, a table with an iron, and a clothes line are visible in the background. The African American woman is portrayed with exaggerated features. Githens & Rexsamer was a Philadelphia-based exporter and importer of groceries and canned goods., Title from item., Advertising text printed on verso: Directions. Washing. - Dissolve one heaping tablespoonful of Borax in hot water for every tubful of clothes; soap all of the most soiled places and rub on the board through one water; after rubbing throw the pieces intoa tub containing boiling water and Borax; let them remain there while the second tub of clothes is being washed; rinse in one plain water; do not boil the clothes. Starching. - One teaspoonful Borax to one pint boiling starch, adds greatly to the gloss, afact not generally known. To Prevent Mtohs [sic.] - Sprinkle floor with the powder before laying down the carpets, and put it with the clothes when packed away. Removing Cockroaches. - Sprinkle floor, leaving places open for escape, or to kill them, add one part Borax to two parts powdered sugar. Rough face or chapped hands. - One tablespoonful Pulverized Borax to one quart hot water, apply night and morning with a sponge or cloth. Dressing Ulcers, Wounds, Bruises, Sprains, Chilblains and Removing Inflamation. - One tablespoonful Pulverized Borax to one pint hot water, saturate a piece of lint with same, hanging it up to dry, then use for a dressing. For Bathing. - Always add Pulverized Borax to the Bath, it softens the water. Especially use it for infants and children. Arresting Fermentatoin. [sic.] -One-half thimbleful Pulverized Borax to one quart cream or milk, will preserve them perfectly sweet. Cleaning Clothes. - One tablespoonful to one pint of hot water, when cold, use instead of Ammonia or Benzine., Distributor's imprint printed on verso: For sale by Githens & Rexsamer, 40 & 42 South Front Street, and 39 Letitia Street., Gift of David Doret.
- Date
- [ca. 1880]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Smith [P.2017.95.161]
- Title
- Sollers & Co, minstrels
- Description
- Racist trade card illustration depicting six well-dressed children sitting in chairs arranged on a stage in a semi-circle. Four of the children are white and two of them are African American. At the center of the image is a white boy who attired in a green suit jacket and cropped pants with a pink bowtie pointing and asking the children to his right,"Why do we all wear Sollers & Co's shoes?" The African American boy in the left of the image responds, "Cause dey save de soles ob de children!" The African American boy in the right of the image is depicted saying, "Gib it up!" The two African American boys are attired in blonde wigs, blue coats, yellow pants, and boots. The three white girls are attired in ruffled dresses and hold fans. The white boy is attired in a green jacket, white collared shirt, pink bowtie, green pants, and boots. Two medals earned by Sollers & Co. at the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition and the 1878 Exposition Universelle (or World's Fair) in Paris are printed on the trade card's verso. S.D. Sollers & Co. was a Philadelphia manufacturer of women and children's clothing and shoes that operated during the 19th century., Title from item., Text printed on recto: Why do we all wear Soller's & Co's shoes? Cause dey save de soles ob de chil'ren! Gib it up!, Advertising text printed on verso: Sollers & Co's celebrated shoes & slippers for ladies, misses and children. Hand-made and Machine Sewed. Retailed only at our store, 636 Arch Street, Philadelphia. Buy our Protection Toe and Box Toe Tip Shoes for your Children. They are the Best to wear., Gift of David Doret.
- Date
- 1877
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Sollers [P.2017.95.162]
- Title
- St. Jacobs Oil, "it conquers pain"
- Description
- Racist trade card illustration promoting St. Jacobs Oil, a pain relieiving remedy, and depicting one white and one African American male jockey competing with one another. The African American jockey is attired in a, collared shirt, a yellow and orange striped sweater, white pants, white gloves, a red and white cap, and black boots. He holds his whip in his right hand and his horses reins in his left hand. His dark brown horse kicks its hind legs up toward the man and his carriage, causing the man to frown fearfully and hold his right hand to his forehead. The white jockey is attired in a white collared shirt, a red tie, a blue sport jacket, a blue and yellow cap, yellow gloves, and white pants. He holds his light brown horse's reins in both hands and a whip in his right. The African American man is depicted with exaggerated features. St. Jacobs Oil was invented by August Vogeler, a German immigrant, his son Charles A., and John H. Winkleman after 1878. Charles A. Vogeler evenutally took over the business in the late 19th century., Title from item., Advertising text printed on verso: Blue Grass Breeders. Mr. R.S. Withers, son of Gen'l Wm. T. Withers of Fairlawn Stock Farm, Lexington, Ky., writes: "I have such confidence in St. Jacobs Oil, the great pain-cure, that I use it on everything; myself, my horses, my men. Everybody, for all kinds of aches and pains, believe in its sovereignty as a cure." From Horsemen's Head-Quarters. Messrs. Treacy & Wilson, Lexington, Ky., favorably known throughout the United States and other countries as successful breeders, trainers of and dealers in fine trotting and thoroughbred stock of every description, write as follows: "We find St. Jacobs Oil very useful for both man and horse, and the article has our full endorsement. We are willing our recommendation of it should be given the widest publicity." The Doctors Prescribe It. Dr. William A. Soula, Doctor Veterinary Surgery and for nine years in charge of the Third Avenue Railroad Stables, New York City, working thousands of horses, certifies to the curative qualities of St. Jacobs Oil, the great pain-cure for sprains, galls, rheumatism and all other afflictions to which horses are subject. A Leading Authority Endorses It. Mr. E.A. Buck, Editor and Publisher, The Spirit of the Times, New York, the leading Turf paper and Sporting Authority of the United States, says: "I have used St. Jacobs Oil repeatedly, with satisfactory results." Interviews have been published in the Spirit with leading horsement, stablemen and turfmen, who say that it will do all that is claimed for it, in removing aches and pains from man and beast. The Great German Remedy, St. Jacobs Oil, for the cure of pain, is sold by druggists everywhere. Price, 50 cents a bottle. Directions in eleven languages., Gift of David Doret.
- Date
- [ca. 1880]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - St. Jacobs [P.2017.95.163]
- Title
- St. Jacobs Oil, "it conquers pain"
- Description
- Racist trade card illustration promoting St. Jacobs Oil, a pain relieving remedy, and depicting two African American men who have fallen off a horse-drawn carriage into a muddy puddle. The man in the right of the image cries while the man in the left of the image stands with his mouth agape and holds his left knee with his left hand. The crying man is attired in a black top hat, an orange jacket, a yellow vest, a white collared shirt, beige pants, yellow gloves, and black and gold boots. The man in the left of the image is attired in a blue jacket, a white ruffled shirt with the collar turned up, a red, white and blue bowtie, a red and white striped vest, red and white striped pants, and black shoes. His blue top hat sits upturned in the puddle. The white horse in the background looks on the scene and is still attached to the overturned carriage by its reins. The men are portrayed with exaggerated features. St. Jacobs Oil was invented by August Vogeler, a German immigrant, his son Charles A., and John H. Winkleman after 1878. Charles A. Vogeler evenutally took over the business in the late 19th century., Title from item., Advertising text printed on verso: Blue Grass Breeders. Mr. R.S. Withers, son of Gen’l Wm. T. Withers of Fairlawn Stock Farm, Lexington, Ky., writes: "I have such confidence in St. Jacobs Oil, the great pain-cure, that I use it on everything; myself, my horses, my men. Everybody, for all kinds of aches and pains, believe in its sovereignty as a cure." From Horsemen’s Head-Quarters. Messrs. Treacy & Wilson, Lexington, Ky., favorably known throughout the United States and other countries as successful breeders, trainers of and dealers in fine trotting and thoroughbred stock of every description, write as follows: "We find St. Jacobs Oil very useful for both man and horse, and the article has our full endorsement. We are willing our recommendation of it should be given the widest publicity." The Doctors Prescribe It. Dr. William A. Soula, Doctor Veterinary Surgery and for nine years in charge of the Third Avenue Railroad Stables, New York City, working thousands of horses, certifies to the curative qualities of St. Jacobs Oil, the great pain-cure for sprains, galls, rheumatism and all other afflictions to which horses are subject. A Leading Authority Endorses It. Mr. E.A. Buck, Editor and Publisher, The Spirit of the Times, New York, the leading Turf paper and Sporting Authority of the United States, says: "I have used St. Jacobs Oil repeatedly, with satisfactory results." Interviews have been published in the Spirit with leading horsement, stablemen and turfmen, who say that it will do all that is claimed for it, in removing aches and pains from man and beast. The Great German Remedy, St. Jacobs Oil, for the cure of pain, is sold by druggists everywhere. Price, 50 cents a bottle. Directions in eleven languages.
- Date
- [ca. 1880]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - St. Jacobs [P.2017.95.164]
- Title
- Standard screw fastened boots & shoes are the best in the world
- Description
- Racist trade card illustration depicting two African American men and one African American woman. The woman walks arm in arm with one of the men; both figures are well-dressed. The man is attired in a black hat, a white collared shirt, a blue jacket, gloves, striped pants, and black heeled shoes with the Standard logo. He holds a flag promoting the Standard brand in his left hand and a flower in his right. The woman is attired in a hat, a white dress with blue dots and a bow at the collar, gloves, blue and white striped tights, and blue heeled shoes. The man in the left of the image is attired in black tattered clothing and worn out shoes that expose his toes. All of the figures are depicted with exaggerated features., Title from item., Text printed on recto: "Go way Ephraim, Ise got a new beau now dat wears Standard Boots!", Advertising text printed on verso: Remember and buy only Standard Screw Fastened Boots and Shoes. They surpass all others., 1882-1883 calendar printed on verso., Gift of David Doret.
- Date
- [ca. 1882]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Standard [P.2017.95.165]
- Title
- 50 new elegant embossed chromo cards with your name printed on them, for only 8 cents in stamps. This offer lasts only till October 30, after that our regular price will be charged. Address Star Card Co., East Boston, Mass. Box 38
- Description
- Racist trade card illustration depicting an African American man peering over a fence and gazing downard. The man is attired in a cap and holds a cane in his left hand. His right hand grips the top of the fence. A sign on the fence bears the advertising text promoting personalized greeting cards. Below the sign is a notice that reads, "Post No Bills." The African American man is depicted with exggerated features., Title from item., Advertising text printed on verso: Read! Read! These cards are something new, Gold Floral, Rememberance, Sentimental, Hand Floral, etc. with Love Friendship and Holiday Mottoes. Besides this maginificent offer we give with every pack, 10 pieces New and Popular music, and with 6 packs we give a fine Nicle-Plated Pocket Fruit knife. Try us once. We want an agent in every city and town. We give fine premiums, or we will allow you to retain 25 cts. on eah Dollars worth of orders sent. Send stamp for Premium List, Circulars, and how to become an agent. It pays. Address Star Card Co., East Boston, Mass., Text is printed in red ink., Gift of David Doret.
- Date
- [ca. 1880]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Star [P.2017.95.166]
- Title
- The best, ask for it again: Star Braid
- Description
- Racist trade illustration of an African American girl balancing on a spool of blue Star Braid Thread. She is holds a wand with bubbles on both ends. Two more bubbles float near her. The Star Braid logo is printed in each bubble. The girl is attired in a red dress and is barefoot. She wears a blue ribbon in her hair, gold earrings, armbands, bracelets, and anklets., Title from item., Gift of David Doret.
- Date
- [ca. 1880]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Star Braid [P.2017.95.168]
- Title
- The Star Show
- Description
- Racist trade card illustration depicting an African American man and woman. The woman is attired in a red hat with a white feather, a blue dress with a white ruffled collar, gold bracelets, red stockings, and black boots. The man is attired in a black top hat, a red plaid jacket, a white collared shirt, a yellow tie, black pants, and black shoes. He holds a cane in his right hand. Both figures are depicted with exaggerated features. Called Back was a novel that was written by English playwright Frederick John Fargus (who went by the pen name Hugh Conway) and adapted as a play in the 1880s., Title from item., Date inferred from perpetual calendar., Advertising text on verso: The Star Show, next week! Next week! Monday, Nov. 16. Afternoon and evening. F.H. Glenny's great dramatization of Hugh Conway's famous story, Called Back. A star company! A star play! Matchless scener! Don't miss this one! Called Back. Called Back. No theater goer - Man, Woman, or Child should miss this great Play. Secure your seats now, and avoid the rush! Next! Don't forget Nov. 23. That ever popular play, "Uncle Tom's Cabin," A star company, realistic scenery, and one hundred people on the stage., Gift of David Doret.
- Date
- [1885]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Star Show [P.2017.95.170]
- Title
- Refrigerators. N.B Stevens, 43 Kilby Street, Boston
- Description
- 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.
- Date
- [ca. 1880]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Stevens [P.2017.95.171]
- Title
- Magnolia ham, winter cured. Don't talk bout henhouses to me
- Description
- 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.
- Date
- [ca. 1880]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Magnolia [P.2017.95.113]
- Title
- Compliments of McGeoch & Pierce
- Description
- Racist trade card depicting African American man minstrel musician to promote laundry soap. Shows the man, in profile, smiling, holding a large tambourine in his right hand, and raising his left leg in the air in a skipping motion. The man is attired in a blue jacket with long tails, a white shirt with ruffles and the collar up, and orange and white striped pants. McGeoch & Pierce was a clothing firm partly owned by M.L. Pierce in Greenwich, New York. Pierce joined the firm in 1881., Title from stamp on item., Date inferred from operation dates of advertised business as referenced in biographical entry for M.L. Pierce in "Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Adams, Clay, Hall and Hamilton Counties, Nebraska, Comprising a Condensed History of the State" (Chicago, 1890), p. 784., Advertising text on verso: Temple of Fashion, 83 Main St., Greenwich, N.Y. McGeoch & Pierce, Carry The Best Selected Stock of Clothing in Washington County. Mens' and Boy's Suits & Overcoats In all the New and desirable goods and styles. Fine Goods and Perfect Fit A Specialty. For your next suit call on McGeoch & Pierce, The Leaders in Low Prices., Gift of David Doret.
- Date
- [ca. 1885]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - McGeoch [P.2017.95.116]
- Title
- Let Dinah Black tell you the story
- Description
- Racist mechanical, fold-out advertisement for black enamel depicting a caricature of an African American mammy figure "Dinah" on the exterior. The figure is portrayed with a red headwrap, red hoop earrings, and exaggerated features. The interior of the advertisement includes the caricature as the illustration of the "I'se Dinah Black" trademark in the center of the print. Several vignette images depicting various tools and appliances, including a radiator, iron fence, pencil sharpener, heater, and shears border the logo and advertising text. Maloney Oil & Manufacturing was established by Martin Maloney in Scranton, PA in 1874. He started the firm with profits from an earlier grocery business. Standard Oil Company acquired Maloney Oil in 1929., Title from item., Printed on recto: Printed in U.S.A. No. K46., Date inferred from content and dates of operation of business advertised., Distributor's imprint stamped on back of fold out: Maloney Oil & Mfg. Co. 141 Meridian St. Scranton, PA., Advertising text printed on back of fold out: Made by the makers of Kyanize - It's Good., Advertising text printed on inner panels of fold out: Use Anywhere. Stovepipe Rusty! That looks slack. Refine it with Dinah Black. When passing children scar the fence, Get Dinah Black for thirty cents. For Heaters, Farm Tools, Implements, Dinah Black is just immense! To make old engines glow with pride Dinah Black serves far and wide. Outdoor iron rusts with ease, So Dinah Black it, if you please. Shears and shovels, plows and carts, Dinah Black keeps bright their parts. Indoors, outdoors; high or low Dinah Black will make things glow. No benzine - small chance of fires - that's Dinah Black all over. Buyers. Only the name and label is improved - we couldn't improve the product, which is the same as we sold before under the name, Black Dazzle and made according to our own secret formula. The same old reliable black enamel for stove pipes, heaters, and al wood and iron work, indoors or out. On with ease and dry in a day. The Good Black Enamel On Anything., Gift of David Doret.
- Date
- [ca. 1920]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Maloney [P.2017.95.114]
- Title
- Merrick Thread Co., "Fooled dis time, cully. Dis cotton ain't gwine to break."
- Description
- 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.
- Date
- [ca. 1885]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Merrick [P.2017.95.119]
- Title
- Merrick Thread Co. "Fooled dis time, cully. Dis cotton ain't gwine to break."
- Description
- 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.
- Date
- [ca. 1885]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Merrick [P.2017.95.120]
- Title
- Merrick Thread Co. "If this was not Merrick's thread I'd get that coon."
- Description
- 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.
- Date
- [ca. 1885]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Merrick [P.2017.95.121]
- Title
- A cotton ball
- Description
- Racist trade card depicting a view personifying cotton as a young African American woman. Shows the woman dancing with a large ball of cotton atop her head worn in the manner of a head dress. The woman leans to her left and kicks her right leg up as she pulls up the bottom of the skirt of her dress. The edge of her underskirt is visible. She is attired in a yellow dress patterned with black dots, a white kerchief tied around her neck, a red and white striped underskirt, and black shoes. Forestry is visible in the background. C. Meyer Jr. was a New York based fertilizer manufacturer who operated in the late 19th century., Title from item., Publication information from copyright statement: Copyright 1886. L.P. Griffith & Co. Baltimore., Advertising text printed on verso: The "Acme" Fertilizers Are Strictly Complete Manures of the Highest Grade, Guaranteed Bone Basis. Positively No Rock or Kainite Used. Guaranteed Analyses. Manufactured by C. Meyer, Jr., P.O. Box 26, Maspeth, L.I. Pure Ground Bone. Sulphate of Potash. Muriate of Potash. Dissolved Bone Black. Sulfate of Ammonia. Text surrounds table listing suitable grade (No. 1 and No. 2) of manure for specific crops, including potatoes, peas, cabbage, and corn, and the percentages of ammonia, available phosphorous acid, and actual potash of the grade of fertilizer., Gift of David Doret.
- Date
- 1886
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Meyer [P.2017.95.125]
- Title
- Frank Miller's crown dressing Well dis chile am 'stonished at his own genius- dat Frank Miller must be a conjuror-shua!
- Description
- Racist trade card depicting an African American man cobbler in a shop setting. Shoes the boy-faced man shining a boot from a counter lined with shoes and boots. He looks out toward the viewer, and holds a dabber in his right hand and the boot in his left. To his left is the counter of footwear along the wall. A chest, boxes, and a bag are visible in the right foreground. In the left are several pairs of shoes and boots strewn in a pile on the ground in front of a counter on top of which a bottle of Frank Miller's Crown Dressing rests. The cobbler is attired in a collared shirt, striped pants, an apron, and leather shoes. Frank Miller & Co. was a New York manufacturer of shoe polish based in Manhattan. The company was founded in the 1860s and continued operating throughout the late 19th century., Title from item., Date inferred from content and genre of print., Advertising text printed on verso: Frank Miller's Improved French Blacking. Gives a quick, brilliant, and durable polish, with positive nourishment to the leather. It is different in composition from common blackings, being based upon the French process, with every valuable feature of the French style retained, while such improvements have been made to insure a dryer and more durable gloss, with increased pliability of the leather. Frank Miller's Crown Dressing. An invaluable preparation for restoring ladies' and children's boots, shoes, rubbers, travelling bags, and all black leather goods that are soiled or worn by age or use, to their original beauty of finish and softness. Frank Miller's Leather Preservative and Water-proof Blacking. This blacking is not designed to produce a polish, but to render the leather soft, pliable, water-proof, and much more durable. For more than forty years it has been the reliance of farmers, miners, sportsmen, lumbermen, soldiers, and outdoor laboring men. It does away with the necessity of using rubbers, which are expensive, uncomfortable, and destructive to health and leather. This is the only article designed for this purpose which has met with universal approval. Frank Miller's Peerless Blacking. This article will fully meet the requirements of the consumer, as to quality. It gives a quick, brilliant, jet black gloss, without injury to the leather., Gift of David Doret.
- Date
- [ca. 1870]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Miller [P.2017.95.126]
- Title
- Frank Miller's crown dressing Yes missus dat am de Crown of Dressing shua!
- Description
- Racist trade card depicting an African American maid shining a white woman's boots. The African American woman is depicted in profile and holds a bottle of Frank Miller's Crown Dressing in her left hand. The white woman holds up the skirt of her dress to reveal her left boot. The maid is attired in a head wrap, a dress with the sleeves rolled, an apron, and flat shoes. The white woman is attired in a ruffled, dark-colored dress, flowers in her hair, and leather boots. A bottle of Frank Miller's Crown Dressing sits atop an ornamented table. A tassel is visible above the bottle and a curtain is visible behind it. Frank Miller & Co. was a New York manufacturer of shoe polish based in Manhattan. The company was founded in the 1860s and continued operating throughout the late 19th century., Title from item., Several lines of advertising text printed on verso; text is not visible., Gift of David Doret.
- Date
- [ca. 1870]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Miller [P.2017.95.128]
- Title
- Frank Miller's crown dressing Yes missus dat am de Crown of Dressing shua!
- Description
- Racist trade card depicting an African American maid shining a white woman's boots. The African American woman is depicted in profile and holds a bottle of Frank Miller's Crown Dressing in her left hand. The white woman holds up the skirt of her dress to reveal her left boot. The maid is attired in a head wrap, a dress with the sleeves rolled, an apron, and flat shoes. The white woman is attired in a ruffled, dark-colored dress, flowers in her hair, and leather boots. A bottle of Frank Miller's Crown Dressing sits atop an ornamented table. A bottle of Frank Miller's Crown dressing is also printed on the verso. A tassel is visible above the bottle and a curtain is visible behind it. Frank Miller & Co. was a New York manufacturer of shoe polish based in Manhattan. The company was founded in the 1860s and continued operating throughout the late 19th century., Title from item., Printed in red ink., Advertising text printed on verso: Frank Miller's Crown Dressing in 4-oz. bottles, with wire, sponge, and cork. Gives a rich gloss, with a deep and durable color. While most dressings crack the leather, the Crown does not injure it in the least, and for ladies' and children's boots and shoes is rapidly displacing all others., Gift of David Doret.
- Date
- [ca. 1870]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Miller [P.2017.95.127]
- Title
- Tuesday. Yes my heart is light, for de close iron white, and dat is jist what tickles me, for without Higgins' soap, you have'nt any hope, so please to take pattern by me
- Description
- Racist trade card promoting Higgins’ soap and depicting a caricature of an African American woman domestic ironing a white sheet. 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 stands behind an ironing board and holds a white sheet in her left hand and an iron in her right hand. The ironing board sits on top of a wooden stool and a red and yellow box labeled “Higgins’ German Laundry Soap.” The woman smiles at the viewer and says, “Yes my heart is light, for de close iron white, and dat is jist what tickles me, for without Higgins' soap, you have'nt any hope, so please to take pattern by me.” In the background is a white sheet hanging over a wooden board. 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.
- Date
- [ca. 1880]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Higgins' [P.2017.95.83]
- Title
- Friday. Use Higgins' soap in de mornin, a washin of de winder, for wif good soap and a merry heart, dar's nothin for to hinder
- Description
- Racist trade card promoting Higgins' soap and depicting a caricature of an African American woman domestic washing a window. 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, short-sleeved shirt with black stripes; an orange and yellow checked skirt; yellow, red, and white striped stockings; and black shoes. The woman sits on the window ledge with her legs crossed at the ankles. Her upper body is outside of the house as she washes the exterior of the window with a white cloth. The woman smiles at the viewer and says, “Use Higgins' soap in de mornin, a washin of de winder, for wif good soap and a merry heart, dar's nothin for to hinder.” In the right is a wooden bucket with a bar of soap labeled, “Higgins Soap,” on top of a wooden stool. 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.
- Date
- [ca. 1880]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Higgins' [P.2017.95.84]
- Title
- Saturday. Whoa! Dar Sambo! What do yer mean, what makes yer jump and shout? I will wash yer clean with Higgins' soap, and then yer may jump out
- Description
- Racist trade card promoting Higgins' soap and depicting a caricature of an African American woman bathing her child in a wash tub. Shows the African American woman portrayed with exaggerated features 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; and a blue, short-sleeved dress. The mother kneels on the floor as she bathes her young son in a washtub. She smiles, rubbing a wash cloth on the boy with her right hand. The naked boy stands in the tub with his left leg raised. She says in the vernacular, “Whoa! Dar Sambo! What do yer mean, what makes yer jump and shout? I will wash yer clean with Higgins' soap, and then yer may jump out.” Behind the tub, in the left, a girl, attired in a black-striped, red nightgown, and a boy, attired in an orange nightgown, watch the scene. In the right, another boy in an orange nightgown looks on. A white towel with two red stripes and decorative fringe is draped over the side of the wash tub. In the right background, a white sheet hangs on a clothesline. 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.
- Date
- [ca. 1880]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Higgins' [P.2017.95.85]
- Title
- J. & P. Coats thread. Come in Topsey out of the rain. You’ll get wet. Oh! it won’t hurt me missy I’m like Coats black thread de color won’t come off by wettin
- Description
- Racist trade card promoting J.&. P. Coats thread and depicting a caricature of an African American woman domestic washing outside in the rain. Shows an African American woman in the left, attired in a white, short-sleeved shirt, a white and yellow checked apron, a red skirt, and black shoes. She stands outside in the rain and places her right hand on an oversized spool of thread labeled, “J.&P. Coats best six cord 200 yds 40,” which sits on top of a wooden stool. Behind the woman, a pipe fills a wooden wash tub with water. In the right, a blonde-haired, white woman, attired in a blue dress with a white collar and bow tie and a red sash below the waist, white stockings, and black shoes, stands at the door inside the house. She lifts her right hand to the domestic and says, “come in Topsey out of the rain. You’ll get wet.” The African American woman replies in the vernacular, “Oh! It won’t hurt me Missy. I’m like Coats black thread. De color won’t come off by wettin.” Brothers James Coats, Jr. (1803-1845) and Peter Coats (1808-1890) established the firm J.&P. Coats, a thread manufactory. Their brother Thomas Coats (1809-1883) joined the firm soon after. By 1840, three quarters of the British company’s business was with the United States. In 1896, the firm merged with thread manufacturer Clark & Co. and formed J. & P. Coats, Ltd. In 2015, the firm was renamed, “Coats Group.”, Title from item., Date deduced from the history of the advertised business., Advertising text printed on verso: Fast Black Spool Cotton. Does it wear? Does it wash? When a textile fabric must be dyed a pure, rich, deep black, the question that presents itself to the dyer is: “Will these goods be washed in ordinary soap and water, or will they be dipped in some powerful acid, like aquafortis, sulphuric, or muriatic acid?” It they must withstand every-day wear and tear; he will not be so foolish as to fix his black by aid of powerful acids, but will treat the goods mildly, and thus secure superior strength and endurance. In like manner, a druggist will not put a rubber stopper in a bottle filled with sugar and water; he will naturally use an ordinary cork, and save the rubber for resisting violent acids. It is well to look with suspicion on all Acid Tests applied to Spool Cotton. To resist acids, the dyer must use acids at peril of rotting the thread. Intelligent people do not wash their clothes in acid baths. J. & P. Coats’ Black will hold its color as long as any fabric on which it can be used., Gift of David Doret.
- Date
- [ca. 1880]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - J. & P. Coats [P.2017.95.88]
- Title
- We never fade!! J. & P. Coats best six cord 200 yds 50
- Description
- Racist trade card promoting J.&. P. Coats thread and depicting a caricature of an African American boy sitting on an oversized spool of thread in a field. Shows the boy seated and with his legs straddling a giant spool of black thread labeled, "J&P Coats best six cord 200 yds 50." He says “we never fade!!” and points his finger at the sun, which has a face and a concerned expression with a downward turned mouth. The boy is barefoot and attired in a white collared shirt with the sleeves rolled up to the elbows; a multi-colored tie and belt; and red pants rolled up to the knees. In the foreground, two black crows look at the thread. A house is visible in the right background. Brothers James Coats, Jr. (1803-1845) and Peter Coats (1808-1890) established the firm J.&P. Coats, a thread manufactory. Their brother Thomas Coats (1809-1883) joined the firm soon after. By 1840, three quarters of the British company’s business was with the United States. In 1896, the firm merged with thread manufacturer Clark & Co. and formed J. & P. Coats, Ltd. In 2015, the firm was renamed, “Coats Group.”, Title from item., Advertising text printed on verso: Fast Black Spool Cotton. Does it wear? Does it wash? When a textile fabric must be dyed a pure, rich, deep black, the question that presents itself to the dyer is: “Will these goods be washed in ordinary soap and water, or will they be dipped in some powerful acid, like aquafortis, sulphuric, or muriatic acid?” It they must withstand every-day wear and tear; he will not be so foolish as to fix his black by aid of powerful acids, but will treat the goods mildly, and thus secure superior strength and endurance. In like manner, a druggist will not put a rubber stopper in a bottle filled with sugar and water; he will naturally use an ordinary cork, and save the rubber for resisting violent acids. It is well to look with suspicion on all Acid Tests applied to Spool Cotton. To resist acids, the dyer must use acids at peril of rotting the thread. Intelligent people do not wash their clothes in acid baths. J. & P. Coats’ Black will hold its color as long as any fabric on which it can be used., Date deduced from the history of the advertised business., Gift of David Doret.
- Date
- [ca. 1880]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - J. & P. Coats [P.2017.95.89]

