Racist trade card promoting Hartford Chemical Works, manufacturers of Lavine Soap, and depicting a scene showing African men in a three-way race. In the center, a man with a white beard, attired in a red-striped turban and robe, smokes a pipe while riding an elephant in full stride and strapped with two large boxes labeled, "Lavine Soap Washing Hartford." To the right front of the elephant, another man, bare chested and attired in a red loincloth, runs slightly ahead of the animal. In the distant right of the image, a third man attired in a red turban, cloak, and yellow shorts races on horseback near a temple. Palm trees are also visible in the background. In the lower right are two, stacked boxes labeled, "Lavine, Hartford Chemical Works 30 Union Place. Try Lavine for Washing." Hartford Chemical Works, located in Hartford, Connecticut, was established in 1879 by Albert B. Gillett. Gillett patented Lavine Soap in 1882. The company operated until at least 1889., Title from item., Place of publication deduced from place of operation of advertised business., Advertising text printed on verso: Lavine for washing. The best and cheapest article ever offered to the housekeeper. Ask your grocer for it and take no other. It has taken the highest awards at the American Institute Fairs, in October, 1880 and 1881 as well as the first premium at every state and county fair where exhibited. Do not pay 15 cents a pound for a washing compound, when you can buy a better one for 13 cents. Make sure that your grocer gives you Lavine. It makes the hardest water soft and will not injure the finest clothes. It does not burn the hands nor chap them in winter. Try it for washing your marble steps, floors, sinks milk pans or anything which may need washing., Distributor’s name on verso: Geo. S. Adams, Manufacturer's Agent, No. 117 North Second Street, Philadelphia., Gift of David Doret.
Date
[ca. 1880]
Location
Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Adams [P.2017.95.2]
