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- Title
- Use Merrick's thread. "Gully this cotton beats 'em all!"
- Description
- Racist trade card promoting Merrick thread and depicting a domestic scene of an older African American man sewing. Shows the man, in a cabin setting, seated atop a stool, his feet slightly turned in, and mending the seat of a pair of blue pants. The man holds th epants in his left hand and pulls a needle and thread through a patch on the pants in his right. The thread comes from a large spool beside the man which is marked with "Merrick Thread Co. Best Six Cord 8" logo. Behind the man is a window with a sill. Plants line the window sill. A candelabrum rests on a shelf attached to the wall below the window. The man is attired in a red button-down shirt, blue suspenders, brown pants, and brown shoes. 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., Several lines of advertising text printed on verso. Verso is defaced and text is illegible., Gift of David Doret.
- Date
- [ca. 1885]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Merrick [P.2017.95.122]
- Title
- Schaeffer Bros. Booksellers, stationers & fancy goods, 16 So. Union St. Middeltown PA
- Description
- Racist trade card illustration depicting an African American man pulling a white man off of a table after a white boy seated behind them spilled a bottle of Carter's Mucilage. The African American man is attired in a blue and white striped collared shirt, a red vest, brown pants, and black boots. He leverages his right foot against the table and pulls the white man with both arms. The white man is attired in a top hat, a monocle, a brown jacket, a yellow vest, brown pants, and black shoes. The white boy is attired in a pink and white striped collared shirt and green pants. Visible on the floor in the foreground is the white man's cane and the African American man's upturned straw hat. The African American man is depicted with exaggerated features. Carter's Ink was founded in the early 19th century by Timothy H. Carter in Boston, Massachusetts. His sons William and Edward Carter, joined the business in the 1850s and took it over in 1860., Title from item., Text printed on recto: Carter's Mucilage, the great stickist., Advertising text printed on verso: How to get an ink that will suit you. For copying, and for general use, buy Carter's Combined Ink. This is the original Carter's ink. It flows freely, copies perfectly, does not transfer on books or smooch, does not mould or fade. After evaporation by exposure, restore fluidity by adding Carter's Writing Fluid. Carter's Raven Black Ink. For writing black from the word "go!" This is a black fluid; writes black; dries black; stays black; does not blot off pale, or get thick or ropy; does not corrode steel pens; can't be removed by acids. For book-keeping and fine writing, buy Carter's Writing Fluid, which is chemically pure, without sediment and permanent. It is very limpid, and will not mould or thicken even after long exposure. The color is dark blue, changing to a deep black. For ruling, buy Carter's Crimson Fluid, which is more brilliant than Carmine, never thickens, and gives a good copy. For a brilliant colored ink, buy Carter's W. & C. Violet Ink. It is non-corrosive; flows freely and gives distinct copies. For "sticking things," buy Carter's Mucilage, "The Great Stickist." It has extra strength and will not mould or sour in any climate. In a recent canvas made of the banks and leading business housesin the principal cities of the United States, more of the above inks were found in use than all other American inks combined. At Paris, at the Centennial, and wherever exhibited for the past twenty years, they have received the highest awards. Carter, Dinsmore & Co., Boston and New York. For sale by Booksellers, Stationers, Fancy Goods Dealers, &c., Gift of David Doret.
- Date
- [ca. 1885]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Schaeffer [P.2017.95.154]
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Boy's department. Commonwealth Clothing House, 680 & 684 Washington St., (cor. Beach) Geo. W. Warren, Manager
- Description
- Trade card promoting Commonwealth Clothing House and whimsically depicting an African American girl acrobat. Shows the girl standing on a bubble, looking down, and holding a straw in her hands with large bubbles at either end. She is barefoot and attired in ankle bracelets; a striped dress with shoulder cut-outs; hoop earrings; and a bow atop her head. Another bubble floats near her legs. Charles V. Whitten, Horatio S. Burdett, and Amos S. Young founded the Boston men's and boys' clothing manufactory Whitten, Burdett & Young in 1862. The firm opened the retail store, Commonwealth Clothing House, in December 1888. Store manager George W. Warren left the business in 1895., Title from item., Place of publication deduced from place of operation of advertised business., Date deduced from history of advertised business., Text printed on recto: $9., Series number on recto: 309., Gift of David Doret.
- Date
- [ca. 1890]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Commonwealth [P.2017.95.35]
- Title
- Willard & Lane's improved Eagle Stove Polish better than any made
- Description
- Racist trade card promoting Willard & Lane’s Eagle Stove Polish and depicting caricatures of an African American woman and two African American boys using stove polish. Shows the African American woman, portrayed with exaggerated features and attired in a hat decorated with a ribbon, a white, short-sleeved dress, and slippers, standing and carrying a brush in her left hand. She looks with concern to the left at the two boys sitting on the floor. In the left, the barefooted boy, attired in a short-sleeved white shirt and shorts, sits on the floor with his legs stretched out. The barefooted boy in the right, attired in a white, long-sleeved shirt and white pants with a patch, applies stove polish with a brush on him. In the foreground is a box labeled, “Willard & Lane’s Improved Eagle Stove Polish.” A stove is in the center of the room. Abel Lyman Willard (1829-1892) opened an apothecary and drug store in 1855 in Taunton, Mass. In circa 1874, he founded the firm Willard & Lane with A.F. Lane, manufacturing Eagle Stove Polish., Title from item., Date deduced from the history of the advertised business., Gift of David Doret.
- Date
- [ca. 1875]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Willard [P.2017.95.190]
- Title
- C.L. Jones & Co. tulip soap
- Description
- Trade card promoting soap manufacturers C.J. Jones & Co. and depicting a racist genre scene of an African American man being teasingly awoken by African American children. Figures are caricaturized and portrayed with exaggerated features. Shows a man, attired in a red, checkered shirt, blue pants, and one black boot, lying on his back, his right knee up, atop a large, white bundle. The boot on his left foot has fallen to the ground near his hat lying in front of the bundle. His left foot is bare. In the right, two mischievous boys peer around and over the bundle. The former, attired in a blue shirt, crouches to the ground from behind the bundle while the latter, attired in a yellow shirt with orange polka dots and orange pants, stretches out his right arm to poke the man’s face with a piece of straw. In the background is a steamboat on a river. Charles L. Jones founded the soap manufacturing firm C.L. Jones & Co. in 1845 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with meat packer Charles Valentine, who wanted a way to use tallow. Valentine died in 1850, and Jones took charge of the business until his death in 1879. His brothers, Henry E. and Frank H. Jones, carried on the company until 1903., Title from item., Place of publication deduced from place of operation of advertised business., Date deduced from the history of the advertised business and visual content., Gift of David Doret.
- Date
- [ca. 1880]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - C.L. Jones [P.2017.95.21]
- Title
- Ole zip coon. Use kitchen and hand, mineral soap
- Description
- Trade card promoting soap manufacturer Chas. F. Bates & Co. and depicting a racist scene of an African American man stealing a chicken in the countryside. He hangs suspended on a wooden fence, snagged by the seat of his pants. He is attired in blue pants, a blue and white plaid shirt, and black boots. He holds two squawking chickens by the legs in his right hand as another squawking chicken runs away in the left. The man is portrayed with exaggerated features and a look of fear. His mouth is open and the corners turned down. His wide eyes look to the right. In the background in the right, a white man, holding a rifle, runs with a dog towards the fence. A house is visible in the center background. Charles F. Bates (1842-1925) founded the soap manufacturing company Chas. F. Bates & Co., which operated from the 1870s to the 1920s., Title from item., Date deduced from history of the advertised business., Name of the publisher from copyright statement: Copyrighted Bufford, Boston., Advertising text printed on verso: Notice. To Mechanics, laborers, workingmen, clerks, book-keepers, and others, who are engaged in using ink, this soap is of the greatest benefit. [For] removing ink, pitch, cement, varnish, paint, wheel grease, and all impurities and stains, from the hands, it is excellent and unequalled. It is the best that can be used in the counting-house, office, workshop, or kitchen. Try it, and you will be satisfied that it is the "Ne Plus Extra" for washing hands, and no one should be without it. Any quantity of references and recommendations can be given by persons who have used it, but as all will wish to try it, we now offer it to the public on its merits. Every house-keeper should be certain to use it, as it is of great benefit for all kitchen purposes. Beware of imitations which may be offered. For sale by all grocers. Chas. F. Bates & Co. Proprietors and [Ma]nufacturers, 44 Broad Street, Boston, Mass. Factory at Wollaston, Mass., Gift of David Doret.
- Date
- [ca. 1880]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Chas F. Bates [P.2017.95.24]
- Title
- Dis yer misery makes dis chile done gone mournin orful! orful! No. 18 cured this gempleman thanks to massa Hartshorn
- Description
- Racist, fold-out circular advertisement for Dr. Hartshorn's No. 18 Liniment depicting a before and after caricature of an older African American man in two separate panels. In the first panel, shows the balding man with white hair, hunched over, standing in profile, and using a cane. He is attired in a blue tailcoat, a white shirt with upturned collar, a red necktie, a yellow vest, red and white plaid pants, and red and black shoes. In the background, a log cabin and wooden fence is visible. In the second panel, shows the man facing the viewer, standing upright without the cane, and holding a red package labelled "No. 18." He kicks his left leg up and reveals the bottom of his shoe, which is also labelled "No. 18." The man is depicted with exaggerated features. Dr. Edward Hartshorn was a Massachusetts physician who began selling medicines in the 1850s in the town of Berlin, and later Boston. Hartshorn passed the business on to his sons Edward Howe and William Henry before his death in 1887., Title from item., Date inferred from dates of operation of business advertised., Advertising text printed in circular fashion around company logo on inside: Wonderful! Wonderful Liniment!!! What has been the most popular [?] Family Liniment for 30 Years? Dr. Hartshorn. 2,000,000 Bottles have been [?] one is always warrented, yet not one was ever returned, or the [?] The Rapid Healer of Injuries. What Heals Bruises, Cuts, Stings, Bites, Poisons, Chilblains, Sore Skin, Croup, Ague, Numbness &c. immediately? Dr. Hartshorn's No. 18. The Instantaneous [?] Sudden Illness. What has relieved the worst case [?] Diptheria, Colic, Chills, Colds, Headaches, and numberless [?] Hartshorn's No. 18. It is a general panacea for man, [?] wonderful relief externally or internally for Horse and Cattle. E. Hartshorn, Boston, Mass. The Balm for Every Pain. What is the quickest relief for Rheumatic, Neuralgia or Nervous Pain of the Face, Teeth, Ears, Side, Back, Chest, Limbs, &c.? Dr. Hartshorn's No. 18. Company logo illustrated on verso. Logo composed of a geometrically-shaped ornament marked "N 8." Logo surrounded by captions reading "Sold Every Warranted. Large Sizes Cheapest. Three Sizes [?] Cts. And $1.00. Ask Any One About It.", Gift of David Doret., The front and back of the card are separated.
- Date
- [ca. 1890]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Hartshorn [P.2017.95.115]
- Title
- Clam bake at 12 m. 4-6:30 p.m. Melville Garden, Downer Landing...Boston Harbor, Open every day except Monday. One of the finest harbor resorts in New England
- Description
- Racist trade card depicting a whimsical scene with a young African American man serving a tray of food to a white couple seated at a table inside of a large clam shell. In the left, the wide-eyed man holds the large tray at his hips and is attired ina coat, vest, apron, bow tie, and dark-colored pants. The man and woman hold menus in their hands and are dressed in formal wear. The scene is set near a harbor and forst on a rocky shore. Trees and a steamboat in the harbor are visible in the background. Industrialist Samuel Downer opened Melville Garden in Hingham, Massachusetts in 1871. The park was razed in 1897., Title from item., Publication information from copyright statement: Copyright 1880 by J.D. Scudder., Advertising text printed on verso: The Garden contains First-Class Restaurant, Bowling and Shooting Alleys, Billiard Tables,Patent Swings, Flying Horses, Camera Obscura, Menagerie, Bear Pit, &c. Row Boats and Yachts to let. Rhode Island Clam Bake at 12, 4 and 6.30 o'clock. Dinner Tickets, 50c. Edmands' Band, Day and Evening. The Garden will be Illuminated Every Evening with 20 Electric Lights. Grand Concert by Edmands' Band Every Sunday Afternoon and Evening. Hingham Steamers Leave Rowe's Wharf at 5.45, 9.15, 10.30, 11.30, 12.30, 2.30, 3.30, 5.30, 6.30, 7.45 and *9.30. Returning, Leave Downer Landing at 7, 7.35, 9.45, 10.35, 12.15, 1.15, 4, 5.15, 6.45, †8.30. †9.30. Cross Trips to and from Nantasket Beach. Leave Downer Landing at 11.20, 12.20, 1.20 and 4.20. Leave Nantasket Beach at 9.30, 12, 1, and 4.50. Sundays. Boston to Downer Landing at 10.15, 2.15, 4.45, and 7.15. Downer Landing to Boston at 12, 3.30, 6, 9.30. †Monday's excepted. *Saturdays excepted. Buy The Excursion Ticket at Rowe's Wharf, 60 Cents., Gift of David Doret.
- Date
- 1880
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Melville [P.2017.95.118]
- Title
- Merrick Thread Co. "The rhinoceros feels safe to tread his lofty way on Merrick's thread."
- Description
- Racist trade card promoting Merrick thread. Depicts a scene showing an animal act managed by a bare-breasted African woman. The woman holds a thread in her right hand that is tied around the horn of the rhinoceros walking a tightrope. The rhinoceros balances on his left leg on the white tightrope attached to two intersecting poles on one end. The woman, her hair pulled into a bun and adorned with two red feathers, is attired in a white sarong, a gold hoop earring, and a gold bracelet on her left arm. She is depicted with exaggerated features. She holds a spiked club to the ground in her left hand. Behind the woman is a spool of thread which is marked with "Merrick Thread Co. Best Six Cord 8" logo. Print also contains an image on verso depicting a partially opened box of several spools of thread, on which the thread company's tagline "Merrick Thread Co's Ready Wound Bobbins for Sewing Machines Warranted 200 Yards" is printed. Merrick Thread Co. was founded in 1865 by Timothy Merrick, Austin Merrick, and Origen Hall in Mansfield, Connecticut. After its founding, the company established mills in Holyoke, Massachusetts. In 1898, the company merged with thirteen other independent thread and yarn manufacturers to form the American Thread Company. The distributor, B.A. Glase's Son, was owned by John Oscar Glase, who inherited the business from his father Benneville A. Glase after his death in 1882., Title from item., Date inferred from content and genre of print., Advertising text printed on verso: Buy Merrick Thread Co.'s Best Six Cord Soft Finish Spool Cotton For Machine & Hand Sewing. Warranted 200 Yds. Also., Distributor's imprint printed on verso: B.A. Glase's Son, General Merchandise, Friedensburg, Pa., Gift of David Doret.
- Date
- [ca. 1885]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Merrick [P.2017.95.123]
- Title
- J.H.T. Hopkins, custom and ready made clothing. 658 Main St., Cambridgeport
- Description
- Racist trade card promoting J.H.T. Hopkins's clothing store and depicting a caricature of an African American man sitting on a rock as birds fly towards his hat. Shows the African American man portrayed with exaggerated features attired in a top hat, a long-sleeved shirt, pants, and shoes. He sits on a rock in front of a tree and opens in mouth in alarm as “swallows” fly toward him and into his hat. J.H.T. Hopkins (1858-) was a clothing dealer and had a store in Cambridge, Massachusetts from the 1880s to 1890s., Title from item., Place of publication inferred from place of operation of the advertised business., Date deduced from history of the advertised business., Advertising text printed on recto: Repairing done at short notice. All orders attended to promptly and properly., Text printed on recto: "When the swallows homeward fly." Copyrighted., Card is printed in blue ink., Gift of David Doret.
- Date
- [ca. 1880]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Hopkins [P.2017.95.86]
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Standard java, Chase & Sanborn, Boston
- Description
- Trimmed metamorphic trade card promoting Chase & Sanborn's coffee. Depicts a quirky, racist scene with a trompe l’oeil aesthetic and including the oversized head of a Black man with exaggerated features in a North African setting. Shows an African man attired in a yellow hooded robe on a white horse and holding a long spoon to an enormous face of an African man. His head covered in a green and red turban has torn through a wall. He purses his lips out to the spoon. In the center of the image is a white coffee cup with a blue stripe and the text "Standard java, Chase and Sanborn, Boston" written in red. In the right foreground, holding a basket, is a barefooted African woman attired in a white dress with red stripes and cap sleeves; a yellow vest; and red, head kerchief. In the background is a building with Moresque decorative features in the doorway and window. Illustrated on the verso is a partial view of a black man. Shows his chin and lower lip, his torso, and his legs above his ankles. His arms are raised, and he is attired in white pants with blue stripes; a green jacket with yellow lining; a white collared shirt; and red vest and bowtie. Caleb Chase (1831-1908) established a coffee and tea company in 1864. Chase partnered with coffee seller James Sanborn (1835-1903) in 1874 to form Chase & Sanborn. It was the first company to pack and ship roasted coffee in sealed tins. In 1893, the firm supplied the coffee to all of the salons at the Chicago World's Fair. Chase & Sanborn was acquired in 1929 by Standard Brands, which merged with Nabisco in 1981., Title from item., Date deduced from history of the advertised business., Advertising text printed on verso: Boston roasted coffees have a national reputation representing the finest grown seal brand java and mocha coffee is justly called the aristocratic coffee of America surpassing all others in its richness and delicacy of flavor always packed whole roasted in 2-lb, air-tight tin cans. Crusade blend coffee is a skillfull blending of three high grade coffees noted for their flavor, strength and aroma, warranted not to contain a single Rio bean, but guaranteed to [?]., Gift of David Doret., Card is trimmed at the top and bottom.
- Date
- [ca. 1880]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Chase [P.2017.95.25]
- Title
- Ayer's cathartic pills. (The country doctor)
- Description
- Racist trade card promoting Dr. J.C. Ayer & Co.’s Cathartic Pills and depicting a caricature of an older African American man doctor administering Ayer’s pills to an infant girl on his lap. Shows the African American man with white hair and a white beard, attired in spectacles, a brown hat, a white collared shirt, a brown bow tie, a green waistcoat, a green jacket, green pants, and black shoes. He sits on a wooden chair and holds an infant African American girl, attired in a red dress with yellow polka dots and a white collar, on his lap. In his left hand he carries a box filled with white pills, and in his right hand he holds a single white pill. The infant carries a pamphlet labeled "Ayer’s pills" in her hands. In the left, a barefooted African American boy, attired in a blue and white checked shirt and orange and yellow striped overalls, kneels beside the chair and looks on. On the ground in front of the boy is an open medicine bag labeled “Dr. Bolus” and filled with containers labeled, Ayers. James Cook Ayer (1818-1878) was a successful patent medicine manufacturer who estabished a factory in Lowell, Mass. After his death, J.C. Ayer & Co. continued to manufacture medicine under the management of his brother Frederick Ayer (1822-1918). After Frederick's death, the company continued to operate under the management of family members and professional managers until it left Lowell in 1943., Title from item., Publication information and date from the copyright statement: Copyright, 1883, By J.C. Ayer & Co., Lowell, Mass., Advertising text printed on verso: Ayer’s pills supply the universal want of a safe and reliable purgative medicine. The disorders which they are designed to cure, and for which they prove a sure remedy, are all caused by the derangement of one or more of the digestive and assimilative organs, and include constipation or costiveness, indigestion, dyspepsia, biliousness, heartburn, loss of appetite, flatulency, foul stomach, nausea, dizziness, headache, numbness, jaundice, diarrhoea, dysentery, and disorders of the liver. Eruptions and skin diseases, and piles, when the result of indigestion or constipation, are cured by the use of Ayer’s pills. They are, also, often the best remedy for rheumatism, gout, neuralgia, dropsy, kidney complaints, and other disorders arising from a reduced condition of the system, or the obstruction of its functions. In colds they operate beneficially by opening the pores, removing inflammatory secretions, and allaying fever. Ayer’s pills are made of vegetable ingredients only, and may be administered even to children with perfect safety. They are sugar-coated, and pleasant to take; and for all the purposes of a cathartic medicine they are unequalled. Ayers’ pills are usually put up in oval wooden boxes; but for hot and damp climates, and for export, in sealed glass vials, as above represented. Sold by., Text printed on verso: “The Country Doctor.” A fine Chromo-Lithograph (7 ½ x 13 inches, in “Statuette” style) of this original and popular subject, will be sent, post-paid, to any address, with a set of our elegant Album Cards, on receipt of 10 cents in cash or postage stamps. Address, Dr. J.C. Ayer & Co., Lowell, Mass., Gift of David Doret.
- Date
- 1883
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - J.C. Ayer [P.2017.95.91]
- Title
- Excelsior metal polish, for polishing and cleaning cutlery, brass, copper, tin ware and all bright steel and metal work
- Description
- Trade card promoting metal polish manufacturer Walpole Emery Mills and depicting a racist caricature of an African American woman domestic polishing cookware. Shows an African American woman portrayed with exaggerated features and attired in a red and yellow striped head kerchief; a blue short-sleeved shirt; a red and yellow shawl; a red skirt; and a white apron with red polka dots, smiling and looking at the viewer. She holds a brush in her right hand and a pot in her left hand. In the left, a brown-haired white woman, attired in a yellow dress with white ruffles at the neck and sleeves and a red bow, bends over a table with a plate in her hands as she looks at the African American woman. In the foreground, two white children look at the reflection of their cat in a polished pan. A boy, attired in a blue Fauntleroy outfit, smiles with his arms apart as he looks down at the pan. A white girl, attired in a white dress decorated with orange bows at the shoulders, sits on the floor and holds the pan up with her right hand. She holds an orange cat with black stripes up to the pan with her left hand. The cat arcs its back with its fur standing up and has its mouth wide open. In the left is an oversized can labeled, "Trademark Excelsior Metal Polish Manufactured by the Walpole Emery Mills 114 Milk Street Boston." On top of the can is another orange cat with black stripes that is arching its back with its mouth open in alarm. In the background is a cupboard with plates and bowls on the shelves. In the right is a table with a large stock pot and lid and a can of metal polish with a skillet hanging from a hook at the front of the table. Walpole Emery Mills, manufacturers of Excelsior metal polish, was founded in 1877 in South Walpole, Massachusetts. The company operated into the 20th century., Title from item., Distributor’s imprint printed on verso: Holway, Wright & Miner, Manufacturers' agents, New York: 167 Chambers Street. Boston: 135 State Street., Advertising text printed on verso: Excelsior metal polish. Acknowledged the cheapest and best article known for cleaning and polishing cutlery, brass, tin ware, and all kitchen utensils, sewing machine plates, nickel plate, bath tubs, copper boilers, bicycles, needles, scissors, carpenter's tools, and all bright metal and steel work. A single trial will prove it to be a household and mechanical necessity. It is neatly put up in tin cans, containing one pound, half-pound and quarter-pound each, with directions for using. Price list. 1/4 lb. cans...10 cents each. 1/2 lb"....15"". 1 lb"...25"". For sale by grocers, druggists, hardware stove and tinware dealers. Illustration of a can of Excelsior metal polish., Gift of David Doret.
- Date
- [ca. 1890]
- Location
- Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Excelsior [P.2017.95.61]
- 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
- Fairbank's rock cordials, positive cure for all lung disorders
- Description
- Trade card promoting Fisher and Fairbanks' patent medicine Fairbanks' Rock Cordials and depicting a racist caricature of an African American man chef in the galley of ship. Shows the man portrayed with exaggerated features and attired in a white chef's hat; a white shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows; a red vest with gold buttons; a white apron; blue pants; and black shoes. He stands holding a spoon in his right hand and with his left hand holds a bowl that is filled with an unidentifiable pink food over a barrel that is being used as a table. He smiles and looks to a blond-haired white girl in the right attired in a pink hat; a black choker; a red dress; a white pinafore; white stockings with red stripes; and black shoes. She carries a doll costumed in a matching outfit and leans to look at the chef mixing. In the foreground on the floor are a pan, a pot with a bowl on top of it, and a spoon. In the background is a stove with a steaming kettle on it and a large chain. In the right, there is a barrel and next to it is a doorway through which we can see a sailor attired in a brimmed hat, a blue jacket, and pants. He stands on the side of the ship and looks through a telescope at the water. R.B. Fisher and Charles A. Fairbanks founded Fisher & Fairbanks in 1871., 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 - Fairbanks [P.2017.95.62]

