Search results

Title: The Rivals embrace
Description: Racist, satiric trade card promoting varnish manufacturer Clarence Brooks and Co. Depicts a genre scene with two African American men suitors courting an African American woman while trying to ice skate on a frozen river. The figures are caricaturized and portrayed with exaggerated features. Two men, their mouths open clutch onto one another, their legs twisted, as they try not to fall on the ice. The man to the left is attired in ice skates; blue pants; a red jacket; white collared shirt; and a top hat that has fallen off. The man to the right is attired in ice skates; yellow suit with red checks; and a top hat. The woman they court watches the scene from the shore. Her mouth is open and her hands are apart in alarm. She is attired in white shoes; red stockings; a blue dress; purple coat; and straw bonnet adorned with a pink feather. In the background are two more ice skaters and a building. Clarence Brooks established his varnish business in 1859 as Brooks and Fitzgerald, later Clarence Brooks & Co. In 1881, the firm issued a calendar illustrated with African American caricatures in genre scenes., Title from item., Place of publication deduced from place of operation of advertised business., Date deduced from history of the advertised business and visual content., Gift of David Doret.
Date: [ca. 1880]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Clarence [P.2017.95.26]

Title: Office of the daily terror. The Davis Sewing Machine Co
Description: Racist circular promoting Davis Sewing Machine Co. and depicting a caricature of an African American boy “spying” into an office after having played a practical joke. In the satiric scene, the boy stands on the front steps of a building that has a sign that reads, "Office of the Daily Terror." He leans towards the door and looks through the keyhole with his right eye and his mouth open in a mischievous smile. In his right hand he carries a box labelled "tacks." In his left hand he holds the leather strap of a container marked "C.H.E." and with the handle of a brush sticking out of it. He is attired in a cap; a collared, long-sleeved shirt; and plaid pants with suspenders. The image inside the circular shows the interior of the newspaper office. A balding white man, attired in dress shoes; pants; a waistcoat; and a collared shirt with a bowtie, jolts into the air out of a wooden chair. A tack sticks into his behind. He clutches a newspaper labeled, "Enterprise," in his hand, while a quill and a pair of scissors labeled, "Warranted Can't Steal" fly into the air. In the left is a wastebasket with crumbled papers, one of which reads, "Poets." In the background is a desk. Rows of sheets of paper and a "Daily Terror" sign are pinned to the wall above it. Brothers John and Joseph Sheldon founded the Davis Sewing Machine Company in Watertown, N.Y. in 1868. The firm manufactured the sewing machines invented by Job Davis. In circa 1892, the company began to manufacture bicycles, and soon thereafter phased out the production of sewing machines. The company ceased in 1924., Title from item., Publication information from copyright statement: Copyrighted 1882., Advertising text printed on verso: Office & Manufactory Watertown, N.Y. Principal Branches. Chicago...46, 48 & 50 Jackson St. Cleveland...82 & 84 Bank St, and 93 St. Clair St. Boston... 194 Tremont St. Philadelphia...1223 Chestnut St. San Francisco, Cal...130 Post St. C. Carranza & Co. Agents for South America...60 Wall St., New York. Zurich, Switzerland...Gessner Allee 15. St Petersburgh, Russia...Krasney Bridge. Sydney, New South Wales... 42 Pitt St. Melbourne,Victoria...79 Bourke St. East. Adelaide... 90 Hinkley St. Brisbane...Queen St. Christs Church N. Zealand...Columbo St. London, E.C...Queen Victoria St., Gift of David Doret.
Date: 1882
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Davis [P.2017.95.41]

Title: " Ariosa" Coffee. One gleam of consolation. From "Judge" by permission
Description: Trade card promoting Arbuckle's Ariosa Coffee. Depicts a racist caricature originally published in the satirical periodical “Judge” of an older African American woman and older, African American Deacon in conversation. The figures are portrayed with exaggerated facial features and speaking in the vernacular. They stand across from each other in a home setting. "Mrs. Johnson" is attired in a attired in a yellow apron over a black dress, a red vest, and an orange, head kerchief. She has a pipe in her mouth. "Deacon Smith" is attired in a top hat, blue coat over a white collared shirt with red bow tie, brown pants, black shoes, spectacles, and leans on a cane. Depicts Deacon Smith providing comforting words to Mrs. Johnson after she "loose de bigges' chile." The Deacon consoles "Providence am allus mercies in disguise" to which Mrs. Johnston agrees the child was "allus a mon-st'ous eatah." In the background is a steaming kettle on a small stove with a chimney pipe. On the verso is an illustration showing the exterior of the Arbuckle Ariosa Coffee's Brooklyn factory near a dock. View includes men loading train cars, horse-drawn wagons, and ships with cargo. Brothers John and Charlie Arbuckle, Arbuckle Bros., established their factory and warehouse in Brooklyn in 1881 after they invented a machine that roasted, ground, and packaged coffee into bags. Their first national brand was patented under the name Arbuckle’s Ariosa. The company succeeded into the 20th century. Following John’s death in 1912 the company declined and was broken up by the Arbuckle family in the late 1930s., Title from item., Place of publication deduced from place of operation of advertised business., Text printed on recto: Mrs. Johnson (mournfully)--"Ah deacon! It am very hard to loose de bigges' chile I's got." Deacon Smith (consolingly)-- "Dat am true, Mrs. Johnsing; but dese cha'tisements of Providence am allus mercies in disguise." Mrs. Johnson (meditatively)-- "Y-e-e-s; Jeems was allus a mon-st'ous eatah.", Advertising text printed on verso: "Ariosa" Coffee. No. 96. 839,972 pounds roasted daily. The enormous consumption of the popular brand gives proof that for strength, purity and deliciousness it has no equal., Gift of David Doret.
Date: [ca. 1880]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection -Arbuckle [P.2017.95.7]

Title: James Boyd's fine shoes. Presented by Irving J. Brown
Description: Trade card promoting James Boyd's shoes and depicting a racist caricature of an African American man, possibly a peddler, making a presentation on a stage. The man, portrayed with exaggerated features and manners, stands onstage behind a table leaning forward with his knuckles pressed onto the surface. He is attired in a brown suit jacket with tails; waistcoat; white shirt with a white bow tie; gold cuff links; blue pants; and black boots. In his back pocket are rolled up papers. There is a glass on the table. Beneath it is a top hat. In the foreground, four African American men in the audience listen, interact with each other, and gesture. They are attired in jackets (brown, yellow plaid, or green) and white collared shirts. The far left spectator also wears spectacles. The far right spectator raises his hand as if to ask a question. In the background, some brick is exposed through the painted wall, and a white sign is hung advertising "James Boyd's Fine Shoes." James Boyd started manufacturing shoes as Barrow & Boyd in New York in 1866. Barrow retired in 1877. James Boyd continued the business, and in 1884, he added his sons George and William to the firm becoming James Boyd & Sons. Irving J. Brown began selling shoes in 1877. He had stores at 461 and 944 Congress Street, Portland, Maine until at least 1891., Title from item., Date deduced from the history of the advertised business., Advertising text printed on verso: [I]r[vin]g J. Brown. ([?] of the gold boot.) Dealer [i]n boots and shoes, is the special agent for the sale of my goods in Portland. James Boyd, New York City. Highest medals awarded 1873, 1874, 1876, 1877. (Extract from the judges report.) Forty-second exhibition American Institute. "Case no. 49, made by James Boyd, are perfectly put together. We have seen all the shoes made in New York for the past twenty years, and this is the Best [?] in our judgment. The uppers are beautifully [?], and deserve great credit and reward." Elisha Hanshew, E.W. Eaton, C.J. Murray } Judges. [New Yo]rk, Nov. 1873., Gift of David Doret.
Date: [ca. 1880]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Boyd [P.2017.95.16]

Title: Kerr & Co., 34 Walker St. N.Y
Description: Trade card promoting Kerr & Co.’s thread and depicting a racist caricature of an African American man using Kerr’s thread to move a safe onto a cart. In the right, shows an African American man, attired in a yellow hat, an orange shirt with the sleeves rolled up to the elbows, and green pants, standing on the back of a cart pulled by two white horses. He turns the handle attached to an oversized spool of “Kerr’s Cotton” thread, which is pulling a large, black safe labeled, “Herring’s Champion New York; Kerr & Co., 34 Walker St. N.Y.” onto the cart. A white man, attired in a black hat, an orange shirt with the sleeves rolled to the elbows, and green pants, stands behind the safe to steady it. In the left, a crowd of people look on to the scene, including a white man police officer; a brown haired white girl attired in an orange hat, an orange dress with a white lace collar and a blue sash at the waist, and white stockings and shoes; a white man with a black mustache, attired in a black top hat, a white shirt, a black jacket, a yellow coat, and white pants and shoes; and a white woman attired in an orange hat with a white feather, an orange dress with white checks, and a black shawl. Above them a crane holds an oversized spool of black thread labeled, “Kerr & Co. Warranted 200 yds machine thread. Six cord (40) soft finish.” In the right is a building where people look through the windows at the scene. In the second story window in the left are two white men with mustaches attired in white collared shirts and blue jackets. In the right window are two white women attired in an orange dress and a blue dress respectively and hats. The building reads, “six-cord, soft-finish, new spool cotton.”, Peter Kerr (1818-1869) was a thread manufacturer who moved to the United States in 1866 and opened a factory in New York City. He partnered with his brother-in-law George A. Clark's thread company. Clark & Company later merged with J.&P. Coats in 1896., Title from item., Place of publication inferred from place of operation of advertised business., Date deduced from history of the advertised business., Advertising text printed on recto: Kerr's cotton never breaks. It is a safe thread., Gift of David Doret.
Date: [ca. 1880]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Kerr [P.2017.95.97]

Title: Lustre starch
Description: Trimmed trade card promoting Gilbert S. Graves’s Lustre Starch. Depicts a racist caricature of an African American man portrayed with exaggerated features tipping his hat. Shows an African American man attired in a black top hat, a white collared shirt, a red bowtie, a yellow waistcoat, a blue jacket with tails, and white striped pants. He is attired with numerous accessories, including a red flower boutonniere on his lapel, a gold pendant pinned to the center of his white shirt, a gold pocket-watch chain, gold cufflinks, and a gold ring on the pinky of his right hand. The man stands with his right arm behind his back while he raises his top hat off his head with his left hand. Gilbert S. Graves (1849-1935) founded a corn starch manufactory in Buffalo in 1877. It was acquired by United Starch Company in 1899., Title from item., Place of publication inferred from place of operation of advertised business., Date deduced from history of the advertised business., Distributor's imprint printed on verso: H.H. Sayles & Co., wholesale grocers, Elmira, N.Y., Card is trimmed at the top and bottom., Gift of David Doret.
Date: [ca. 1880]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - H.H. Sayles [P.2017.95.78]

Title: Edwin C. Burt, fine shoes
Description: Trade card promoting shoemaker Edwin C. Burt and depicting a racist caricature of an African American man minstrel. The man is attired in a uniform-like costume of a black top hat with a gold band; a blue jacket with gold buttons and epaulettes and a black belt; white pants; white gloves; and black knee-length boots. He pulls on a red cord for a curtain with his right hand. He carries a white card that reads, "Edwin C. Burt, Fine Shoes" in his left hand. Edwin C. Burt (1818-1884) began his career in boot and shoemaking with his father in Hartford, Connecticut in 1838. He moved his business to New York City in 1848 and founded Edwin C. Burt & Co. in 1860. He patented an improvement to increase his shoes’ durability in 1874., Title from item., Publication information from verso: The Major & Knapp Eng Mfg Litho Co 56 Park Place, N.Y., Advertising text printed on verso: Please notice: Genuine goods of Edwin C. Burt’s make have his Name stamped in full on Lining and Sole of Each Shoe and are warranted. Burt’s calendar for 1878. Edwin C. Burt [illegible]. Over., Text printed on verso: Calendar for 1878., Distributor's imprint printed on verso: Henry H. Tuttle & Co., 435 Washington Street, (cor, Winter,) Boston, have a full line in all widths of my Goods for sale., Gift of David Doret.
Date: [ca. 1880]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Henry [P.2017.95.80]

Title: Corn Picking. Population 1,542,180. Area in sq. miles 59,475
Description: Racist trade card promoting Arbuckle Bros. coffee and depicting African Americans in a field harvesting corn. Shows an African American woman, attired in a straw hat, a green, long-sleeved shirt, a yellow shawl, and a red skirt, smiling as she picks corn off of a stalk in the foreground. In the left, an African American man, attired in a straw hat, a white shirt with the sleeves rolled up to the elbows, brown pants, and brown shoes, looks at the viewer as he carries corn in his arms. In the background, two more farm laborers are visible. Brothers John and Charlie Arbuckle, Arbuckle Bros., established their factory and warehouse in Brooklyn in 1881 after they invented a machine that roasted, ground, and packaged coffee into bags. Their first national brand was patented under the name Arbuckle’s Ariosa. The company succeeded into the 20th century. Following John’s death in 1912 the company declined and was broken up by the Arbuckle family in the late 1930s., Title from item., Publication information and date from the copyright statement: Copyright 1889 Arbuckle Bros. N.Y., Print trimmed., Description of Colorado printed on verso. Sections of text missing. "[Colo]rado. east and west of 380 miles, a breadth o[?] square miles, or 66,512,000 acres, divided [?] are still unsurveyed 40,657,679 acres; i[?] mountain range, the foot hills, and the [?] [nor]th and south through the centre of the [?] [ra]nges, with many peaks over 13,000 fee[t] [?] immense mountains, are the “Parks,” [?] natural feature of Colorado. These co[?] [?] tion of 9,000 to 10,000 feet above the se[a]. [T]he principal ones being the North and [?] White and Green rivers, most of which[?] navigable. The South Platte has a fa[?] [?] Denver, and one of the canons of th[e] [?] [?] a rule, severe, with heavy falls of snow [?] plains and in the valleys, the mildness [?] as to render Colorado the paradise [?] and are glad to find that “Arbuckles” [?] 65,196 females, of whom 154,537 were [?] [?]rth, white, 191,126; colored, 3,201.", Gift of David Doret.
Date: 1889
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Misc. - Corn [P.2017.95.199]

Title: Ask for the "Wenck" perfumes. (Warranted the best.) And take no other
Description: Racist trade card promoting the Wenck Perfume Manufacturing Company and depicting a caricature of an older African American man reading a notice on a country grocery store. Shows the man with a white beard and attired in a yellow brimmed hat, a long-sleeved red shirt, red and yellow pants with patches and held up by suspenders, and black shoes. He bends forward to read the sign on the boarded up, dilapidated store. It states in the vernacular that the Johnsing & Skinner Grocery is out of business and that, “Dem as owes de firm, will settle wid me--dey de firm owes will settle wid Skinner. G.W. Johnsing." The African American man is labeled as a creditor who says in the vernacular, “I’ll hab a hundred and fifty cents on de dollar, or I’ll lick de hul firm.” In the right, the man’s donkey is tied to an orange post behind him. In the background, fenced in fields and trees are visible. George J. Wenck founded the Wenck Perfumes Manufacturing Company in 1872. The Firm manufactured perfume into the 20th century., Title from item., Place of publication deduced from place of operation of the advertised business., Date deduced from the history of the advertised business., Text printed on recto: Johnsing & Skinner Grocery. Notis—De firm of Johnsing & Skinner am resolved. Dem as owes de firm, will settle wid me—dey de firm owes will settle wid Skinner. G.W. Johnsing. Creditor of Johnsing & Skinner—“I’ll hab a hundred and fifty cents on de dollar, or I’ll lick de hul firm.”, Advertising text printed on verso: “Wenck’s” Special Perfumes for the Handkerchief. Opera bouquet. Grand Army Bouquet. Queen Mary Bouquet. “Wenck’s” Toilet Water. Florida Water. Lavender Water. Eau Oraline for the Teeth. Gilt Edge Cologne. The “Wenck” Perfumes M’f’g Co., 36 West 14th Street, N.Y., Gift of David Doret.
Date: [ca. 1890]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Wenck [P.2017.95.189]

Title: Sapolio
Description: Racist trade card promoting soap manufacturer Enoch Morgan's Sons Company and depicting the caricature of an African American child’s head emerging out of a watermelon. The child, portrayed with exaggerated features, smiles as their eyes look to the right. The green watermelon is ripped open revealing pink flesh and black seeds. Enoch Morgan's Sons Company began manufacturing Sapolio soap in 1869 in New York. Peruvian company Intradevco Industrial SA purchased Sapolio in 1997., Title from item., Publication information from copyright statement: Copyrighted 1882, by Donaldson Brothers., Advertising text printed on verso: One cake will do more work and will do it better than Three Cakes of any other mineral or scouring soap ever made. Enoch Morgan's Sons Sapolio. Better and cheaper than soap. For all house cleaning purposes. It will clean paint, marble, oil cloths, bath tubs, crockery, kitchen utensils, &c. It will polish tin, brass, copper and steel wares of all kinds better than Emery or Rotten Stone. Ask for it. Take no other as a substitute for it. It is the best and cheapest scouring soap. Hand Sapolio, for every day use, is the best and cheapest toilet and bath soap in the market. Removes stains of all kinds, and leaves the skin white and soft. Prevents chapping of hands. Illustration of a white man looking at the bottom of a pan that reflects his face as a mirror., Gift of David Doret.
Date: 1882
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Enoch [P.2017.95.60]

Title: "Sweet home soap." J.D. Larkin & Co
Description: Racist trade card promoting J.D. Larkin & Co.’s soap and depicting caricatures of four African American boys standing in a line blowing brass horns. Shows the boys attired in straw hats, white shirts with the sleeves rolled to the elbows, and yellow shoes. The boy in the left is attired in a pink waistcoat and blue striped pants; the second boy in a purple waistcoat and blue pants; the third boy in a pink waistcoat and blue pants with a floral print; and the fourth boy in a purple waistcoat, blue pants, and gold hoop earrings. They all carry in their right hand a long, brass horn. In the background is a house with a chimney surrounded by a stone wall with a gate. John D. Larkin (1845-1926) began a soap manufactory in Buffalo, N.Y. in 1875. He created a yellow bar of laundry soap called, “Sweet Home Soap.” In 1878, Larkin admitted his brother-in-law Elbert G. Hubbard (1856-1915) and established the firm, J.D. Larkin & Co. The firm grew into a mail-order business. The Company was sold in 1941, liquidated in 1942, and the new owners continued the mail-order business until 1962., Title from item., Place of publication inferred from place of operation of the advertised business., 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.D. Larkin [P.2017.95.90]

Title: The lovers quarrel. "Now, Blanche, don't!" Clarence Brooks & Co. varnishes. Clarence Brooks & Co. fine coach, railway & pianoforte varnishes, cor. West & West 12th St. N.Y
Description: Trade card promoting varnish manufacturer Clarence Brooks and Co. and depicting a racist, genre scene of an African American man and woman during a winter promenade in the snowy countryside based on Sol Eytinge's "Lover's Quarrel-Now, Blanche, Don't" originally published in Harper’s Weekly in 1879. In the left, a man stands with his arms stretched down, palms out, and his eyes pointed to a woman to the right. He says "now, Blanche, don't!" The woman, her back turned to the man, walks away. The man is attired in knee-length black boots; yellow pants; a rumpled, green coat; blue scarf; top hat; and gloves. The woman is attired in black boots; a blue dress with a straight skirt and pink sash that billows behind her waist; white fur vest; and a short-brimmed, black hat with white fur trim and a feather. She holds a white fur muff in one hand and lifts the bottom of her dress up in the other. In the distant background is a house and trees. Clarence Brooks established his varnish business in 1859 as Brooks and Fitzgerald, later Clarence Brooks & Co. In 1881, the firm issued a calendar illustrated with African American caricatures in genre scenes., Title from item., Place of publication deduced from place of operation of advertised business., Date deduced from history of the advertised business and visual content., Gift of David Doret.
Date: [ca. 1880]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Clarence [P.2017.95.27]

Title: Spoiling the slide Clarence Brooks & Co. fine coach varnishes cor. West & West 12th Sts. New York
Description: Trade card promoting varnish manufacturer Clarence Brooks & Co. and depicting a racist, genre scene of an anguished-looking African American man clerk “spoiling the slide” on a snow-covered sidewalk. Shows the man, attired in a blue shirt; red and yellow striped apron; green pants; and black boots, leaning over and using a scoop and red pan to pour salt onto a bare track in the snow-covered sidewalk outside a storefront. In the near left background, two smiling African American boys throw snowballs at the clerk. The boy in the left, attired in black boots; brown pants; blue jacket and hat; and red scarf around his head, holds a snowball in both hands at his waist. The boy in the right, attired in black boots; blue pants, shirt, and hat; and green jacket pitches back his right arm, snowball in his hand. In the far right of the image, a white boy, attired in brown boots and pants; blue jacket and hat; and a red scarf wrapped over his head and tied under his chin, and his hands in his jacket pockets, walks on the sidewalk. He walks past an iron railing in front of the store that is adorned with a sign reading "Clarence Brooks & Co. Fine Coach Varnishes, Cor. West & West 12th Sts. New York." Clarence Brooks established his varnish business in 1859 as Brooks and Fitzgerald, later Clarence Brooks & Co. In 1881, the firm issued a calendar illustrated with African American caricatures in genre scenes., Title from item., Date deduced from history of the advertised business and visual content., Illegible signature written on verso., Gift of David Doret., Library Company holds a duplicate copy [P.2017.95.29].
Date: [ca. 1880]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Clarence [P.2017.95.28]

Title: Edwin C. Burt, fine shoes. Presented by Chas. T. Croft, Little Falls, N.Y
Description: Trade card promoting shoemaker Edwin C. Burt and depicting a racist, whimsical scene of two African American boys carrying a white girl in a “sedan chair” in the shape of a shoe. In the left, a boy attired in red, sarong-like shorts holds the red, back handles of the sedan over his shoulders. In the right, a boy attired in yellow, sarong-like shorts with black stripes holds the red, front handles over his shoulders. The girl sits with her legs stretched out. She is attired in a red headband that wraps around her brown hair styled in a bun; a yellow, short-sleeved dress with a white collar and blue stripes at the sleeves and around the bottom; and a gold bracelet. She holds a matching yellow and blue fan, possibly of peacock feathers. The sedan chair is depicted as a black woman's dress shoe with a heel and is adorned with a red bow at the front with a gold and diamond circular embellishment. A red canopy with green fringe trim attached to the back of the shoe shields the girl. In the background, mountains and a pink sky are visible. Edwin C. Burt (1818-1884) began his career in boot and shoemaking with his father in Hartford, Connecticut in 1838. He moved his business to New York City in 1848 and founded Edwin C. Burt & Co. in 1860. He patented an improvement to increase his shoes' durability in 1874., Title from item., Place of publication deduced from place of operation of advertised business., Date deduced from history of the advertised business., Text on the recto: Over., Advertising text printed on verso: Chas. T Croft, dealer in boots, shoes and rubbers, Little Fall, N.Y. Has a choice line of Burt's goods, manufactured expressively for him by Edwin C. Burt, New York. Caution: the genuine Burt shoe has the name Edwin C. Burt stamped in full on the lining and sole of e[ach] shoe, and are warranted. Over., Contains Edwin C. Burt trademark on verso depicting an ornament composed of an illustration of a circle of exposition seals where Burt had won awards, including the 1876 Centennial in Philadelphia., Gift of David Doret., Library Company holds a duplicate copy with a variant verso [P.2017.95.20].
Date: [ca. 1880]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Burt [P.2017.95.19]

Title: Carr & Murray, carpets, furniture & bedding, 61 & 63 Myrtle Avenue. Three doors from Jay Street, B[rooklyn]
Description: Racist trade card promoting Carr & Murray, dealers in household furnishings, and depicting trompe l'oeil image with an African American boy portrayed with exaggerated features and bust length. The boy is depicted by pulling down the left corner of the card. He points at a partially-visible rabbit who hops away in the lower right. The boy is attired in white hat and a blue shirt with a red and white striped collar. James J. Carr and Lindley H. Murray of Carr & Murray owned a store selling household furnishings at 61 & 63 Myrtle Avenue in Brooklyn, N.Y. from circa 1879 to circa 1891., 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., Right edge of the card is trimmed., Gift of David Doret.
Date: [ca. 1880]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Carr & Murray [P.2017.95.23]

Title: The Universal clothes wringer
Description: Metamorphic trade card promoting the American Wringer Company's Universal Wringer. Depicts a racist "before and after" scene with and without the product. The before scene shows an African American laundress "Dinah" wringing clothes by hand over a tub. She states in vernacular speech that "de wringing am awful." A white woman chastises her to "look at these torn clothes." She holds up a square shaped cloth with tears. A clock is visible in the background. The women are shown as bust-length. Dinah wears a kerchief, an open collared shirt, and her sleeves are rolled up. The after scene shows a smiling "Dinah," wringing laundry with a "Universal" clothes wringer under the happy gaze of her employer. The women reach a hand out to one another. Dinah wears a high ruffled collar shirtwaist with a bow at her neck, long sleeves, an apron, and kerchief. A clock rests on a sideboard in the background. The American Wringer Company was established about 1861 and operated until at least the early 20th century. The company often provided a clock as a premium to purchase their laundry equipment., Title from item., Date inferred from attire of figures depicted., Text printed on recto: Oh mistis de wringing am awful, always tear de clothes 'spect dat I neber get through. What Dinah, six o'clock and not done yet! And look at these torn clothes. "What Dinah! Finished washing so soon! Why it's only three o'clock." "Hi golly! Mistis, been done dese two hours dis chile hab no more trouble, since you done got dis wringer. Neber tear de clothes neder., Advertising text printed on verso: The Universal Wringer has the following points of superiority. 1. Rolls of solid white rubber. 2. Rowell's double cog-wheels. 3. Two independent pressure screws. 4. Double cogs at both ends of each roll. 5. Folding apron or clothes guide. 6. Rocking springs of wood and rubber., Distributor's name on verso: J. Russell & Co., Dealers in hardware, carpenters' and machinists' tools, 23 Dwight and 23 Race Streets, Holyoke, Mass., Gift of David Doret., Library Company holds a duplicate copy with a variant distributor [113420.D].
Date: [ca. 1885]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection -American [P.2017.95.6]

Title: Use Dannemiller's Cordova coffee, in 1 pound papers, because it's the best
Description: Racist trade card promoting Dannemiller Coffee Company and depicting a genre scene with an African American boy jockey, white children, and a horse. In the left, the jockey, attired in riding boots; white breeches; a white shirt and red vest; and a red and white jockey cap, stands beside a brown horse onto which he helps a white boy mount. He holds the bridle in his left hand and leans down to help the boy place his foot into the stirrup with his right hand. In the center, the white boy, attired in a Fauntleroy outfit with black boots and hat, grips the saddle to hoist himself up onto the horse. In the right, a smiling white girl with long, brown hair looks at the viewer. She descends a set of stairs holding the railing. She is attired in black shoes, a yellow dress with blue trim, stockings, and a bow in her hair. She carries a doll costumed in a red and white dress with matching red shoes and hat. A greyhound faces the girl at the base of the stairs. Edward Dannemiller (1850-1939) and his son Albert J. Dannemiller (1879-1955) founded Dannemiller Coffee Company in Brooklyn, N.Y., in 1904. The Company operated through the mid-twentieth century., Title from item., Place of publication from place of operation of advertised business., Date deduced from history of advertised business., Advertising text printed on verso: A fair trial is all we ask, and we are sure of the result, if you take quality into consideration. It's merits are unequaled. Don't be deceived judge fore yourself. Lasst euch nicht batriigen urtheilt fiir euch selbst. A beautiful picture with each package., Manuscript note on verso: Stella Leonard., Gift of David Doret.
Date: [ca. 1910]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Dannemiller [P.2017.95.39]

Title: Edwin C. Burt, fine shoes
Description: Trade card promoting shoemaker Edwin C. Burt and depicting a racist, whimsical scene of two African American boys carrying a white girl in a “sedan chair” in the shape of a shoe. In the left, a boy attired in red, sarong-like shorts holds the red, back handles of the sedan over his shoulders. In the right, a boy attired in yellow, sarong-like shorts with black stripes holds the red, front handles over his shoulders. The girl sits with her legs stretched out. She is attired in a red headband that wraps around her brown hair styled in a bun; a yellow, short-sleeved dress with a white collar and blue stripes at the sleeves and around the bottom; and a gold bracelet. She holds a matching yellow and blue fan, possibly of peacock feathers. The sedan chair is depicted as a black woman's dress shoe with a heel and is adorned with a red bow at the front with a gold and diamond circular embellishment. A red canopy with green fringe trim attached to the back of the shoe shields the girl. In the background, mountains and a pink sky are visible. Edwin C. Burt (1818-1884) began his career in boot and shoemaking with his father in Hartford, Connecticut in 1838. He moved his business to New York City in 1848 and founded Edwin C. Burt & Co. in 1860. He patented an improvement to increase his shoes' durability in 1874., Title from item., Place of publication deduced from place of operation of advertised business., Date deduced from history of the advertised business., Text on the recto: Over., Advertising text on verso: Caution to the public. Ladies', misses' and children's genuine Burt's shoe has the name stamped in full on the lining of each shoe, thus: Edwin C. Burt Maker New York. Also, on the bottom of each shoe, thus: Edwin C. Burt New York. And are warranted to give satisfaction. Call for them. If these goods are not to be obtained in your [?] [plea]se write us and we will advise where [?] be found. Edwin C. Burt, New York., Gift of David Doret., Library Company holds a duplicate copy with a variant verso [P.2017.95.19].
Date: [ca. 1880]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Burt [P.2017.95.20]

Title: United we stand. Divided we fall
Description: Racist, satiric trade card promoting the Great American Tea Company. Depicts in two panels an African American man knocking down two African American children eating a candy stick by opening the cellar doors they were sitting on. In the left panel, shows caricatures portrayed with exaggerated features of two barefooted African American children sitting on top of slanted cellar doors. In the left, the boy, attired in a hat, a long-sleeved shirt, and pants with suspenders, holds a striped candy stick in his mouth. In the right, the girl, attired in a bonnet and a dress, shares the same candy stick and sucks the opposite end in her mouth above the caption, “united we stand.” In the right panel, an African American man has come up from inside the cellar and stands holding both doors open in his hands. He is attired in a white shirt, a striped vest, striped pants, and a cap, and holds a pipe in his mouth. The boy has been thrown off of the door and lies in the left on the ground with the candy stick still in his mouth. The girl has also been flung from the top of the door and lies on the ground beside the cellar with only her feet and left hand visible, as the caption reads, “divided we fall.” George Gilman (1826-1901), a tea and coffee merchant, founded the Great American Tea Company in 1863. He opened a number of stores in New York City and started a national mail order business. The firm was renamed the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company in 1870, though the Great American Tea Company name was still used in the mail order business. George Huntington Hartford (1833-1917) took over management of the company from 1878 to 1917 and grew the business into the chain of grocery stores known as A&P., 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 verso: The most useful every day premium ever sent out, is our latest and newest design of dinner set, genuine imported English white granite, containing 126 pieces. No crazing—no cracking. Use it for breakfast, dinner and supper. This is just the set for every day use. We will give one of these imported white granite dinner sets, (126 pieces) AWAY with a $40.00 order. Every Lady likes to have a nice closet of dishes—your closet is not complete without this set. Don’t fail to get up an order for our celebrated new goods, --teas, coffees and baking powder. As a trial order we will send 3 ½ pounds, of our best teas, by mail, postage prepaid on receipt of list price. Only pure goods sold. The Great American Tea Company, N.B.—Get “The Lalla Rookh Dress Cutting System Chart.” The Greatest Boon to the Ladies., Gift of David Doret.
Date: [ca. 1870]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Great [P.2017.95.75]

Title: Dis Union. Union. John E. Kaughran & Co., 763 Broadway, Bet. 8th and 9th Streets
Description: Racist, satiric trade card promoting John E. Kaughran & Co.’s dry goods store. Depicts in two panels an African American man knocking down two African American children eating a candy stick by opening the cellar doors they were sitting on. In the left panel, an African American man has come up from inside the cellar and stands holding both doors open in his hands. He is attired in a white shirt, a striped vest, striped pants, and a cap, and holds a pipe in his mouth. The African American boy has been thrown off of the door and lies in the right on the ground with the candy stick in his mouth. The African American girl has also been flung from the top of the door and lies on the ground beside the cellar with only her feet and left hand visible, as the caption reads, “dis union.” In the right panel, shows the two barefooted children sitting on top of slanted cellar doors. In the right, the boy, attired in a hat, a long-sleeved shirt, and pants, holds a striped candy stick in his mouth. In the left, the girl, attired in a bonnet and a dress, shares the same candy stick and sucks the opposite end in her mouth above the caption, “union.” John E. Kaughran (1849-1899) founded his dry goods business in 1877 in New York City and opened a store on Broadway. He retired in 1886., Title from item., Date deduced from history of the advertised business., Text printed on recto: (Over.), Advertising text printed on verso: John E. Kaughran & Co., 763 Broadway, Bet. 8th and 9th Sts., will remove on or about May 1st to 767 and 769 Broadway, Cor. 9th Street. Immense Bargains in all our Departments, Call early in the day and avoid the great rush in the Afternoon., Gift of David Doret.
Date: [ca. 1880]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - John [P.2017.95.93]

Title: Warner's Safe Yeast. Up with the sun
Description: Racist trade card promoting Warner’s Safe Yeast and depicting a white mother with a sick infant and an African American woman nanny who suggests using Warner’s yeast. Shows the mother with her brown hair tied up in a bun and attired in a long-sleeved, striped pink dress with yellow pleats at the bottom and white lace at the collar and cuffs of the sleeves. She cradles in her arms an infant wrapped in a white blanket with two yellow stripes. She looks down at her son standing in the right. He is attired in an orange, long-sleeved shirt with a white collar, a yellow skirt and leggings, and black shoes. He asks, “Mamma, what’s the matter with baby?” She replies that, “Baby’s very sick.” The boy holds up a cannister labeled “Safe Yeast” and states, “Dinah says Warner’s Safe Yeast is the best thing she knows of, to raise him.” In the right, Dinah stands looking on, attired in a yellow bonnet, red earrings, a yellow, short-sleeved dress with a white collar and red tie, and a white apron. In the bottom right is a large cannister of Warner’s Safe Yeast. Image also includes a blue and green rug, fireplace andirons, and in the background a windowpane with a blue vase with yellow flowers. Outside the window the sun comes up and reads, “up with the sun.” Hulbert Harrington Warner (1842-1923) founded a patent medicine business in Rochester, N.Y. in 1878. He created Warner’s Safe Yeast in 1885. In the Panic of 1893, he was unable to cover the company's debts, and the business failed., Title from item., Date deduced from the history of the advertised business., Text printed on recto: Precocious Youngster: Mamma, what’s the matter with the baby? Mamma: Ah, Darling, Baby’s very sick, I’m afraid we won’t be able to raise him. Precocious Youngster: Try this Mamma, Dinah says Warner’s Safe Yeast is the best thing she knows of, to raise him., Gift of David Doret.
Date: [ca. 1885]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Warner [P.2017.95.187]

Title: Spoiling the slide Clarence Brooks & Co. fine coach varnishes cor. West & West 12th Sts. New York
Description: Trade card promoting varnish manufacturer Clarence Brooks & Co. and depicting a racist, genre scene of an anguished-looking African American man clerk “spoiling the slide” on a snow-covered sidewalk. Shows the man, attired in a blue shirt; red and yellow striped apron; green pants; and black boots, leaning over and using a scoop and red pan to pour salt onto a bare track in the snow-covered sidewalk outside a storefront. In the near left background, two smiling African American boys throw snowballs at the clerk. The boy in the left, attired in black boots; brown pants; blue jacket and hat; and red scarf around his head, holds a snowball in both hands at his waist. The boy in the right, attired in black boots; blue pants, shirt, and hat; and green jacket pitches back his right arm, snowball in his hand. In the far right of the image, a white boy, attired in brown boots and pants; blue jacket and hat; and a red scarf wrapped over his head and tied under his chin, and his hands in his jacket pockets, walks on the sidewalk. He walks past an iron railing in front of the store that is adorned with a sign reading "Clarence Brooks & Co. Fine Coach Varnishes, Cor. West & West 12th Sts. New York." Clarence Brooks established his varnish business in 1859 as Brooks and Fitzgerald, later Clarence Brooks & Co. In 1881, the firm issued a calendar illustrated with African American caricatures in genre scenes., Title from item., Date deduced from history of the advertised business and visual content., Gift of David Doret., Library Company holds a duplicate copy [P.2017.95.28].
Date: [ca. 1880]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Clarence [P.2017.95.29]

Title: Monday. Monday is de wash day, an I neber sulk or mope, becase de close am nice and clean, by using Higgins' soap
Description: Racist trade card promoting Higgins' soap and depicting a caricature of an African American woman domestic carrying a bar of soap and a wash tub. The woman is portrayed with exaggerated features and speaks in the vernacular. Shows the African American woman with her hair in pigtail braids tied at the ends in white bows, attired in an orange and yellow striped head kerchief, a red and white shawl, a blue dress with black stripes, a white apron with red stripes, orange and white striped stockings, and black shoes. She carries a large, wooden wash tub in her right hand and a yellow bar of soap labeled “Higgin” in her left hand. The woman smiles and walks toward the viewer and says, “Monday is de wash day, an I neber sulk or mope, becase de close am nice and clean, by using Higgins' soap.” In the right, a white shirt hangs on a clothes line pinned with wooden clothespins. The Charles S. Higgins Company, established by Higgins’s father W. B. Higgins in Brooklyn in 1846, manufactured "German Laundry soap" beginning around 1860, when Charles assumed the business. The laundry soap was packaged in a wrapper illustrated with an African American woman washing in a tub. By the early 1890s, Charles S. Higgins left the firm still operated under his name and formed Higgins Soap Company. Court proceedings over trademarks and tradenames ensued and Higgins Soap Company became insolvent by the mid 1890s., Title from item., Date deduced from history of the advertised business., Gift of David Doret.
Date: [ca. 1880]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Higgins' [P.2017.95.82]

Title: The First lesson An exceptional offer to the users of Knox gelatine
Description: Racist trade card promoting Knox Gelatine and depicting an African American woman domestic making a gelatin molded dessert with a white girl. Shows an African American woman domestic attired in a head kerchief, spectacles, a patterned shawl, and a white, long-sleeved shirt, sitting in a kitchen behind a table. She teaches the white girl, attired in a hair bow and a striped dress with a ruffled collar, how to decorate a molded gelatin dessert and places a berry on top it. The girl has a bowl of berries in front of her and holds a spoon with a berry on it. On the table there is a mold, a glass, a lid, a knife, a pitcher, and a box labeled, “Knox’s Gelatine.” In the background is a brick hearth with pots and an oven in the right. Charles B. Knox (1855-1908) of Johnstown, New York discovered a method of granulating gelatine in 1889, which made it practical and easy to use. Charles died in 1908, and his wife Rose Knox ran the company for the next forty years. The Company continues to operate into the 21st century., Title from item., Place of publication from place of operation of advertised business., Publication information and date from the copyright statment: Copyright 1905 By Chas. B. Knox., Advertising text on verso: We have had reproduced in its original colors Harry Roseland’s famous painting, “The First Lesson.” The other side of this card gives only a faint idea of what the picture really is. The large reproduction has twelve (12) distinct colors in it, is reproduced on heavy plate paper having all the appearance of canvas, and it would take an expert to tell it from the original. The original hangs in Mr. Knox’s home, and there are no reproductions of it except those referred to on this card, and if these were on sale in the art stores they would cost at the very least $5 each. The size of the picture is 20 x 27, and it is ready for framing. We want the users of Knox Gelatin to have a copy of this painting and we will send you one upon receipt of ONE empty Knox Gelatine box and 10c in coin or stamps to cover cost of packing and mailing. The supply of these pictures is limited, so if you want one you must act quickly. After receiving the picture, if you are not entirely satisfied with it, return it, and your 10c will be refunded by next mail. Address, Art Department, Knox Gelatine, Johnstown, N.Y., U.S.A. Knox Gelatine is the best Gelatine in the world. It is made from absolutely pure stock; is granulated and can be measured with a spoon like sugar; dissolves in two minutes and mold in half an hour. Each package makes a half gallon of jelly; is clear and sparkling and needs no clarifying. Pink coloring for fancy desserts in every package. It is guaranteed to comply with the National Pure Food Law, and it is always sold under the broad guarantee of “Your Money Back If For Any Reason You Are Dissatisfied.”, Gift of David Doret.
Date: 1905
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Knox [P.2017.95.100]

Title: Enoch Morgan's Sons Sapolio
Description: Racist trade card promoting soap manufacturer Enoch Morgan's Sons Company and depicting African American women domestics cleaning a parlor. Shows an African American woman, attired in a head kerchief; hoop earrings; a polka dotted dress with the sleeves rolled up to her upper arms; and black shoes, on her hands and knees cleaning a floor with a brush in her right hand. There is a wooden bucket beside the woman. In the right, another African American woman, attired in a short-sleeved dress with a bustle and checked skirt, stands cleaning the molding of a doorway with a cloth. In the background is a lit fireplace and mantle with vases on top of it. Enoch Morgan's Sons Company began manufacturing Sapolio soap in 1869 in New York. Peruvian company Intradevco Industrial SA purchased Sapolio in 1997., Title from item., Date deduced from history of the advertised business., Distributor's imprint stamped on recto: Tom S. Culver, Dealer in surplus [?] teas, coffees, [?] and flour. Canned, dried, and [?] vegetables, etc. Choice brands of [?] tobacco. A fine [?] Ithaca, N.Y., Advertising text printed on verso: There is no one article known that will do so many kinds of work in and about the house and do it so well as Enoch Morgan's Sons Sapolio. (Each cake is wrapped in tin foil, and surrounded with Ultramarine Blue Band, and bears the above device.) Always note this. A cake of Sapolio, a bowl of water and a brush, cloth or sponge will make House Cleaning an easy and quick job--Will clean paint and all painted surfaces-- Will clean marble, mantels, tables and statuary-- Will clean oil-cloths, floors, shelves, &c. -- Will clean bath tubs, wash-basins, &c. -- Will clean crockery, glassware, &c. -- Will clean kitchen utensils, of all kinds--Will clean windows without splashing of water -- Will polish tin, brass, and copperwares-- Will polish knives as you wash them-- Will polish all metal surfaces and Will clean all household articles -- and is better and cheaper than soap, emery, rotten stone, &c. Price 10 c. per cake. Illustration of a white man looking at the bottom of a pan that reflects his face as a mirror., Gift of David Doret.
Date: [ca. 1890]
Location: Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Enoch [P.2017.95.59]

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: Sunday. Yer looks lubly Ephraim, and it all comes using dat Higgins soap
Description: Racist trade card promoting Higgins' soap and depicting a caricature of an African American family getting ready for church. The family is portrayed with exaggerated features and speak in the vernacular. In the center, the husband/father stands smiling attired in a white ruffled shirt, a red and white bow tie, a yellow waistcoat, a long black jacket, red and white checked pants, black shoes, and white gloves. The wife/mother, attired in a bonnet decorated with a blue bow and flowers, a red shawl, a blue dress with black stripes, a yellow bow tie, and black shoes, smiles as she adjusts the bowtie on her husband and says, “yer looks lubly Ephraim, and it all comes using dat Higgins soap.” Their son, attired in a yellow hat with a black band, a red shirt with a white lace collar, green pants, red socks, and black shoes, looks up at the couple carrying a red book in his left hand. In the left, behind the couple, are two more children. The girl in the left is attired in a white head kerchief, a yellow shirt with orange stripes, a white skirt, red stockings, and black shoes. The boy in the right is attired in a blue cap, a blue shirt with a white collar, blue pants, red and white striped socks, and black shoes. A print depicting a red building and two people is pasted on the wall in the right background. 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., Place of publication inferred from place of operation of advertised business., 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.2017.95.81]

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]

Main menu