Racist trade card promoting De Long Hook and Eye Company and depicting a caricature of an African American boy cutting a watermelon. Shows the barefoot boy, portrayed with exaggerated features, and holding a saber-like knife in his right hand while he cuts into a large, green watermelon. Drops of juice drip from the slice in the melon. The boy smiles at the viewer. He is attired in blue shorts with yellow suspenders and a red sleeveless shirt. Brothers Charles F. and Frank E. Delong (1864-1939) established the firm Richardson & DeLong Bros. with Thomas D. Richardson in 1891. The brothers had patented the "Delong hump" fastener in 1889, which prevented the eye of a button hole from slipping out of the hook. "See that hump" became the firm's popular advertising slogan. Scovill Manufacturing Company acquired the company in 1955., Title from item., Place of publication from place of operation of the advertised business., Date deduced from history of the advertised business., Advertising text printed on verso: The De Long Hook and Ey[e], MF'D by Richardson an[d] De Long Bros. Philadelphia U.S.A., Gift of David Doret.
Date
[ca. 1891]
Location
Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - De Long [P.2017.95.42]
