Racist trade card depicting a genre scene of an African American man and boy "stealing" hams through a field at night. In the right, in front of the boy, the man carries a packaged ham under each arm and one on his hand. He is barefoot and attired in a loose-fitting shirt and calf-length, worn, blue pants. The boy stands behind him and struggles to hold one ham to his chest in his arms. He is barefoot and attired in a wide-brimmed hat, a white shirt, and calf-length, red pants. Both figures are portrayed with exaggerated features. Countryside and a crescent moon in the sky are visible in the background. McFerran, Shallcross & Co. began curing hams in 1863 as McFerran & Menefee. The firm was composed of John B. McFerran, S.H. Shallcross, R.J. Menefee, and W.P. Clancy. Largely based in Louisville, Kentucky with large packing facilities, the company also had agencies across the United States., Title from item., Date inferred from dates of operation cited in history of firm published in 1886 volume, "The City of Louisville and A Glimpse of Kentucky," p. 129., Printed in lower right corner: Over., Advertising text on verso: Below you will find figures showing the increase of the Annual Cure of the Magnolia Ham. The history of Ham Curing furnishes no such example. From 7,500 they have already attained a Cure of 375,000 Pieces, and the end is not yet. 1863 - 7,500; 1864 - 15,000; 1866 - 42,000; 1867 - 75,000; 1868 - 92,000; 1869 - 110,000; 1870 - 118,000; 1871 - 125,000; 1872 - 175,000; 1873 - 200,000; 1874 - 225,000; 1875 - 250,000; 1876 - 300,000; 1877 - 341,000; 1878 - 375,000. "The Proof of the Pudding is in the Eating." All Winter Cured and guaranteed unsurpassed in cut, cure, flavor and style. Cured By McFerran, Shallcross & Co. Louisville, KY. Try Them., Gift of David Doret.
Date
[ca. 1880]
Location
Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Goldman Trade Card Collection - Magnolia [P.2017.95.113]
