Advertising

Advertising is meant to persuade, and the themes and techniques of that persuasion reveal a part of the nation's history. The Museum has preserved advertising campaigns for several familiar companies, such as Marlboro, Alka-Seltzer, Federal Express, Cover Girl, and Nike. It also holds the records of the NW Ayer Advertising Agency and business papers from Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Carvel Ice Cream, and other companies. The Warshaw Collection of Business Americana comprises thousands of trade cards, catalogs, labels, and other business papers and images dating back to the late 1700s.

Beyond advertising campaigns, the collections encompass thousands of examples of packaging, catalogs, and other literature from many crafts and trades, from engineering to hat making. The collections also contain an eclectic array of advertising objects, such as wooden cigar-store Indians, neon signs, and political campaign ads.

A promotional notebook with a celluloid cover. Distributed by retailer John M. Crouse of Finesville, N.J., it advertises products of the Berg Company of Philadelphia, Pa.
Description (Brief)
A promotional notebook with a celluloid cover. Distributed by retailer John M. Crouse of Finesville, N.J., it advertises products of the Berg Company of Philadelphia, Pa. The pages contain calendars, blank memo pages, and a wide range of information on Berg's products.
The front shows the image of a man wearing a sandwich board advertising "Berg's Pure Ingredient Guanos and Bone Manures."
The advertisment contains a picture of a bull with the caption, "From the farm thou art, Unto the farm thou shalt return." It is a play on the biblical verse, Genesis 3:19: "In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1906
maker
Whitehead & Hoag Company
ID Number
2006.0098.0911
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.0911
Celluloid lumber and cement scale. It is rectangular with two interior dials and is printed in blue and red. One side calculates the quantity of materials requred to make one cubic yard of rammed concrete.
Description (Brief)
Celluloid lumber and cement scale. It is rectangular with two interior dials and is printed in blue and red. One side calculates the quantity of materials requred to make one cubic yard of rammed concrete. The other side calculates the number of feet boards contained in various sizes of lumber. Lehigh Cement Company was founded in 1897.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1920
advertiser
Lehigh Portland Cement Company
maker
Whitehead & Hoag Company
ID Number
2006.0098.0523
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.0523
Straight pin-back United War Work Campaign pin. The pin is a flat, white square with a blue circle.
Description (Brief)
Straight pin-back United War Work Campaign pin. The pin is a flat, white square with a blue circle. Text in the circle says “United War Work Campaign.” Within the circle is a red shield that says “For The Boys Over There.”
The United War Work Campaign was a joint effort undertaken by seven voluntary organizations active during World War I: the National War Work Council of the YMCA, the War Work Council of the YWCA, the National Catholic War Council (Knights of Columbus), the Jewish Welfare Board, the War Camp Community Service, the American Library Association, and the Salvation Army. The aim of the campaign was for these seven organizations to raise at least $170,500,000 in subscriptions and pledges during the week of November 11–18, 1918, to help boost American soldiers’ morale and provide them with recreational activities.
Much like the use of military insignia to identify its wearer (by association with an organization) and his/her achievements, these pins and buttons were meant to be worn by Americans on the home front during World War I to show their membership in an organization and/or their contribution to a particular war effort, such as the United War Work Campaign. The pins and buttons displayed the wearer’s patriotism and generosity and undoubtedly also served to prompt others to become similarly involved in the various war efforts.
SOURCE:
“United War Work Campaign,” Committee on Public Information, Bulletin 42, 1918.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
maker
Whitehead & Hoag Company
ID Number
2006.0098.0255
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.0255
This red, rectangular tin with gold and black design was used to store and market Childs' Century Cocoa and Chocolate. The container no longer has a lid.Childs’ Century was a grocery chain that was started in the late 1800s or early 1900s.
Description
This red, rectangular tin with gold and black design was used to store and market Childs' Century Cocoa and Chocolate. The container no longer has a lid.
Childs’ Century was a grocery chain that was started in the late 1800s or early 1900s. Around 1917, Childs’ Century became part of American Stores Company.
Chocolate had been known and treasured by Native Americans in Central and South America for thousands of years prior to the arrival of the first Spanish explorers in the late 1400s and early 1500s. Cacao beans were so highly prized by Mayans and Aztecs that they were used as currency in many areas of the Americas. When first taken back to Europe by the Spanish, the chocolate drink continued to be produced exclusively for the enjoyment of royalty or the extremely wealthy. As the cacao bean gradually made its presence known throughout Europe, it still remained trapped in this exclusive section of society well into the 19th century.
The chocolate trade to North America began more than 300 years ago, primarily centered in or near major port cities of the time, such as New York City, Boston, Philadelphia and Newport, RI. Due to lower transportation costs, chocolate was often less expensive in the Americas than in Europe and therefore had a broader consumer base. The Industrial Revolution radically changed chocolate production and helped propel it into the hearts and stomachs of the working class. Instead of being a labor intensive product, it became entirely machine made reducing costs even further in the late 19th and early 20th century. During this time, chocolate went from being something a person drank to being something to eat, finally becoming a treat for the masses.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1990.0018.119
catalog number
1990.0018.119
accession number
1990.0018
An oval pocket mirror, made of printed celluloid over tin. It advertises photographer J. Adamoff of Passaic, N.J., and it features a portrait of a smiling young man in a tuxedo.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
An oval pocket mirror, made of printed celluloid over tin. It advertises photographer J. Adamoff of Passaic, N.J., and it features a portrait of a smiling young man in a tuxedo.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1920-1930
ID Number
2006.0098.0906
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.0906
Plastic sign with background image of ruins and a smoking volcano. In the foreground, an image of a red haired woman in a square frame is propped against an urn. The card is printed in black, with paper backing and a stand.
Description (Brief)
Plastic sign with background image of ruins and a smoking volcano. In the foreground, an image of a red haired woman in a square frame is propped against an urn. The card is printed in black, with paper backing and a stand. A white paper label is marked "Crystaloid." It was made for Cambio Palomba Mangiant Company, Furriers and Ladies Tailors.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1906
advertiser
Cambio Palomba Mangiant Company
maker
Whitehead & Hoag Company
ID Number
2006.0098.0747
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.0747
A specialized metal tool used to insert stencils into the metal frame of an addressing machine. It has advertising copy on the celluloid handle for Elliott Addressing Machine Co. of Boston, Mass.
Description (Brief)
A specialized metal tool used to insert stencils into the metal frame of an addressing machine. It has advertising copy on the celluloid handle for Elliott Addressing Machine Co. of Boston, Mass. This tool was probably given to customers who purchased the machines.
Description
Sterling Elliott (1852-1922) was born on a farm in Michigan, opened a machine shop in Watertown, Mass., became interested in bicycles, and established The Bicycling World. Then, to handle this amazingly successful weekly publication, he invented, manufactured and marketed an addressing machine. This flat metal tool was used to insert stencils into metal frame of one of those machines. The inscription on the celluloid handle reads “ELLIOTT Addressing Machine Co. / BOSTON, MASS., U.S.A.”
Ref: The Elliott Addressing Machine Co., The Story of a Father and Son or "Unscrewing the Inscrutable" (Massachusetts, 1941).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1900
maker
Whitehead & Hoag Company
ID Number
2006.0098.1383
catalog number
2006.0098.1383
accession number
2006.0098
Straight pin-back United War Work Campaign pin. The pin is a flat red, white, and blue rectangle.
Description (Brief)
Straight pin-back United War Work Campaign pin. The pin is a flat red, white, and blue rectangle. White text in the red portion reads “I Gave For The Boys.” Blue text in the white portion reads “Did You?” White text in the blue portion reads “United War Work Campaign.”
The United War Work Campaign was a joint effort undertaken by seven voluntary organizations active during World War I: the National War Work Council of the YMCA, the War Work Council of the YWCA, the National Catholic War Council (Knights of Columbus), the Jewish Welfare Board, the War Camp Community Service, the American Library Association, and the Salvation Army. The aim of the campaign was for these seven organizations to raise at least $170,500,000 in subscriptions and pledges during the week of November 11–18, 1918, to help boost American soldiers’ morale and provide them with recreational activities.
Much like the use of military insignia to identify its wearer (by association with an organization) and his/her achievements, these pins and buttons were meant to be worn by Americans on the home front during World War I to show their membership in an organization and/or their contribution to a particular war effort, such as the United War Work Campaign. The pins and buttons displayed the wearer’s patriotism and generosity and undoubtedly also served to prompt others to become similarly involved in the various war efforts.
SOURCE:
“United War Work Campaign,” Committee on Public Information, Bulletin 42, 1918.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
maker
Whitehead & Hoag Company
ID Number
2006.0098.0261
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.0261
Notebook with celluloid cover with leather borders and binding. An image of "Fred P. Currie's" hardware store in Atlantic City appears on the front. A calendar for 1891-1892 is on the back. The pages are paper.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Notebook with celluloid cover with leather borders and binding. An image of "Fred P. Currie's" hardware store in Atlantic City appears on the front. A calendar for 1891-1892 is on the back. The pages are paper.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1891
maker
Wm. Bertsch & Company
ID Number
2006.0098.1358
catalog number
2006.0098.1358
accession number
2006.0098
An advertising novelty for American Saw & Mfg. Co., maker of Lenox saws. The ruler is a twelve-inch folding ruler made of ivory-grained celluloid.
Description (Brief)
An advertising novelty for American Saw & Mfg. Co., maker of Lenox saws. The ruler is a twelve-inch folding ruler made of ivory-grained celluloid. It's marked in inches and centimeters.
Description
Folding 12-inch celluloid ruler marked in inches and centimeters, with inscriptions that read “AMERICAN SAW & MFG. CO. / SPRINGFIELD, MASS., U.S.A.” and “LENOX / HACK / SAWS.” Inscriptions on the back identify Lenox as “The Blade in the Plaid Box.”
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1915-1930
maker
Whitehead and Hoag Company
ID Number
2006.0098.1700
catalog number
2006.0098.1700
accession number
2006.0098
A stamp holder and pocket calendar of cream celluloid. The inside contains a calendar for 1900. A promotional novelty, it advertises Oak Hall Clothing Co. of Boston.
Description (Brief)
A stamp holder and pocket calendar of cream celluloid. The inside contains a calendar for 1900. A promotional novelty, it advertises Oak Hall Clothing Co. of Boston. The front resembles a stamped envelope.
Oak Hall was a well-known men’s clothing retailer in Boston started by George W. Simmons. The name derives from the new woodwork in the store following an 1842 renovation—a look that became synonymous with high-end men’s clothing stores. Thanks to Simmons's aggressive marketing campaigns, the store was familiar to most residents of New England in the mid-19th century. It is mentioned in works by Nathaniel Hawthorne (“Main Street”) and derisively by Henry David Thoreau (“Ktaadn”), as well as in correspondence by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, who was incensed at the store’s use of advertising poems (written by “Professor Goodfellow”), and patterned on Longfellow's style.
Source: “Oak Hall in American Literature” by Steven Allaback, in American Literature Vol. 46 No.4 Jan. 1975, p. 545-549.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1900
maker
Whitehead & Hoag Company
ID Number
2006.0098.0980
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.0980
This green, rectangular tin with white and red writing and black and white design once contained Mackintosh's Extra Cream Toffee.
Description
This green, rectangular tin with white and red writing and black and white design once contained Mackintosh's Extra Cream Toffee. The design includes a picture of John Mackintosh proclaiming himself as the Toffee King.
John Mackintosh began his toffee shop in 1890 in Halifax, England. His wife had created a recipe combining hard butterscotch candies and American soft caramel which became a huge success. Within five years, he moved from a retail business to a manufacture and wholesale business and began calling himself the “toffee king.” The company continued to grow and expand over the years. In 1899, he changed his company to John Mackintosh Ltd, and in 1920 after his death, his son Harold changed the company once again to John Mackintosh & Sons Ltd. In 1969, the company merged with Rowntree & Company to form Rowntree Mackintosh. In 1988, Rowntree Mackintosh was taken over by Nestlé.
Chocolate had been known and treasured by Native Americans in Central and South America for thousands of years prior to the arrival of the first Spanish explorers in the late 1400s and early 1500s. Cacao beans were so highly prized by Mayans and Aztecs that they were used as currency in many areas of the Americas. When first taken back to Europe by the Spanish, the chocolate drink continued to be produced exclusively for the enjoyment of royalty or the extremely wealthy. As the cacao bean gradually made its presence known throughout Europe, it still remained trapped in this exclusive section of society well into the 19th century.
The chocolate trade to North America began more than 300 years ago, primarily centered in or near major port cities of the time, such as New York City, Boston, Philadelphia and Newport, RI. Due to lower transportation costs, chocolate was often less expensive in the Americas than in Europe and therefore had a broader consumer base. The Industrial Revolution radically changed chocolate production and helped propel it into the hearts and stomachs of the working class. Instead of being a labor intensive product, it became entirely machine made reducing costs even further in the late 19th and early 20th century. During this time, chocolate went from being something a person drank to being something to eat, finally becoming a treat for the masses.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AG.77-FT-15.0017
catalog number
77-FT-15.0017
accession number
283681
Die-cut from a sheet of celluloid in the shape of an owl. Advertising copy on the back is for Maltine.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Die-cut from a sheet of celluloid in the shape of an owl. Advertising copy on the back is for Maltine.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1886-1920
maker
Whitehead & Hoag Company
ID Number
2006.0098.0684
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.0684
Round War Savings Service button.
Description (Brief)
Round War Savings Service button. The outer circle is brown with light brown text that reads “∙ War Savings Service ∙ W.S.S.” The inner circle is blue and white with an image of the Statue of Liberty’s torch.
The War Savings Service was related to the purchase of War Savings Stamps. The U.S. Treasury began issuing War Savings Stamps in late 1917 to help fund American participation in World War I. The War Savings Service button was a way for Americans to indicate that they were “enlisted in the great army of production and saving” on the home front.
Much like the use of military insignia to identify its wearer (by association with an organization) and his/her achievements, these pins and buttons were meant to be worn by Americans on the home front during World War I to show their membership in an organization and/or their contribution to a particular war effort, such as the United War Work Campaign. The pins and buttons displayed the wearer’s patriotism and generosity and undoubtedly also served to prompt others to become similarly involved in the various war efforts.
SOURCE:
“Drive on for War Savings Stamps: Opportunity Given to All to Help Defeat Germany by Lending to the Government,” Greater New York 7 (June 24, 1918): 12. books.google.com/books?id=tisiAQAAMAAJ.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1917-1918
maker
Whitehead & Hoag Company
ID Number
2006.0098.0312
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.0312
Advertising piece for Old Colony Piano Company of Brockton, Mass. Die-cut from celluloid sheet stock, one side carries the image of a player piano. The bookmark advertises the Autopiano, a player piano.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Advertising piece for Old Colony Piano Company of Brockton, Mass. Die-cut from celluloid sheet stock, one side carries the image of a player piano. The bookmark advertises the Autopiano, a player piano.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1905
maker
Whitehead & Hoag Company
ID Number
2006.0098.0673
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.0673
Plastic notebook with color advertisements on cover. One side has image of a bottle of "Tono Sumbol" and reverse has image of "Liquid Pancreopepsine.""Tono Sumbol", a patent medicine tonic and cordial, was a speciality of William R. Warner of Philadelphia, PA.
Description (Brief)
Plastic notebook with color advertisements on cover. One side has image of a bottle of "Tono Sumbol" and reverse has image of "Liquid Pancreopepsine."
"Tono Sumbol", a patent medicine tonic and cordial, was a speciality of William R. Warner of Philadelphia, PA. It's active ingredient was sumbol, a stimulant and tonic made from balsamic resin.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1895
advertiser
William R. Warner and Company
maker
Whitehead & Hoag Company
ID Number
2006.0098.0753
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.0753
Talbotype negative of advertisements on the front of buildings.Currently not on view
Description
Talbotype negative of advertisements on the front of buildings.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1880
1848-1849
maker
Beckers, Alexander
ID Number
PG.000526
catalog number
526
accession number
25295
Metal match safe with hinged lid. The wrap-around plastic label shows an image of a Chickering grand piano on one side, and a Bradbury upright piano on the reverse. The match safe was an advertising piece for Kranz-Smith Piano Co.
Description (Brief)
Metal match safe with hinged lid. The wrap-around plastic label shows an image of a Chickering grand piano on one side, and a Bradbury upright piano on the reverse. The match safe was an advertising piece for Kranz-Smith Piano Co. of Baltimore, Md.
Description
Match safes were designed to hold friction matches. This one, made of metal covered with celluloid, has an image of a Chickering grand piano on one side, and a Bradbury upright on the other.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1906
advertiser
Kranz-Smith Piano Company
maker
Whitehead & Hoag Company
ID Number
2006.0098.0993
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.0993
Two sheets of celluloid fastened together over three rotating discs that display numbers.
Description (Brief)
Two sheets of celluloid fastened together over three rotating discs that display numbers. One disc displays in a window marked "Points," one in "Games" and the other in "Trumps." There is advertising on one side, and the other is printed with an image of a monkey with windows in its eyes and mouth. As the wheels turn, different styles of eyes and mouth appear on the monkey's face.
This advertising piece for Yale and Holmes Union Suits of Malden, Mass., features an image of a man wearing long underwear.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1905
maker
Whitehead & Hoag Company
ID Number
2006.0098.0644
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.0644
Round United War Work Campaign button. The button is white with a red border.
Description (Brief)
Round United War Work Campaign button. The button is white with a red border. White text on the border reads “* United * War Work Campaign.” A blue star and “7” are in the center of the button.
The United War Work Campaign was a joint effort undertaken by seven voluntary organizations active during World War I: the National War Work Council of the YMCA, the War Work Council of the YWCA, the National Catholic War Council (Knights of Columbus), the Jewish Welfare Board, the War Camp Community Service, the American Library Association, and the Salvation Army. The aim of the campaign was for these seven organizations to raise at least $170,500,000 in subscriptions and pledges during the week of November 11–18, 1918, to help boost American soldiers’ morale and provide them with recreational activities.
Much like the use of military insignia to identify its wearer (by association with an organization) and his/her achievements, these pins and buttons were meant to be worn by Americans on the home front during World War I to show their membership in an organization and/or their contribution to a particular war effort, such as the United War Work Campaign. The pins and buttons displayed the wearer’s patriotism and generosity and undoubtedly also served to prompt others to become similarly involved in the various war efforts.
SOURCE:
“United War Work Campaign,” Committee on Public Information, Bulletin 42, 1918.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1914-1918
maker
Whitehead & Hoag Company
ID Number
2006.0098.0313
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.0313
Straight pin-back United War Work Campaign pin. The pin is a flat, blue rectangle with white print that reads “United War Work Campaign.” Within the rectangle is a white square with a red shield.
Description (Brief)
Straight pin-back United War Work Campaign pin. The pin is a flat, blue rectangle with white print that reads “United War Work Campaign.” Within the rectangle is a white square with a red shield. The shield has white text that reads “For The Boys Over There.”
The United War Work Campaign was a joint effort undertaken by seven voluntary organizations active during World War I: the National War Work Council of the YMCA, the War Work Council of the YWCA, the National Catholic War Council (Knights of Columbus), the Jewish Welfare Board, the War Camp Community Service, the American Library Association, and the Salvation Army. The aim of the campaign was for these seven organizations to raise at least $170,500,000 in subscriptions and pledges during the week of November 11–18, 1918, to help boost American soldiers’ morale and provide them with recreational activities.
Much like the use of military insignia to identify its wearer (by association with an organization) and his/her achievements, these pins and buttons were meant to be worn by Americans on the home front during World War I to show their membership in an organization and/or their contribution to a particular war effort, such as the United War Work Campaign. The pins and buttons displayed the wearer’s patriotism and generosity and undoubtedly also served to prompt others to become similarly involved in the various war efforts.
SOURCE:
“United War Work Campaign,” Committee on Public Information, Bulletin 42, 1918.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1914-1918
maker
Whitehead & Hoag Company
ID Number
2006.0098.0256
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.0256
Souvenir from the Pan-American Exposition of 1901, held in Buffalo, N.Y., it advertises Libby, McNeill & Libby foods. Die-cut from celluloid sheet stock and decorated with a pansy motif, the back of the card contains a list of Libby's canned meats.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Souvenir from the Pan-American Exposition of 1901, held in Buffalo, N.Y., it advertises Libby, McNeill & Libby foods. Die-cut from celluloid sheet stock and decorated with a pansy motif, the back of the card contains a list of Libby's canned meats.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1901
maker
Whitehead & Hoag Company
ID Number
2006.0098.0664
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.0664
Celluloid notebook advertising the L. S. Plaut & Company store, "The Beehive, the largest fancy goods store in the state," in red and blue print with an image of a beehive. An image of the Newark, N.J., store is on the back cover.
Description (Brief)
Celluloid notebook advertising the L. S. Plaut & Company store, "The Beehive, the largest fancy goods store in the state," in red and blue print with an image of a beehive. An image of the Newark, N.J., store is on the back cover. A calendar for the year 1890 and a list of goods for sale are on the inside page.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890
advertiser
L. S. Plaut & Company
maker
L. S. Plaut & Company
ID Number
2006.0098.0488
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.0488
Celluloid envelope with blue print. On one side is an image of a woman's profile and Edward Hoch's attributed quote that begins, "There is so much bad in the best of us ..." An advertisement is on the reverse. The envelope contains a celluloid sleeve and a strip of material.
Description (Brief)
Celluloid envelope with blue print. On one side is an image of a woman's profile and Edward Hoch's attributed quote that begins, "There is so much bad in the best of us ..." An advertisement is on the reverse. The envelope contains a celluloid sleeve and a strip of material. It is an advertising piece for Hale's "Clever Clothes Shop" of Kingston, N.Y.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1905
advertiser
Hale, Chas. E
maker
Whitehead & Hoag Company
ID Number
2006.0098.0519
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.0519

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