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
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
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
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
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
Black and white print; bust portrait of George Washington surrounded by numerous calligraphy samples. Below the print is an advertisement for penmanship taught by Benjamin O. Tyler.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Black and white print; bust portrait of George Washington surrounded by numerous calligraphy samples. Below the print is an advertisement for penmanship taught by Benjamin O. Tyler.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1815
depicted
Washington, George
maker
Tyler, Benjamin O.
Maverick, Peter
ID Number
DL.60.2571
catalog number
60.2571
accession number
228146
Celluloid, circular slide rule for determining elevation measurements to be used with transit telescopes. It is a flat, square panel with dial attached over the center. An image of a telescope appears in black and white on the reverse. It is an advertisement for W. & L. E.
Description (Brief)
Celluloid, circular slide rule for determining elevation measurements to be used with transit telescopes. It is a flat, square panel with dial attached over the center. An image of a telescope appears in black and white on the reverse. It is an advertisement for W. & L. E. Gurley, "Makers of Civil Engineers and Surveyors Instruments," a company established in 1845.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1899
advertiser
W. & L. E. Gurley
maker
Whitehead & Hoag Company
ID Number
2006.0098.0524
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.0524
Advertising card for the Warner Auto-Meter, a combined odometer, speedometer, and clock. The front has image of an auto-meter and black and red print.
Description (Brief)
Advertising card for the Warner Auto-Meter, a combined odometer, speedometer, and clock. The front has image of an auto-meter and black and red print. The back is marked "MEMORANDUM" and is otherwise blank.
The Warner Auto-Meter differed from similar products in its use of magnetic principles for measuring speed. Competitors' instruments utilized centrifugal force to obtain this measurement and were subject to increasingly innaccurate readings as the many parts necessary for this reading wore down or failed. By comparison, the simplified design of the Warner Auto-Meter was much more dependable and long-lasting. The Warner Instrument Company was the first to produce a single instrument for measuring both speed and distance.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1905
advertiser
Warner Instrument Company
maker
Whitehead & Hoag Company
ID Number
2006.0098.0527
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.0527
Plastic notebook with two cardboard pages. Notebook has replicas of Cigar Union label on either sides. One card entreats consumers to buy cigars made by unions and not trusts. The pages of the notebook are blank.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Plastic notebook with two cardboard pages. Notebook has replicas of Cigar Union label on either sides. One card entreats consumers to buy cigars made by unions and not trusts. The pages of the notebook are blank.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1894
maker
Whitehead & Hoag Company
ID Number
2006.0098.1232
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.1232
Notebook advertising piece for the Louis Bergdoll Brewing Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The notebook's plastic cover has black print on front and back.
Description (Brief)
Notebook advertising piece for the Louis Bergdoll Brewing Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The notebook's plastic cover has black print on front and back. On the front is the trademark image of a griffin, and describes the products as "Old Style Lager Beer // Protiwiner Export & Lager Beer." Reverse shows as image of a factory. Inside is a history of the company, a poison antidote list, calendars for 1905-1907, various other facts and miscellania, and many blank, lined paper pages.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1905
advertiser
Louis Bergdoll Brewing Company
maker
Whitehead & Hoag Company
ID Number
2006.0098.0756
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.0756

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