Advertising

Ivory Soap Ad

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.

Date: 1930s

Girl eating hot dog and drinking beer

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
before 1939
maker
Keppler, Victor
ID Number
PG.006263.S
catalog number
6263S
accession number
238737

Man at Work Bench

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1936
maker
Muray, Nickolas
ID Number
PG.69.247.07
accession number
287542

Girl in grey dress with red flowers

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
before 1939
maker
Keppler, Victor
ID Number
PG.006263.E
catalog number
6263E
accession number
238737

Pancakes

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1930s
maker
Keppler, Victor
ID Number
PG.006261.EE
accession number
238737
catalog number
6261EE

The Gray Line Sight Seeing Tours

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1935
ca 1920
printer
Allied Printing Trades Council
graphic artist
B. Schwartz & Company
ID Number
2013.0133.02
accession number
2013.0133
catalog number
2013.0133.02

Oyster Tin, Heyser’s Oysters

This gallon tin once contained fresh oyster meats packed by the Wm. Heyser Company. Established in 1871 between Pratt, Grant, and Ellicott Streets in Baltimore, the block became known as the “Heyser block” as the company grew.In 1906 the U.S.
Description
This gallon tin once contained fresh oyster meats packed by the Wm. Heyser Company. Established in 1871 between Pratt, Grant, and Ellicott Streets in Baltimore, the block became known as the “Heyser block” as the company grew.
In 1906 the U.S. Congress passed several pure food laws in response to outbreaks of typhoid fever and gastrointestinal ailments linked to poor sanitation. Several new regulations were imposed on the oyster industry after contaminated oysters were blamed for serious illnesses. The laws required inspections of oyster beds and packing houses, as well as the identification of shellfish sources and standardized labeling.
This tin probably dates to the period 1920-30, when colorful lithographed tins became popular. Heyser’s distinctive red tins featured a stylized H resting on an open oyster with the sun’s rays shining on a waterfront city certainly meant to be Baltimore. It includes the old-style bail handle, a feature that was phased out around this time in an effort to reduce manufacturing costs.
Like many Baltimore oyster packers, Wm. Heyser explicitly addressed consumers’ fears about sanitation by emphasizing the clean conditions under which the oysters were handled and citing its compliance with the law. The reverse of the tin contains this message:
“GUARANTEE / OYSTERS CONTAINED IN THIS CAN WERE PACKED IN THE MOST ADVANCED SANITARY MANNER TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE PURE FOODS REGULATIONS
Shucked Fresh From The Beds—CAUTION—Fresh oysters are perishable. This can must be kept in refrigerator or in contact with ice until contents are used.”
date made
1920-1930
maker
Wm Heyser Co.
ID Number
2007.0087.01
catalog number
2007.0087.01
accession number
2007.0087

Oyster Tin, Foote's Best Oysters

This gallon tin once contained fresh oyster meats packed by the D. E. Foote & Co., Inc. Established in 1870 on West and Jackson Streets in Baltimore, D. E.
Description
This gallon tin once contained fresh oyster meats packed by the D. E. Foote & Co., Inc. Established in 1870 on West and Jackson Streets in Baltimore, D. E. Foote was one of a hundred oyster packing firms in the city that year, reflecting the enormous volume of trade in oysters from the Chesapeake Bay.
In 1906 the U.S. Congress passed several pure food laws in response to outbreaks of typhoid fever and gastrointestinal ailments linked to poor sanitation. Several new regulations were imposed on the oyster industry after contaminated oysters were blamed for serious illnesses. The laws required inspections of oyster beds and packing houses, as well as the identification of shellfish sources and standardized labeling.
This tin probably dates to the period 1920-30, when colorful lithographed tins became popular. It includes the old-style bail handle, a feature that was phased out around this time in an effort to reduce manufacturing costs. Like many Baltimore oyster packers, the Foote Company addressed consumers’ fears about sanitation by emphasizing the clean conditions under which the oysters were handled and citing its compliance with the law. The message to consumers on the reverse of the can reads: “THIS CAN CONTAINS STRICTLY FRESH SHUCKED SALT WATER OYSTERS PACKED UNDER PERSONAL SUPERVISION IN THE MOST SANITARY MANNER IN CONFORMITY WITH THE NATIONAL PURE FOOD LAW. KEEP ON ICE UNTIL USED.”
date made
1920-1930
maker
D. E. Foote & Co., Inc
ID Number
2007.0062.01
catalog number
2007.0062.01
accession number
2007.0062

Reddy Kilowatt Marionette

This is a marionette of the character “Reddy Kilowatt,” first created in 1926 by Ashton B. Collins of the Alabama Power Company. This Reddy Kilowatt puppet was made in 1934 by the husband-and-wife team of Elizabeth L. and Frank D.
Description
This is a marionette of the character “Reddy Kilowatt,” first created in 1926 by Ashton B. Collins of the Alabama Power Company. This Reddy Kilowatt puppet was made in 1934 by the husband-and-wife team of Elizabeth L. and Frank D. Haines for window display performances in the Philadelphia Electric showroom in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. From the late 1930's to the 1950's puppets were a popular advertising medium. Puppeteers like the Haines’ utilized puppets in store window displays, motion pictures, and television shows to promote a wide array of businesses and products.
date made
1934
user
Haines, Elizabeth L.
Haines, Frank D.
maker
Haines, Frank D.
ID Number
2007.0137.013.01
accession number
2007.0137
catalog number
2007.0137.013.01

Oyster Tin, Pride of the Chesapeake Brand

This gallon tin once contained fresh oyster meats packed by the J. D. Groves & Co., located at 117 S. Calvert St. and 116 Cheapside, in Baltimore, Maryland. J. D.
Description
This gallon tin once contained fresh oyster meats packed by the J. D. Groves & Co., located at 117 S. Calvert St. and 116 Cheapside, in Baltimore, Maryland. J. D. Groves also packed fish, fruits, and produce at this address, and was a delegate at the first annual meeting of the Oyster Growers and Dealers Association of North America, held in Baltimore May 18-19, 1909.
In 1906 the U.S. Congress passed several pure food laws in response to outbreaks of typhoid fever and gastrointestinal ailments linked to poor sanitation. Several new regulations were imposed on the oyster industry after contaminated oysters were blamed for serious illnesses. The laws required inspections of oyster beds and packing houses, as well as the identification of shellfish sources and standardized labeling.
This tin probably dates to the period 1920-30, when colorful lithographed tins became popular. The distinctive orange tin features a porthole design with a sailing schooner inside. Like many Baltimore oyster packers, the J. D. Groves Company included a message to consumers concerning the sanitary conditions under which the oysters were packed. The reverse of the can reads:
“WE GUARANTEE THIS CAN TO CONTAIN STRICTLY FRESH SHUCKED OYSTERS / FREE FROM PRESERVATIVES OF ANY KIND / QUALITY AND QUANTITY GUARANTEED.”
date made
1920s
1920-1930
maker
J. D. Groves & Co.
ID Number
2007.0054.01
catalog number
2007.0054.01
accession number
2007.0054

Mrs. Calvin Coolidge discussing cameras

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1930-05
depicted (sitter)
Coolidge, Grace Goodhue
advertiser
Eastman Kodak Company
maker
Eastman Kodak Company
ID Number
2016.0066.392
catalog number
2016.0066.0392
accession number
2016.0066

cutter, biscuit

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1932
ID Number
1983.0711.23
accession number
1983.0711
catalog number
1983.0711.23

Elf Marionette

This marionette depicting an elf is made of wood, with a painted face, hands, and legs, and wears a cotton knit stripe shirt with velvet pants and brown suede shoes. He operates with eight strings held on one bar.
Description (Brief)
This marionette depicting an elf is made of wood, with a painted face, hands, and legs, and wears a cotton knit stripe shirt with velvet pants and brown suede shoes. He operates with eight strings held on one bar. He retains his original clothing but he has been modified and repainted to use in a different production--a common practice with puppets.
In its original venue, this little elf was made by the Tatterman Marionette Co., who performed the play "Mrs. Cinderella" at the General Electric Show at the 1939 New York World's Fair. Led by William Duncan and Ed Mabley, the Tatterman Company toured the country and performed thousands of puppet shows to promote the wonders of electricity.
In the skit, Cinderella and her handsome prince are happily married but live in a drafty, old castle inhabited by little elves who do everything the difficult way--sans electricity! Cinderella's fairy godmother advises her to call General Electric who arrives with all kinds of new electrical appliances that make life so much easier
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1939
Associated Name
General Electric Company
maker
Tatterman Marionette Company
ID Number
1979.1164.05
accession number
1979.1164
catalog number
1979.1164.05

Chero-Cola pocket mirror

Round pocket mirror and straight pin holder. The pins are stuck into the rim of the mirror. An advertising piece for Chero-Cola, made of ivory-grained celluloid and printed in black with a red trade mark.
Description (Brief)
Round pocket mirror and straight pin holder. The pins are stuck into the rim of the mirror. An advertising piece for Chero-Cola, made of ivory-grained celluloid and printed in black with a red trade mark. The front reads "In a bottle thru a straw Sanitary Always" and "Drink Chero-Cola There's None So Good."
Chero-Cola was a product of Union Bottling Works, a company started in 1905 in Columbus, Ga., by Claud A. Hatcher, a pharmacist. Chero-Cola was the first product in the Royal Crown line. The company became known as Chero-Cola shortly after it started, and in 1925 it became the Nehi Corporation. In 1934, Chero-Cola was reformulated and re-released as Royal Crown Cola.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1905-1934
maker
American Art Works
ID Number
2006.0098.1168
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.1168

Marberc Hotel luggage tag

An advertising novelty for the Marberc Hotel, New Orleans, La. Made of cream celluloid, it is in two parts, which slide apart. A photograph of the hotel is engraved on one side.
Description (Brief)
An advertising novelty for the Marberc Hotel, New Orleans, La. Made of cream celluloid, it is in two parts, which slide apart. A photograph of the hotel is engraved on one side. Advertising copy on the other side describes the hotel as "Canal Street's tallest bldg," "The home for the commercial man," "Fireproof," and "Ciruclating ice water and ceiling fans in every room."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1920-1930
maker
Cruver Manufacturing Company
ID Number
2006.0098.1039
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.1039

Celluloid Novelty

Flat, rectangular celluloid advertisment card for the Dearborn Chemical Company's Boiler Feed Water Treatment, which "prevents scale, corrosion and foaming." A calendar for 1931 is on the front.One side of this celluloid card has a calendar for 1931, and an advertisement for the
Description (Brief)
Flat, rectangular celluloid advertisment card for the Dearborn Chemical Company's Boiler Feed Water Treatment, which "prevents scale, corrosion and foaming." A calendar for 1931 is on the front.
Description
One side of this celluloid card has a calendar for 1931, and an advertisement for the Boiler Feed Water Treatment made by the Dearborn Chemical Company. The other side lists several Dearborn products.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1931
advertiser
Dearborn Chemical Company
maker
American Art Works
ID Number
2006.0098.0589
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.0589

Trojan Brand Rubber Goods "Recommended For Protection To Health"

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1930s
trademark registered (Crystoglas)
1912-12-10
maker
Whitehead & Hoag Company
ID Number
2004.0129.01
accession number
2004.0129
catalog number
2004.0129.01

Celluloid Novelty

One side of this celluloid card has a calendar for 1935 and an advertisement for the Greenwich Savings Bank in New York. The other side has an image of Mr. Ernest Saver.Currently not on view
Description
One side of this celluloid card has a calendar for 1935 and an advertisement for the Greenwich Savings Bank in New York. The other side has an image of Mr. Ernest Saver.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1935
advertiser
Greenwich Savings Bank
maker
C. F. Herbstreith & Company
ID Number
2006.0098.0599
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.0599

The Rebel

Flat, rectangular plastic card in white with red and blue print. On the front is an image of the Rebel, a red, silver, and blue train, and a calendar for 1935. On the reverse is a map of Gulf, Mobile & Northern Railroad's routes.
Description (Brief)
Flat, rectangular plastic card in white with red and blue print. On the front is an image of the Rebel, a red, silver, and blue train, and a calendar for 1935. On the reverse is a map of Gulf, Mobile & Northern Railroad's routes. Traffic offices include: Birmingham; Chicago; Detroit; Jackson, Mississippi; Jackson, Tennessee; Kansas City; Memphis; Meridian; Mobile; New Orleans; New York; Pittsburgh; and St. Louis.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1935
advertiser
Gulf, Mobile & Northern Railroad
maker
Whitehead & Hoag Company
ID Number
2006.0098.0616
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.0616

Celluloid Novelty

Rectangular plastic card. The front has a blue background with color images of a plate of sausages and a white product box in yellow, white, and blue print.
Description (Brief)
Rectangular plastic card. The front has a blue background with color images of a plate of sausages and a white product box in yellow, white, and blue print. Reverse has a product box image, divisions for a three-inch ruler, and a calendar for 1933.
Description
One side of this celluloid card has a calendar for 1933, and an ad for Swift & Co. Brookfield Pure Pork Sausage. The other has another image of Swift’s Brookfield Pure Pork Sausage.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1933
advertiser
Swift and Company
maker
Parisian Novelty Company
ID Number
2006.0098.0579
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.0579

Celluloid Novelty

Pocket card with ruler and calendar for 1935. The front of the card has an image of the Insurance Company of North America's "new building." Back reads: "Oldest American Fire and Marine Insurance Co.
Description (Brief)
Pocket card with ruler and calendar for 1935. The front of the card has an image of the Insurance Company of North America's "new building." Back reads: "Oldest American Fire and Marine Insurance Co. Founded 1792 A Philadelphia Institution"
Description
One side of this celluloid card has a calendar for 1935, and ad for the “Oldest American Fire and Marine Insurance Co.” The other has an image of the “NEW BUILDING OF [the] INSURANCE COMPANY of North America / Philadelphia.”
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1935
advertiser
Insurance Company of North America
maker
Bastian Bros Company
ID Number
2006.0098.0572
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.0572

The Chas. G. Braxmar Co.

A stamp holder made of cream celluloid. This promotional novelty advertises the Chas. G. Braxmar Co., a jewelry manufacturing firm. Advertising copy is found on both sides. This is clearly meant only for stamps; images of stamps decorate the top of the front and back.
Description (Brief)
A stamp holder made of cream celluloid. This promotional novelty advertises the Chas. G. Braxmar Co., a jewelry manufacturing firm. Advertising copy is found on both sides. This is clearly meant only for stamps; images of stamps decorate the top of the front and back. The back reads "Diamonds, Watches, Emblematic Jewelry, Badges, Medals, Lodge Supplies and Knights Templar Equipment."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1920-1930
maker
American Art Works
ID Number
2006.0098.0968
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.0968

Insurance Company of North America Fire Mark

Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number.
Description (Brief)
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number. The company or agent would then affix the mark to the policyholder’s home or business. For owners the mark served as proof of insurance and a deterrent against arson. For insurance companies the mark served as a form of advertising, and alerted volunteer firefighters that the property was insured.
This fire mark is an example of the type that the Insurance Company of North America produced between 1929 and 1942 for the Chinese market. The circular mark has a red background in the center which bears the INA Eagle and the inscription I.N.A./1792. Outside the red center is the text “INSURANCE Co., OF NORTH AMERICA” at the top and Kanji script at the bottom.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1929-1932
ID Number
2005.0233.0570
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0570

Good Things To Eat with Henkels Flours

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1930
publisher
Commercial Milling Company
maker
Commercial Milling Company
ID Number
1992.0159.04
catalog number
1992.0159.04
accession number
1992.0159

33 Tested New Recipes

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1932
publisher
Airy Fairy Foods, Inc.
ID Number
1992.0159.01
accession number
1992.0159
catalog number
1992.0159.01

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