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.

Place: New York

Little Miss Marker movie poster

Movie poster for the 1934 film Little Miss Marker from the Palace Theatre in Port Richmond.
Description
Movie poster for the 1934 film Little Miss Marker from the Palace Theatre in Port Richmond. Shirley Temple, Adolphe Menjou, and Dorothy Dell star in this family comedy.
Movie posters such as this cardboard poster were placed in shop windows to advertise the movie that was playing in the local movie house. The shop owner was given two movie passes for displaying it in their store window.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1933
referenced
Temple, Shirley
ID Number
1985.0541.01
accession number
1985.0541
catalog number
1985.0541.01

Cigar Store Indian

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1850
maker
Cromwell, John L.
ID Number
CL.272624.01
accession number
272624
catalog number
272624.01

Red Tip Cigar Label

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0426.02
catalog number
1991.0426.02
accession number
1991.0426

U.G.W. of A.

A stamp holder made of imitation ivory celluloid. It advertises the United Garment Workers of America.
Description (Brief)
A stamp holder made of imitation ivory celluloid. It advertises the United Garment Workers of America.
date made
1909-1925
maker
Bastian Bros Company
ID Number
2006.0098.0947
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.0947

Daily News Vol. 46. No. 207

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1965-02-22
graphic artist
News Syndicate Co., Inc.
ID Number
2012.3028.01
accession number
2012.3028

ad

Performer Gilda Mirós had this newspaper advertisement mounted to commemorate the kickoff of her weekday morning show “Amorosamente” meaning “With Love.”In the 1950s, consumers made television the centerpiece of the home, fueling competition among broadcasters to create new produ
Description
Performer Gilda Mirós had this newspaper advertisement mounted to commemorate the kickoff of her weekday morning show “Amorosamente” meaning “With Love.”
In the 1950s, consumers made television the centerpiece of the home, fueling competition among broadcasters to create new products, new programming, new stations, and even new networks. Innovators, such as those behind the creation of independent Spanish-language stations and eventually the Spanish International Network (SIN), challenged established broadcasting companies by creating new programming in Spanish and catering to underserved audiences. Established in the early 1960s, SIN knit together independents and created new stations to serve a national audience. With a complex business and legal history, SIN eventually became Univision in the 1980s. In the decades after 1980, Spanish-language programing options grew with recognition of Latinx communities as powerful consumer groups and the advent of new broadcasting technologies such as cable and digital TV.
Description (Spanish)
La artista Gilda Mirós hizo enmarcar este anuncio publicitario para conmemorar el inicio de su programa matutino diario titulado "Amorosamente".
En la década de 1950, los consumidores hicieron de la televisión un componente central de sus hogares, fomentando la competencia entre las difusoras para crear nuevos productos, nueva programación, nuevas estaciones, e incluso nuevas redes. Los innovadores, como los creadores de los canales independientes de habla hispana y el Spanish International Network (SIN), desafiaron a las emisoras establecidas creando nuevos programas en español centradas en audiencias históricamente ignoradas. Establecido a principios de los sesenta, SIN unió a difusoras independentes y creó nuevas estaciones para responder a una audiencia nacional. Tras una compleja trayectoria empresarial y legal, SIN se convertiría en Univisión en la década de 1980. Durante las próximas décadas, las opciones de programación en español crecieron gracias al reconocimiento de la comunidad Latinx, como poderoso grupo de consumidores, y a la introducción de nuevas tecnologías de difusión, como el cable y la televisión digital.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1987-12
ID Number
2016.0233.05
catalog number
2016.0233.05
accession number
2016.0233

Fan-style mechanical trade card advertisement for Abie's Irish Rose

This fan-style mechanical trade card advertises the original Broadway production of the comedic play Abie’s Irish Rose, one of the most successful and important plays of the 20th century.
Description (Brief)
This fan-style mechanical trade card advertises the original Broadway production of the comedic play Abie’s Irish Rose, one of the most successful and important plays of the 20th century. The card is comprised of three leaf-shaped die cut cardboard sections joined with a metal grommet at the bottom, allowing the user to fan out each of the three pieces. The card is printed in green and pink ink on the front with images of a rose and the title of the play, as well as the name of its author, Anne Nichols. The back is printed with information about the production: “Now Playing at / Republic Theatre / NEW YORK / West 42nd St. / Evenings 8:30 – Mats. Wed. and Sat. 2:30 / THIRD YEAR”.
Abie’s Irish Rose was an enormously popular mixed marriage farce that spoke to contemporary cultural anxieties about immigration, assimilation, and ethnic identity. Written by Anne Nichols, the play tells the story of a couple comprised of a Jewish man and Irish woman navigating familial and societal prejudice while marrying and raising a family in contemporary New York City. The lead characters’ audacious and escalating lies to hide their relationship from their bigoted fathers culminates in an absurd climax of multiple marriages and religious reconciliation. The show premiered May 23, 1922 at the Fulton Theatre and ran for 2,327 performances before closing at The Republic in 1927, making it the longest running play in Broadway history until surpassed by Hello, Dolly in the 1960s. The sentimental comedy was seen by an estimated 11 million audience members in its Broadway and national touring productions.
Abie’s Irish Rose was adapted for film in 1928 and again in 1946, a weekly radio show in the 1940s, and revived on Broadway in 1937 and 1954. Nichols sued Universal Studios for plagiarism for making the 1926 film The Cohens and Kellys, a film with a similar plot premise. In the landmark 1930 US Court of Appeals case Nichols v. Universal Pictures Corp., Judge Learned Hand wrote the opinion for the court, holding that copyright protection cannot be extended to stock characters in a story in the case of non-literal copying of a dramatic work.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1925
ID Number
2023.0082.01
accession number
2023.0082
catalog number
2023.0082.01

construction workers, Rolleiflex, and Volkswagen

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1950s-1970s
1960s-1970s
Associated Name
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
graphic artist
Weber, Martin J.
ID Number
2011.0071.188
catalog number
2011.0071.188
accession number
2011.0071

Open Work Net Banners

A broadside advertising banners in support of Democratic nominees William Jennings Bryan and Adlai Stevenson.Currently not on view
Description
A broadside advertising banners in support of Democratic nominees William Jennings Bryan and Adlai Stevenson.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1900
depicted (sitter)
Bryan, William Jennings
Stevenson, Adlai
ID Number
2010.0073.01
catalog number
2010.0073.01
accession number
2010.0073
catalog number
2010.0073.01

Alcazar Cigar Label

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0426.01
catalog number
1991.0426.01
accession number
1991.0426

Turner (Spatula)

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1910
ID Number
1987.0160.17
accession number
1987.0160
catalog number
1987.160.17

Head-Quarters for Army, Navy and Masonic Badges

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1978.0010.10
accession number
1978.0010
catalog number
1978.0010.10
accession number
85357M

Frank Leslie's Illustrated Publications

An advertisement with prices for subscriptions to Frank Leslie's Illustrated, 1880.Currently not on view
Description
An advertisement with prices for subscriptions to Frank Leslie's Illustrated, 1880.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1880
associated date
1881
ID Number
1979.0215.051
accession number
1979.0215
catalog number
1979.0215.051

Campbell Kid

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
copyright date
1973
ID Number
1977.0575.10
accession number
1977.0575
catalog number
1977.0575.10

Keuffel & Esser Instructions for Log Log Duplex Slide Rule

This eight-page pamphlet was received with 1981.0933.01. It is undated, but Clark McCoy reports the text was written around 1914. This copy was probably printed later, around 1920.
Description
This eight-page pamphlet was received with 1981.0933.01. It is undated, but Clark McCoy reports the text was written around 1914. This copy was probably printed later, around 1920. It explains the scales on K&E's model 4092 slide rule, works eleven sample problems, and advertises K&E calculating devices.
Reference: Clark McCoy, ed., "K&E Log Log Duplex Slide Rules," http://www.mccoys-kecatalogs.com/KEManuals/manuals.htm#4092.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1920
maker
Keuffel & Esser Co.
ID Number
1981.0933.02
accession number
1981.0933
catalog number
1981.0933.02

Pop Hand Puppet

This hand puppet, known as Pop, is one of the three characters used to represent the famous Kellogg's Rice Krispies cereal. His head is made of molded synthetic rubber, his hands are red felt, and he is dressed in a peachy pink colored cotton shirt.
Description (Brief)
This hand puppet, known as Pop, is one of the three characters used to represent the famous Kellogg's Rice Krispies cereal. His head is made of molded synthetic rubber, his hands are red felt, and he is dressed in a peachy pink colored cotton shirt. Snap, Crackle, and Pop were created in the 1930s as spokesmen for Kellogg's Rice Krispies. Their images are based on drawings by illustrator Vernon Grant and cartoonist Don Margolis. These three little sprites were popular images used to advertise cereal to children.
This particular set of puppets is from the early 1960s were offered as premiums for saving cereal box tops. These familiar elves continue to represent the Rick Krispies brand in the twenty first century.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1950 - 1959
user
Rollins, Hazelle H.
Rollins, Hazelle H.
ID Number
1980.0910.08
accession number
1980.0910
catalog number
1980.0910.08

Ballet Dancer Marionette

Created by Roy Patton in 1940, this lovely hand carved and painted marionette was used to advertise Revlon cosmetics in a major department store in New York City.
Description (Brief)
Created by Roy Patton in 1940, this lovely hand carved and painted marionette was used to advertise Revlon cosmetics in a major department store in New York City. She is dressed in what was once an elegant silk dress adorned with flowers and sequins with tiny ballet slippers on her feet. She is operated with an airplane control and nine strings.
In the early 1940s, Revlon, a major cosmetic company, employed the use of this glamorous marionette to promote its product line at a major department store on Fifth Ave in New York City. Set against a black back drop, the female puppeteer was clothed entirely in black with just her hands and face unveiled. As the marionette danced across the store window, the audience saw only the beautifully manicured nail polish and the newest lip stick color on the puppeteer as she worked the marionette.
Roy Patton's interest in puppets began at an early age. Raised as Quakers , he and his brother Harry were taught Bible stories through puppet shows that were staged in the community. Both Roy and Harry were drawn to puppetry and became interested in creating puppets and constructing stage settings. In 1934 Roy joined the Tatterman Marionette Company and became a master carver. Roy followed a few years later as a puppeteer and set designer.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1940
user
Revlon
maker
Patton, Roy E.
ID Number
1981.0059.01
accession number
1981.0059
catalog number
1981.0059.01

Snap Hand Puppet

This hand puppet, known as Snap, is one of the three characters used to represent the famous Kellogg's Rice Krispies cereal. His head is made of molded synthetic rubber, his hands are red felt, and he is dressed in a peachy pink colored cotton shirt.
Description (Brief)
This hand puppet, known as Snap, is one of the three characters used to represent the famous Kellogg's Rice Krispies cereal. His head is made of molded synthetic rubber, his hands are red felt, and he is dressed in a peachy pink colored cotton shirt. Snap, Crackle, and Pop were created in the 1930s as spokesmen for Kellogg's Rice Krispies. Their images are based on drawings by illustrator Vernon Grant and cartoonist Don Margolis. These three little sprites were popular images used to advertise cereal to children.
This particular set of puppets is from the early 1960s was offered as premiums for saving cereal box tops. These familiar elves continue to represent the Rick Krispies brand in the twenty first century.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1950 - 1959
user
Rollins, Hazelle H.
Rollins, Hazelle H.
ID Number
1980.0910.06
accession number
1980.0910
catalog number
1980.0910.06

Crackle Hand Puppet

This hand puppet, Crackle, is one of the three characters used to represent the famous Kellogg's Rice Krispies cereal. His head is made of molded synthetic rubber, his hands are red felt, and he is dressed in a peachy pink colored cotton shirt.
Description (Brief)
This hand puppet, Crackle, is one of the three characters used to represent the famous Kellogg's Rice Krispies cereal. His head is made of molded synthetic rubber, his hands are red felt, and he is dressed in a peachy pink colored cotton shirt. Snap, Crackle, and Pop were created in the 1930s as spokesmen for Kellogg's Rice Krispies. Their images are based on drawings by illustrator Vernon Grant and cartoonist Don Margolis. These three little sprites were popular images used to advertise cereal to children.
This particular set of puppets is from the early 1960s were offered as premiums for saving cereal box tops. These familiar elves continue to represent the Rick Krispies brand in the twenty first century.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1950 - 1959
user
Rollins, Hazelle H.
Rollins, Hazelle H.
ID Number
1980.0910.07
accession number
1980.0910
catalog number
1980.0910.07

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

Cox Stadia Computer

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

Unguentine - When The Finger of Fire Touches You

Yellow oval pin with image of a flaming hand with extended finger. An image of a tube of Unguentine burn salve is on the reverse. Metal pin back.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Yellow oval pin with image of a flaming hand with extended finger. An image of a tube of Unguentine burn salve is on the reverse. Metal pin back.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1943
maker
Whitehead & Hoag Company
ID Number
2006.0098.0122
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.0122

Syracuse Vacuum Cleaner Co. blotter

A blotter pad with a celluloid cover. It's an advertising novelty for the Syracuse Vacuum Cleaner Co. Advertising copy and two images are printed on the cover.
Description (Brief)
A blotter pad with a celluloid cover. It's an advertising novelty for the Syracuse Vacuum Cleaner Co. Advertising copy and two images are printed on the cover. One image shows the "BEE" Suction Cleaner manufactured by the Birtman Electric Co.; the other shows a woman using a hand-powered vacuum cleaner.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1910
maker
Bastian Brothers Company
ID Number
2006.0098.1413
catalog number
2006.0098.1413
accession number
2006.0098

Liza Minnelli

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1977
depicted; performing artist
Minnelli, Liza
designer
Halston
visual artist
Eula, Joe
user
Majestic Theatre
maker
Eula, Joe
ID Number
2002.3087.01
catalog number
2002.3087.01
nonaccession number
2002.3087

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