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.

Microsoft Button, Microsoft Mail Get your message across!

This rectangular button has black text on a salmon colored background that reads: Microsoft Mail. Get your message across! A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: PC EXPO NY 6/92.Currently not on view
Description
This rectangular button has black text on a salmon colored background that reads: Microsoft Mail. Get your message across! A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: PC EXPO NY 6/92.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1992
maker
Microsoft Corporation
ID Number
2009.3071.262
catalog number
2009.3061.262
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Feed-Eater Printer Paper Edge Trimmer

This device was designed to detach the perforated edges found on printer paper in the early 1990s (and before then). It consists of a single sheet of black metal, folded, with a protruding curved tab at upper right-hand corner to trim the paper.
Description
This device was designed to detach the perforated edges found on printer paper in the early 1990s (and before then). It consists of a single sheet of black metal, folded, with a protruding curved tab at upper right-hand corner to trim the paper. The front is decorated with three light blue rectangles and a light blue logo showing paper being trimmed and reading: FEED-EATER. Blue text reads "Patent Pending," "COMPUTER PAPER EDGE STRIPPER," and "1-800-345-1201." A dashed line is etched in the metal towards the right-hand side, with arrows and etched text that reads: PULL DOWN. Etched text reading "TOP" is printed in the metal on the right-hand side above four punched holes, indicating where to position the paper for trimming.
Compare 2009.3071.780 and 2009.3071.781.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2009.3071.781
catalog number
2009.3071.781
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Advertising Button, Apple

This square button has black text on a white background that reads: Over 500,000 people take my shortcut to work. It has a picture of an Apple II floppy disk.Currently not on view
Description
This square button has black text on a white background that reads: Over 500,000 people take my shortcut to work. It has a picture of an Apple II floppy disk.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1990s
maker
Apple Computer, Inc.
ID Number
2009.3071.165
catalog number
2009.3071.165
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Huyler's Caracas Cocoa Tin

This yellow, rectangular tin with black lettering and design was used to store and market Huyler's drinking chocolate.In 1846, John Huyler was born to David Huyler who ran a bakery in New York City. By the early 1860s, John was working in his father’s shop, learning the trade.
Description
This yellow, rectangular tin with black lettering and design was used to store and market Huyler's drinking chocolate.
In 1846, John Huyler was born to David Huyler who ran a bakery in New York City. By the early 1860s, John was working in his father’s shop, learning the trade. In 1874, he opened his own store, a confectionary, and within a few years he had opened three more stores. By the time of his death in 1910, he owned 54 store fronts with 14 factories and around 2000 employees supplying his shops.
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-15.0131
catalog number
77-FT-15.0131
accession number
283681

Button, La Cie. Cirrus Disk Drives. Made in Oregon, USA

This circular button has pink text on a black background that reads: La Cie. Cirrus Disk Drives. Made in Oregon, USA. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: MacWorld Boston 8/89.Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has pink text on a black background that reads: La Cie. Cirrus Disk Drives. Made in Oregon, USA. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: MacWorld Boston 8/89.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1989
ID Number
2009.3071.360
catalog number
2009.3071.360
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Button, POWER

This square button has a black background with white text that reads: "POWER." Above the text is an unidentified purple logo.Currently not on view
Description
This square button has a black background with white text that reads: "POWER." Above the text is an unidentified purple logo.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2009.3071.571
catalog number
2009.3071.571
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Campbell's Soup Kid Shaker, Female

This is a shaker modeled after the Campbell’s Soup Kids. The Campbell’s Soup Company was formed in 1869 by Joseph Campbell and Abraham Anderson selling various canned products. In 1897, a chemist working for the company named John T.
Description
This is a shaker modeled after the Campbell’s Soup Kids. The Campbell’s Soup Company was formed in 1869 by Joseph Campbell and Abraham Anderson selling various canned products. In 1897, a chemist working for the company named John T. Dorrance invented the process of condensing soup which removed half the water and meant the packaging and storage required for it would be much smaller and lighter. The iconic red and white packaging was introduced a year later in 1898 after a company executive was inspired by Cornell University’s school colors.
The Campbell’s Kids were created in 1904 by Grace Drayton and quickly became the face of the company. “Spokes characters” became the face of national brands beginning in the 1890s.They pitched all kinds of products and asked consumers to buy based on emotion. As friendly faces, they connected through humor, reached kids, and built brand loyalty. The Campbell’s Kids have been portrayed in many different roles, from army doctors to Olympic athletes, in order to better connect with their audience.
ID Number
2015.3087.02
catalog number
2015.3087.02
nonaccession number
2015.3087

Alloy Computer Products Button, I'm a No-Nonsense Guy

This circular button has blue text on a green background that reads: I'm A No-Nonsense Guy. In white text along the border it reads: Alloy Computer Products, Inc. PC-PLUS: The NO-NONSENSE Network. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: '87?
Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has blue text on a green background that reads: I'm A No-Nonsense Guy. In white text along the border it reads: Alloy Computer Products, Inc. PC-PLUS: The NO-NONSENSE Network. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: '87?

Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1987
ID Number
2009.3071.434
catalog number
2009.3071.434
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Altima NSX Button

This circular button has blue text on a white background that reads: Altima NSX 386SX POWER. It has an image of a black laptop. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads:CDX 90.Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has blue text on a white background that reads: Altima NSX 386SX POWER. It has an image of a black laptop. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads:CDX 90.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1990
ID Number
2009.3071.230
catalog number
2009.3071.230
nonaccession number
2009.3071

I Own A Liberty Bond Button

Round Liberty Bond button. The button is white and blue with a red border. White print reads “I Own A Liberty Bond” next to an image of the Statue of Liberty.Liberty Loans were part of the U.S.
Description (Brief)
Round Liberty Bond button. The button is white and blue with a red border. White print reads “I Own A Liberty Bond” next to an image of the Statue of Liberty.
Liberty Loans were part of the U.S. government’s effort to sell war bonds (also known as Liberty Bonds) during World War I to defray the expense of war. These bonds were issued by the U.S. Treasury. The First Liberty Bond Act was passed by Congress on April 24, 1917, and the bonds began issuance shortly thereafter.
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:
Treasury Department, Liberty Loan Acts (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1921). books.google.com/books?id=4qFAAAAAYAAJ.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1917-1918
ID Number
2006.0098.0310
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.0310

Advertising Button, Apple, Macintosh Mac OS

This circular button is half black and half white (ying yang design). It has a blue and black Mac OS logo on the white side and the Macintosh System 7.5 logo on the black side.Currently not on view
Description
This circular button is half black and half white (ying yang design). It has a blue and black Mac OS logo on the white side and the Macintosh System 7.5 logo on the black side.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c late 1990s
ID Number
2009.3071.185
catalog number
2009.3071.185
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Ashton-Tate Button, I'm in Control

This circular button has white text on a red background that reads: Control Room. I'm in Control. At the bottom is a white Ashton-Tate logo. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: PC Expo '90.Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has white text on a red background that reads: Control Room. I'm in Control. At the bottom is a white Ashton-Tate logo. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: PC Expo '90.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1990
ID Number
2009.3071.543
catalog number
2009.3071.543
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Soup

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1930s-1950s
maker
Keppler, Victor
ID Number
PG.006261.T
catalog number
6261T
accession number
238737

Button, Advertising, Percussion Software

This semi-circular button has an off-white background with black text that reads "Percussion 1994- -2004." The dark yellow text between the dates reads: "10th Anniversary." In the upper part of the semi-circle is a green and black logo.
Description
This semi-circular button has an off-white background with black text that reads "Percussion 1994- -2004." The dark yellow text between the dates reads: "10th Anniversary." In the upper part of the semi-circle is a green and black logo. The button is decorated with six lights that flash green, blue and red when the dial on the reverse is pressed or tightened.
Percussion Software was founded in 1994 in Woburn, MA by Alan Matthews, Barry Reynolds, and John Devine. They created add-ons for Lotus Notes.
Reference:
https://www.percussion.com/about-us/
[Last accessed 6-5-2019]
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 2004
ID Number
2009.3071.608
catalog number
2009.3071.608
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Golden Crown Marshmallow Tin

This yellow, rectangular tin with a black design was used by Ginna & Co. and once contained one pound of Golden Crown Marshmallow Drops.Sweet treats have been a part of the human diet nearly since the beginning of human existence.
Description
This yellow, rectangular tin with a black design was used by Ginna & Co. and once contained one pound of Golden Crown Marshmallow Drops.
Sweet treats have been a part of the human diet nearly since the beginning of human existence. The type of treat has changed over time, but human desire for sweetness has not. Candy can be hard or chewy, may or may not contain chocolate and can be sweet or sour. Sugar cane was introduced to Europeans when crusaders brought the substance back from the Middle East, and it was with these Europeans that sugar gained its highly prized status as an art form and a gift to be given away on special occasions. A status that persists to this day when a suitor gives their beloved chocolate for Valentine’s Day.
At one time, small family owned confectionary shops dominated the American landscape. Opening a candy making business was a relatively low cost investment, all one needed was a kitchen and a basket to sell their treats from on the street. As demand grew, they could grow their business. Today, many of these small businesses have been absorbed into large corporations who command a much greater market power.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AG.77-FT-15.0283
accession number
283681
catalog number
77-FT-15.0283

Bytex Button, Everything's Under Control

This circular button has black text on a white background that reads: Everything's Under Control. Below the text is a blue Bytex logo. A mark on the reverse reads: NW Boston 2/91.Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has black text on a white background that reads: Everything's Under Control. Below the text is a blue Bytex logo. A mark on the reverse reads: NW Boston 2/91.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1991
ID Number
2009.3071.225
catalog number
2009.3071.225
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Microsoft Button, Microsoft Word for Windows

This circular button has purple text on a yellow background that reads: Microsoft Word for Windows. Above the text is a purple and green image of a window. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: Comdex 11/89.Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has purple text on a yellow background that reads: Microsoft Word for Windows. Above the text is a purple and green image of a window. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: Comdex 11/89.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1989
maker
Microsoft Corporation
ID Number
2009.3071.288
catalog number
2009.3071.288
nonaccession number
2009.3071

SmartConnex Button, Drivers

This circular button has white text on a blue background that reads: SmartConnex Drivers. The word drivers is in center of the button and is surrounded by red circle with slash through it. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: Comdex 6/90.Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has white text on a blue background that reads: SmartConnex Drivers. The word drivers is in center of the button and is surrounded by red circle with slash through it. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: Comdex 6/90.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1990
ID Number
2009.3071.417
catalog number
2009.3071.417
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Advertising Button, JetForm Corp., JetForm

This rectangular button has blue text on a grey background that reads: JetForm Enterprise-wide forms solutions. It has a red square, a yellow triangle, a blue circle, and purple dots.
Description
This rectangular button has blue text on a grey background that reads: JetForm Enterprise-wide forms solutions. It has a red square, a yellow triangle, a blue circle, and purple dots. Along the left edge is a green wavy design.
JetForm Corp., of Indianapolis, IN, developed JetForm, a form design application.
References: [last accessed 2019-08-07]
InfoWorld, September 30, 1991
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c late 1980s
ID Number
2009.3071.202
catalog number
2009.3071.202
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Button, RSA PUBLIC KEY CRYPTOSYSTEMS

The square button has a white background with a black strip across the bottom. Black text on the white background reads: FACTOR THIS, BABY. Blue and gray text on the black strip reads: "RSA PUBLIC KEY CRYPTOSYSTEMS" next to the RSA logo of blue and gray keys interlocking.
Description
The square button has a white background with a black strip across the bottom. Black text on the white background reads: FACTOR THIS, BABY. Blue and gray text on the black strip reads: "RSA PUBLIC KEY CRYPTOSYSTEMS" next to the RSA logo of blue and gray keys interlocking. The reverse reads "GROUPWARE '93 - San Jose 8/10/93" in black permanent ink.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1993
ID Number
2009.3071.652
catalog number
2009.3071.652
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Advertising Button, Quadram

This circular button has a silver background with blue text that reads: "QUADRAM Making your personal computer better." At the top, in blue, is the Quadram logo.Quadram of Norcross, GA, was a maker of laser printers.Reference: [last accessed 2019-08-14]InfoWorld June 23, 1986, p.
Description
This circular button has a silver background with blue text that reads: "QUADRAM Making your personal computer better." At the top, in blue, is the Quadram logo.
Quadram of Norcross, GA, was a maker of laser printers.
Reference: [last accessed 2019-08-14]
InfoWorld June 23, 1986, p. 42. (review of laser printers.)
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2009.3071.596
catalog number
2009.3071.596
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Microrim Yo-yo

This bright orange plastic yo-yo has white string around a central spool. Black text on one side reads "R:BASE 3.0 MICRORIM," black text on the other side reads "R:BASE THREE POINT OH-YO!"Currently not on view
Description
This bright orange plastic yo-yo has white string around a central spool. Black text on one side reads "R:BASE 3.0 MICRORIM," black text on the other side reads "R:BASE THREE POINT OH-YO!"
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2009.3071.784
catalog number
2009.3071.784
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Computerworld Button, I'm MIS-Informed

This circular button has white text on a red background that reads: I'm MIS-Informed. Computerworld. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: Comdex Spring '89.Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has white text on a red background that reads: I'm MIS-Informed. Computerworld. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: Comdex Spring '89.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1989
ID Number
2009.3071.534
catalog number
2009.3071.534
nonaccession number
2009.3071

McDonald's Clam Shell Container

This off-white, polystyrene clam shell food container held one McDonald’s Big Mac™. Writing on overall container is brown for “Big Mac™” and the name “McDonald’s®” with McDonald’s® golden double arches logo.
Description
This off-white, polystyrene clam shell food container held one McDonald’s Big Mac™. Writing on overall container is brown for “Big Mac™” and the name “McDonald’s®” with McDonald’s® golden double arches logo. The Big Mac™, introduced in 1968 to the national market, consists of two regular beef patties with an extra bun slice separating them. The Big Mac™ was created as a way to compete with a similar sandwich offered at Big Boy®.
The McDonald’s Corporation is one of the most recognizable hamburger restaurants in the United States. As of 2011, the McDonald’s Corporation and franchisees were operating in 119 countries with 1.9 million employees, making it the 4th largest employer in the world.
In 1940, Richard (Dick) and Maurice (Mac) McDonald opened the first McDonald’s Bar-B-Q drive-in restaurant in San Bernardino, California. In 1948, the brothers redesigned their menu, centering on the 15 cent hamburger. In 1954, Ray Kroc, a Multimixer (milkshake machine) salesman, became interested in the McDonalds brothers’ high volume restaurant. He worked out a deal with the brothers to be their franchising agent and opened the first franchise location in Illinois the following year. Under Kroc’s direction, the company grew to become the giant we know today.
Location
Currently not on view
Associated Date
1975-1990
ID Number
1998.0349.06
accession number
1998.0349
catalog number
1998.0349.06

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