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.

Advertising Button, Lotus

This circular button has white text on a light blue background that reads: Javascript Junkie. At the top is a white outline of a gear. The white text along the bottom border reads: LotusUserGroup.org.Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has white text on a light blue background that reads: Javascript Junkie. At the top is a white outline of a gear. The white text along the bottom border reads: LotusUserGroup.org.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1990s
ID Number
2009.3071.140
catalog number
2009.3071.140
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Advertising Button, PC Computing

This rectangular button has black text on a yellow background that reads: Finalist. Paradox 4.5 for DOS. Borland International, Inc. It includes the PC Computing logo and the words MVP 1993 and a cartoon of a black and grey 'Oscar' statue.Currently not on view
Description
This rectangular button has black text on a yellow background that reads: Finalist. Paradox 4.5 for DOS. Borland International, Inc. It includes the PC Computing logo and the words MVP 1993 and a cartoon of a black and grey 'Oscar' statue.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1993
ID Number
2009.3071.068
catalog number
2009.3071.068
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Photograph of Vegetable Hodgepodge for Burpee Seed Co.

Frederick Eugene Ives (1856–1937) was a brilliant man interested in patenting his ideas (the first in 1881), but not so much in licensing them. Ives's first three-color single exposure camera was patented in 1899.
Description
Frederick Eugene Ives (1856–1937) was a brilliant man interested in patenting his ideas (the first in 1881), but not so much in licensing them. Ives's first three-color single exposure camera was patented in 1899. Over the next thirty years, Ives patented a variety of cameras and printing processes for color photography. After the Smithsonian hosted a show of Ives's photography company's work in late 1949 or early 1950, Associate Curator Alexander Wedderburn selected five prints for the color photography portion of the Photographic History Collection. This photograph represents the culmination of Ives's long series of patents and work with color photography.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1940s
maker
Ives Color Processes, Inc.
ID Number
PG.004680
accession number
187952
catalog number
4680

Towle's Log Cabin Syrup Tin Can

Tin cans were used to store a variety of different foods, and in this case, it was used to package maple syrup for either personal use or to sell commercially.
Description
Tin cans were used to store a variety of different foods, and in this case, it was used to package maple syrup for either personal use or to sell commercially. If the syrup was stored too long in the tin can, it would take on a slightly metallic flavor and therefore was not the best material to use for this purpose.
Maple syrup production is one of the few agricultural processes in North America that was not a European import but learned from the Native Americans in New England. Sap is typically collected from the Sugar, Red or Black maple, though it can be collected from other tree types. Northeastern North America is the most common area for maple syrup production, with Vermont, New York and Maine leading production in the U.S. Once the sap is collected, it must be boiled down to reduce the water content. It can require anywhere from 20-50 liters of sap to make one liter of syrup, depending on the sugar content of the sap. Each tree is capable of producing 35-50 liters of sap.
Patrick J. Towle started making “Log Cabin Syrup” in 1887, naming the brand after his childhood hero, President Lincoln, and the log cabin of his President Lincoln’s childhood home. After many acquisitions, Log Cabin became part of the Pinnacle Foods Group LLC in 2003.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1990.0018.44
accession number
1990.0018
catalog number
1990.0018.44

Advertising Button, Lotus / WordPerfect

This square button has a purple background with a white stripe. White text reads: Lotus WordPerfect. The button also includes images from OS/2 and PM. Texst on the reverse reads: Comdex 11/89.Currently not on view
Description
This square button has a purple background with a white stripe. White text reads: Lotus WordPerfect. The button also includes images from OS/2 and PM. Texst on the reverse reads: Comdex 11/89.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1989
ID Number
2009.3071.035
catalog number
2009.3071.035
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Button, Invisible Network

This circular button has white text on a teal background that reads: Invisible Network. It has a holographic image of computers transferring information that alternates with the word "invisible". A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: CDX '91.Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has white text on a teal background that reads: Invisible Network. It has a holographic image of computers transferring information that alternates with the word "invisible". A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: CDX '91.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1991
ID Number
2009.3071.302
catalog number
2009.3071.302
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Button, Get Twained! on CD/ROM. Bureau Development, Inc.

This circular button has purple text on a grey background that reads: Get Twained! on CD/ROM. Bureau Development, Inc. In the center is a black and white image of Mark Twain. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: Comdex Spring 5/93.Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has purple text on a grey background that reads: Get Twained! on CD/ROM. Bureau Development, Inc. In the center is a black and white image of Mark Twain. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: Comdex Spring 5/93.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1993
ID Number
2009.3071.391
catalog number
2009.3071.391
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Intel 486 Microprocessor Keychain

This rectangular keychain has a plastic casing and a metal split ring-style attachment.
Description
This rectangular keychain has a plastic casing and a metal split ring-style attachment. The image on one side has a white background; a large arrowhead pointing up with a scribbled line across the center in purple, orange, and yellow to form the letter "A;" and black text beneath this reading "ACCESS." The other side has a black background and an attached metal computer chip. Gold text above reads "Intel486 Microprocessor" and white text below reads "intel The Computer Inside." The split ring attachment is of gold-colored metal.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2009.3071.819
catalog number
2009.3071.819
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Microsoft Button, Visual Basic

This square button has multi-colored text on a gradient pink background that reads: Visual Basic.Currently not on view
Description
This square button has multi-colored text on a gradient pink background that reads: Visual Basic.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1992
maker
Microsoft Corporation
ID Number
2009.3071.269
catalog number
2009.3071.269
nonaccession number
2009.3071

American Japanese Cocoanut Tin

This large, red rectangular tin with gold and black lettering was used to store and market "Extra Cocoanut Bon Bons."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
Description
This large, red rectangular tin with gold and black lettering was used to store and market "Extra Cocoanut Bon Bons."
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
2010.0043.059
catalog number
2010.0043.059
accession number
2010.0043

Button, Rockin' Boston with E-Machines. Sweet Little T16

This circular button has pink text on a black background that reads: Rockin' Boston with E Machines. Sweet Little T16. The background is designed to look like a vinyl record. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: MacWorld Boston 8/90.Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has pink text on a black background that reads: Rockin' Boston with E Machines. Sweet Little T16. The background is designed to look like a vinyl record. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: MacWorld Boston 8/90.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1990
ID Number
2009.3071.473
catalog number
2009.3071.473
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Presto Flour

Metal "sanitary cake tester." A long pin with celluloid button at top in blue with yellow and white print. The reverse is white with blue print. An advertisement for Presto Cake Flour is on one side and for Hecker-H-O Co. of Buffalo, N.Y., on the other.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Metal "sanitary cake tester." A long pin with celluloid button at top in blue with yellow and white print. The reverse is white with blue print. An advertisement for Presto Cake Flour is on one side and for Hecker-H-O Co. of Buffalo, N.Y., on the other.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1902
maker
Hecker-H-O Company
ID Number
2006.0098.0790
accession number
2006.0098
catalog number
2006.0098.0790

Button, NewGen Systems Corp.

This circular button has a purple and turquoise spotted background with white text that reads: "newgen.” A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: "Spring Comdex '91."Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has a purple and turquoise spotted background with white text that reads: "newgen.” A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: "Spring Comdex '91."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1991
ID Number
2009.3071.550
catalog number
2009.3071.550
nonaccession number
2009.3071

United War Work Campaign Pin

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

Maxar PCs Button, Go For The Max!

This circular button has white text on a black background that reads: Go For The Max! It has a white Maxar PCs logo.Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has white text on a black background that reads: Go For The Max! It has a white Maxar PCs logo.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c
c 1980s
ID Number
2009.3071.416
catalog number
2009.3071.416
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Button, ACT! Business is a contact sport

This circular button has a red background with blue text reading: ACT! Business is a contact sport.Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has a red background with blue text reading: ACT! Business is a contact sport.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2009.3071.651
catalog number
2009.3071.651
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Button, Ten Time. The Perfect 10. Konan Corporation

This circular button has white text on blue background that reads: Ten Time. THE PERFECT 10. Konan Corporation. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: Comdex 11/89.Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has white text on blue background that reads: Ten Time. THE PERFECT 10. Konan Corporation. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: Comdex 11/89.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1989
ID Number
2009.3071.334
catalog number
2009.3071.334
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Compaq Lapel Pin

This lapel pin is shaped like a folded banner, and has a butterfly clutch clasp. The gold background underlies black text that reads: In the Spirit of EXCELLENCE. COMPAQ. There also is black detailing. The reverse is of gold-colored metal, as is the clasp.Currently not on view
Description
This lapel pin is shaped like a folded banner, and has a butterfly clutch clasp. The gold background underlies black text that reads: In the Spirit of EXCELLENCE. COMPAQ. There also is black detailing. The reverse is of gold-colored metal, as is the clasp.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2009.3071.754
catalog number
2009.3071.754
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Advertising Button, Apple

This square button has green text on a white background that reads: Feeling Lucky? Visit the Apple Suite Sunday 6-8pm. (Enter to win a Mac). It has an image of a green shamrock covered by a fabric multi-color Apple logo.Currently not on view
Description
This square button has green text on a white background that reads: Feeling Lucky? Visit the Apple Suite Sunday 6-8pm. (Enter to win a Mac). It has an image of a green shamrock covered by a fabric multi-color Apple logo.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1990s
maker
Apple Computer, Inc.
ID Number
2009.3071.167
catalog number
2009.3071.167
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Toptek Lapel Pin

This oval lapel pin has a butterfly clutch clasp.
Description
This oval lapel pin has a butterfly clutch clasp. On the yellow background with gold border is gold text that reads "GOLDEN SOUND CARD," dark blue text that reads "Comdex/Fall 93,'" and red text that reads: "TOPTEK." The image is of two flags crossed behind a small gold flower, an American flag on the right and the flag of the Republic of China (Taiwan) on the left. The reverse is gold-colored metal marked "CDX 11/93" in black permanent ink. The clasp is gold-colored metal.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1993
ID Number
2009.3071.713
catalog number
2009.3071.713
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Computer Button, I Like ECCO

This oval button has blue and white text on a black background that reads: I like ECCO.Currently not on view
Description
This oval button has blue and white text on a black background that reads: I like ECCO.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1990s
ID Number
2009.3071.362
catalog number
2009.3071.362
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Holiday Inn

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1975
associated institution
Holiday Inns, Inc.
maker
Holiday Inns, Inc.
ID Number
1983.0021.01
accession number
1983.0021
catalog number
1983.0021.01

Herald Brand Crystallized Ginger Tin

This yellow, rectangular container with cream, yellow and brown design was used to store and market Herald Brand Crystallized Ginger.
Description
This yellow, rectangular container with cream, yellow and brown design was used to store and market Herald Brand Crystallized Ginger. The lid of the container has the name of the product, the distributor and a picture of an old time trumpeter.
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. Crystallized ginger was and still is popular for adding into baked goods as well as eating on its own.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1990.0018.0154
accession number
1990.0018
catalog number
1990.0018.0154

Elsie Borden® Cow Premium

This cup is an Elsie the Cow® coupon or box-top premium, a prize used to incentivize purchase. Elsie the Cow® was created as a mascot for Borden Dairy Company in 1936. Borden Dairy Company was started in 1857 in Connecticut by Gail Borden, Jr. to sell condensed milk.
Description
This cup is an Elsie the Cow® coupon or box-top premium, a prize used to incentivize purchase. Elsie the Cow® was created as a mascot for Borden Dairy Company in 1936. Borden Dairy Company was started in 1857 in Connecticut by Gail Borden, Jr. to sell condensed milk. Before the company closed in the 1990s, the company had expanded into various types of milk and food products, as well as household items as glue and plastics. In the mid-1990s, Borden’s was sold to a competitor which eventually became part of the J. M. Smucker Company where products with the Borden name and Elsie image are still sold today (2014).
maker
F. F. Mold & Die Works, Inc.
ID Number
2012.0076.44.01
accession number
2012.0076
catalog number
2012.0076.44.01

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.