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.

Search term: *:* Set Name: Advertising Online visual material: Yes Museum / Unit: NMAH Museum / Unit: NMAH-AF Museum / Unit: NMAHLC YT Museum / Unit: NMAH BL Museum / Unit: NMAH YT Museum / Unit: ACAH Topic: Amusements Clear All

McDonald's Toy Story 2 Premium Bag

This clear plastic McDonald’s® premium toy bag was used to distribute toy #2, “Mr. Potato Head and Mrs. Potato Head.” The bags were used to package McDonald’s® toys inside the Happy Meal® box.
Description
This clear plastic McDonald’s® premium toy bag was used to distribute toy #2, “Mr. Potato Head and Mrs. Potato Head.” The bags were used to package McDonald’s® toys inside the Happy Meal® box. The premium bag has Ronald McDonald and the golden arches logo printed on one side and pertinent toy information printed inside a blue box. On the reverse, warning information regarding the toys has been printed for consumers. The Happy Meal® was released in 1979 as a way to package a meal together in a fun, collectible container that appealed to children. Happy Meals® have since become progressively more elaborate in the type of food offered (with various healthier options) and the premiums available with the meal. In 1996, McDonald’s® and Disney signed a 10 year, exclusive partnership agreement where McDonald’s® was able to use Disney characters for Happy Meal® premiums and Disney would receive free promotion of upcoming movies through McDonald’s®. This partnership appeared like a natural fit for the two companies since they had an overlapping market base. From November 26, 1999 through December 23, 1999, McDonald’s® marketed the Toy Story 2 Happy Meal® premiums.
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
date made
ca 1999
ID Number
2012.3045.06
catalog number
2012.3045.06
nonaccession number
2012.3045

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

ICOM Button, The Game's Afoot

This circular button has a silhouette of detective Sherlock Holmes with a pipe on a white background. White text on the silhouette reads: The game's afoot. It has a black ICOM logo under the silhouette.Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has a silhouette of detective Sherlock Holmes with a pipe on a white background. White text on the silhouette reads: The game's afoot. It has a black ICOM logo under the silhouette.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1990s
ID Number
2009.3071.217
catalog number
2009.3071.217
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Advertising Button, IBM, Personal Computer

This circular button marks the fifth anniversary of release of the IBM PC. On the white background there is a large red number 5 with small red squares on background. Charlie Chaplin, in black and with a cane carries the 5.Currently not on view
Description
This circular button marks the fifth anniversary of release of the IBM PC. On the white background there is a large red number 5 with small red squares on background. Charlie Chaplin, in black and with a cane carries the 5.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1986
maker
IBM
ID Number
2009.3071.019
catalog number
2009.3071.019
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Advertising Button, PC Computing

This square button has black text on a red background that reads: Winner. Intel SatisFAXtion Modem/400. Intel Corp. It includes the PC Computing logo and the words MVP 1992. In black and gold is a cartoon of an 'Oscar' statue.
Description
This square button has black text on a red background that reads: Winner. Intel SatisFAXtion Modem/400. Intel Corp. It includes the PC Computing logo and the words MVP 1992. In black and gold is a cartoon of an 'Oscar' statue. A mark on the reverse reads: Comdex 11/92.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1992
ID Number
2009.3071.069
catalog number
2009.3071.069
nonaccession number
2009.3071

McDonald's Toy Story 2 Premium Bag

This clear plastic McDonald’s® premium toy bag was used to distribute toy #8, “Disney & Pixar’s Jessie.” The bags were used to package McDonald’s toys inside the Happy Meal® box.
Description
This clear plastic McDonald’s® premium toy bag was used to distribute toy #8, “Disney & Pixar’s Jessie.” The bags were used to package McDonald’s toys inside the Happy Meal® box. The premium bag has Ronald McDonald and the golden arches logo printed on one side and pertinent toy information printed inside an orange box. On the reverse, warning information regarding the toys has been printed for consumers. The Happy Meal® was released in 1979 as a way to package a meal together in a fun, collectible container that appealed to children. Happy Meals® have since become progressively more elaborate in the type of food offered (with various healthier options) and the premiums available with the meal. In 1996, McDonald’s® and Disney signed a 10 year, exclusive partnership agreement where McDonald’s® was able to use Disney characters for Happy Meal® premiums and Disney would receive free promotion of upcoming movies through McDonald’s®. This partnership appeared like a natural fit for the two companies since they had an overlapping market base. From November 26, 1999 through December 23, 1999, McDonald’s® marketed the Toy Story 2 Happy Meal® premiums.
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
date made
ca 1999
ID Number
2012.3045.08
catalog number
2012.3045.08
nonaccession number
2012.3045

McDonald's Toy Story 2 Premium Bag

This clear plastic McDonald’s® premium toy bag was used to distribute toy #9, “Bo Peep.” These bags were used to package McDonald’s® toys inside the Happy Meal® box.
Description
This clear plastic McDonald’s® premium toy bag was used to distribute toy #9, “Bo Peep.” These bags were used to package McDonald’s® toys inside the Happy Meal® box. The premium bag has Ronald McDonald and the golden arches logo printed on one side and pertinent toy information printed inside a gray box. On the reverse, warning information regarding the toys has been printed for consumers. The Happy Meal® was released in 1979 as a way to package a meal together in a fun, collectible container that appealed to children. Happy Meals® have since become progressively more elaborate in the type of food offered (with various healthier options) and the premiums available with the meal. In 1996, McDonald’s® and Disney signed a 10 year, exclusive partnership agreement where McDonald’s® was able to use Disney characters for Happy Meal® premiums and Disney would receive free promotion of upcoming movies through McDonald’s®. This partnership appeared like a natural fit for the two companies since they had an overlapping market base. From November 26, 1999 through December 23, 1999, McDonald’s® marketed the Toy Story 2 Happy Meal® premiums.
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
date made
ca 1999
ID Number
2012.3045.05
catalog number
2012.3045.05
nonaccession number
2012.3045

Advertising Button, IBM, Personal Computer

This circular button has black text on a white background. It reads: The IBM Personal Computer. It also has a black and white image of Charlie Chaplin standing next to a table with an IBM desktop computer on it. A red flower is part of the image.Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has black text on a white background. It reads: The IBM Personal Computer. It also has a black and white image of Charlie Chaplin standing next to a table with an IBM desktop computer on it. A red flower is part of the image.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1981
maker
IBM
ID Number
2009.3071.003
catalog number
2009.3071.003
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Chicken McNugget Box

This clam shell food container held 6 Chicken McNuggets®. In the early 1980s, McDonald’s® Corporation tasked a small group of people to solve the technical problem of machine producing a chicken nugget that appeared to be cut by hand.
Description
This clam shell food container held 6 Chicken McNuggets®. In the early 1980s, McDonald’s® Corporation tasked a small group of people to solve the technical problem of machine producing a chicken nugget that appeared to be cut by hand. In 1983, the Chicken McNugget® was introduced to the national market and was a huge success.
When Fred Turner became President of McDonald’s in 1968, he ushered in a new era of expansion, which required comprehensive national marketing campaigns. This box is decorated with the McDonald’s® Golden Arches logo and Disney’s Toy Story 2 advertising. It was used to promote the upcoming Toy Story 2 happy meal toys available from McDonald’s® beginning in November 1999. Mr. Potato Head and Rex the Green Dinosaur, both characters from Toy Story 2, appear on the lid of the container. In 1996, McDonald’s® and Disney signed a 10 year, exclusive partnership agreement where McDonald’s® was able to use Disney characters for Happy Meal® premiums and Disney would receive free promotion of upcoming movies through McDonald’s®. This partnership appeared like a natural fit for the two companies since they had an overlapping market base. From November 26, 1999 through December 23, 1999, McDonald’s® marketed the Toy Story 2 Happy Meal® premiums.
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.
date made
ca 1999
ID Number
2012.3045.01
catalog number
2012.3045.01
nonaccession number
2012.3045

Chicken McNuggets Box

This large clam shell food container was used for distribution of the 20 Chicken McNuggets® meal. In the early 1980s, McDonald’s® Corporation tasked a small group of people to solve the technical problem of machine producing a chicken nugget that appeared to be cut by hand.
Description
This large clam shell food container was used for distribution of the 20 Chicken McNuggets® meal. In the early 1980s, McDonald’s® Corporation tasked a small group of people to solve the technical problem of machine producing a chicken nugget that appeared to be cut by hand. In 1983, the Chicken McNugget® was introduced to the national market and was a huge success.
It is decorated with Toy Story 2 advertising and McDonald’s® golden arches logo. Woody, Slinky Dog and The Prospector, characters from Toy Story 2, appear on the box as a way to promote Disney’s Toy Story 2 and the new Toy Story 2 premiums available with McDonald’s® Happy Meals®. A cut-out Toys-R-Us coupon has been printed on the lid. In 1996, McDonald’s® and Disney signed a 10 year, exclusive partnership agreement where McDonald’s® was able to use Disney characters for Happy Meal® premiums and Disney would receive free promotion of upcoming movies through McDonald’s. This partnership appeared like a natural fit for the two companies since they had an overlapping market base. From November 26, 1999 through December 23, 1999, McDonald’s® marketed the Toy Story 2 Happy Meal® premiums.
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
ID Number
2012.3045.03
catalog number
2012.3045.03
nonaccession number
2012.3045

McDonald's Toy Story 2 Premium Bag

This clear plastic McDonald’s® premium toy bag was used to distribute toy #17, “RC Car.” The bags were used to package McDonald’s toys inside the Happy Meal® box.
Description
This clear plastic McDonald’s® premium toy bag was used to distribute toy #17, “RC Car.” The bags were used to package McDonald’s toys inside the Happy Meal® box. The premium bag has Ronald McDonald and the golden arches logo printed on one side and pertinent toy information printed inside a blue box. On the reverse, warning information regarding the toys has been printed for consumers. The Happy Meal® was released in 1979 as a way to package a meal together in a fun, collectible container that appealed to children. Happy Meals® have since become progressively more elaborate in the type of food offered (with various healthier options) and the premiums available with the meal. In 1996, McDonald’s® and Disney signed a 10 year, exclusive partnership agreement where McDonald’s® was able to use Disney characters for Happy Meal® premiums and Disney would receive free promotion of upcoming movies through McDonald’s®. This partnership appeared like a natural fit for the two companies since they had an overlapping market base. From November 26, 1999 through December 23, 1999, McDonald’s® marketed the Toy Story 2 Happy Meal® premiums.
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
date made
ca 1999
ID Number
2012.3045.07
catalog number
2012.3045.07
nonaccession number
2012.3045

Advertising Button, IBM, PC jr

This circular button has black text on a white background. It reads: The easy one for everyone. Red text on a white background reads: IBM PC jr. The button also shows Charlie Chaplin reclining with a cane.Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has black text on a white background. It reads: The easy one for everyone. Red text on a white background reads: IBM PC jr. The button also shows Charlie Chaplin reclining with a cane.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1984
maker
IBM
ID Number
2009.3071.004
catalog number
2009.3071.004
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Cool Shoppin' Barbie

The American toy company Mattel manufactured and sold Cool Shoppin’ Barbie in 1997. The fashion doll came with her own clothing store that sold shirts, skirts, sunglasses, shoes, perfume, and purses and had a cash register, bar code scanner, and credit card reader.
Description
The American toy company Mattel manufactured and sold Cool Shoppin’ Barbie in 1997. The fashion doll came with her own clothing store that sold shirts, skirts, sunglasses, shoes, perfume, and purses and had a cash register, bar code scanner, and credit card reader. Barbie had her own MasterCard, and would say “credit approved” when a button was pushed.
Parents and consumer advocates complained that Barbie should not encourage excessive spending and credit debt or advertise the MasterCard brand to young children. While Cool Shoppin’ Barbie sold well during the 1997 holiday season, the contract between Barbie and MasterCard was not renewed the next year—making the toy a sought after collectible.
ID Number
2013.3116.01
nonaccession number
2013.3116
catalog number
2013.3116.01

Plaster Replica of Nipper

This is a plaster replica of Nipper the dog that was made around 1930-1950. The image of Nipper in front of a phonograph listening to “His Master’s Voice” was used as a logo for a variety of record companies, most notably RCA Victor.
Description
This is a plaster replica of Nipper the dog that was made around 1930-1950. The image of Nipper in front of a phonograph listening to “His Master’s Voice” was used as a logo for a variety of record companies, most notably RCA Victor. Nipper became a popular mascot for RCA, and his likeness was used in variety of advertisements and merchandise. This Nipper replica was likely given to a shop owner as a reward for high sales of RCA products.
ID Number
2015.3089.01
catalog number
2015.3089.01
nonaccession number
2015.3089

McDonald's Brown Bag

This small brown paper bag, labeled “B” for 4-6 items, contains Toy Story 2 and the McDonald’s® golden arches logo on one side.
Description
This small brown paper bag, labeled “B” for 4-6 items, contains Toy Story 2 and the McDonald’s® golden arches logo on one side. The reverse side announces the release date of November 26 for the six Toy Story 2 Happy Meal® premiums and refillable candy dispensers available with the purchase of a McDonald’s® Happy Meal®. On the bottom of the bag, two photographs have been printed explaining how to pack food items into the bag. In 1996, McDonald’s® and Disney signed a 10 year, exclusive partnership agreement where McDonald’s® was able to use Disney characters for Happy Meal® premiums and Disney would receive free promotion of upcoming movies through McDonald’s®. This partnership appeared like a natural fit for the two companies since they had an overlapping market base. From November 26, 1999 through December 23, 1999, McDonald’s® marketed the Toy Story 2 Happy Meal® premiums.
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
date made
1999-10-04
ID Number
2012.3045.04
catalog number
2012.3045.04
nonaccession number
2012.3045

Advertising Button, IBM, Personal Computer

This circular button has black text on a white background. It reads: The IBM Personal Computer. It also has an image of a brown cane, black bowler hat, and black moustache; all associated with the film star Charlie Chaplin.Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has black text on a white background. It reads: The IBM Personal Computer. It also has an image of a brown cane, black bowler hat, and black moustache; all associated with the film star Charlie Chaplin.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1984
c 1981
maker
IBM
ID Number
2009.3071.002
catalog number
2009.3071.002
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Suit Skirt, worn by Ella Fitzgerald

Made of red fabric. This skirt is from the ensemble worn by jazz vocalist, Ella Fitzgerald, in an American Express Card advertisement, photographed by Annie Liebovitz. Sewn on the inside waistbandFCurrently not on view
Description

Made of red fabric. This skirt is from the ensemble worn by jazz vocalist, Ella Fitzgerald, in an American Express Card advertisement, photographed by Annie Liebovitz. Sewn on the inside waistband

F

Location
Currently not on view
advertiser
American Express Company
wearer
Fitzgerald, Ella
designer
Loper, Don
ID Number
1996.0342.007
accession number
1996.0342
catalog number
1996.0342.007

McDonald's Holiday Pie Box

This clam shell paper box was used to distribute one Holiday Custard Style Pie. It is decorated with Toy Story 2 advertising and McDonald’s® golden arches logo.
Description
This clam shell paper box was used to distribute one Holiday Custard Style Pie. It is decorated with Toy Story 2 advertising and McDonald’s® golden arches logo. Woody and Bullseye the Horse, both Toy Story 2 characters, appear on one side of the box, Jessie appears on the reverse side. In 1996, McDonald’s® and Disney signed a 10 year, exclusive partnership agreement where McDonald’s® was able to use Disney characters for Happy Meal® premiums and Disney would receive free promotion of upcoming movies through McDonald’s®. This partnership appeared like a natural fit for the two companies since they had an overlapping market base. From November 26, 1999 through December 23, 1999, McDonald’s® marketed the Toy Story 2 Happy Meal® premiums.
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
date made
1999
ID Number
2012.3045.09
catalog number
2012.3045.09
nonaccession number
2012.3045

General Electric Radios

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1946
depicted (sitter)
Sinatra, Frank
ID Number
2015.0215.0022
accession number
2015.0215
catalog number
.0022

Stall and Dean Company Fall and Winter Sporting Goods Catalog

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
printer
Stall & Dean Mfg. Co.
ID Number
1986.0368.06
accession number
1986.0368
catalog number
1986.0368.06

Genl Tom Thumb & Wife, Com. Nutt & Minnie Warren at their marriage at Grace Church, N.Y., Feb. 10, 1863 by Currier & Ives

Color print, central image depicts General Tom Thumb and his bride, Lavinia Warren, flanked by Commodore Nutt and Minnie Warren, at their marriage at Grace Church, N.Y., Feb. 10, 1863.
Description (Brief)
Color print, central image depicts General Tom Thumb and his bride, Lavinia Warren, flanked by Commodore Nutt and Minnie Warren, at their marriage at Grace Church, N.Y., Feb. 10, 1863. This image is surrounded by small views of the midgets in a variety of costumes and roles with the largest of them being a view beneath the central image of a coach and horses labeled "Splendid Equipage of Genl. Tom Thumb & Suite, Cost over $2000."
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1863
depicted
Thumb, Tom
Warren, Lavinia
Warren, Minnie
Nutt, Commodore George Washington Morrison
maker
Currier & Ives
ID Number
DL.60.3492
catalog number
60.3492

The Association's Celebrated and Extensive Menagerie and Aviary from their Zoological Institute in the City of New-York published by Jared W. Bell, 1835

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca. 1835
date made
1835
maker
Bell, Jared W.
ID Number
DL.64.0814
catalog number
64.0814
accession number
252319

Zykes and His Show

This black and white print with tint shows a center tent with banners and a pennant which reads "Zykes." A barker holds the tent flap open as he urges the crowd to come inside. Other people are watching a magician in the foreground.
Description
This black and white print with tint shows a center tent with banners and a pennant which reads "Zykes." A barker holds the tent flap open as he urges the crowd to come inside. Other people are watching a magician in the foreground. On the left side of the print is a tavern with “…boken” painted on the sign above the door. The background contains a waterfall and buildings on top of a cliff. No information is known about Zykes, the show proprietor.
This lithograph was produced by the Metropolitan Printing Company and E. Rothengatter. Emil Rothengatter (1848-1939) was a German-born artist and designer of circus posters who worked in cities including Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1896 he won a contest to design the flag of Cincinnati for a work he called “Zero of Burnet Woods.” However, controversy over whether Cincinnati should have a flag delayed the design’s formal adoption until 1940. Emil Rothengatter also wrote a book entitled Art of Poster Making in the United States, published in 1911. He died in New York.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
n.d.
maker
Metropolitan Printing Company
Rothengatter
ID Number
DL.60.3018
catalog number
60.3018
accession number
228146

Mons. De Ruth catching a cannon ball fired from a real cannon, loaded and discharged in the presence of the audience.

This colored print is an advertisement for W. W. Cole's New York & New Orleans Circus Museum Menagerie. A man is catching a ball that has been fired from a cannon by another man dressed in an elaborate military uniform.
Description
This colored print is an advertisement for W. W. Cole's New York & New Orleans Circus Museum Menagerie. A man is catching a ball that has been fired from a cannon by another man dressed in an elaborate military uniform. An audience looks on from the background.
William Washington Cole (1847-1915), nicknamed “Chilly Billy,” was born into a circus family in New York City: his father was a contortionist and his mother a wire walker. He became a sideshow proprietor in 1867 and started W. W. Cole's New Colossal Shows in 1884. Cole was both a competitor and a temporary partner to his fellow circus entrepreneur P. T. Barnum: in the late 1880s he briefly owned a share in Barnum and Bailey’s circus. After he sold Cole Bros. in 1904, it continued to operate under various names and owners, eventually becoming Cole Bros. Circus of the Stars. During the twentieth century, it featured some of America’s most celebrated circus performers, including the animal trainers Clyde Beatty and Allen Turner, the clown Emmett Kelly, and the Flying Wallendas. With growing competition from television in the 1950s, Cole Bros. combined with the Clyde Beatty Circus to become one of the last of the traditional three ring circuses. Animal rights protests contributed to the continued decline of the circus, and it was largely out of business by 2016.
This chromolithograph was produced by Strobridge and Company. The Strobridge firm was founded in Cincinnati, Ohio ca 1847 by lithographer Elijah J. Middleton (cited in some sources as Elijah C. Middleton). Middleton was known as one of the pioneers of chromolithography in the United States. By 1854 another lithographer, W. R. Wallace, along with the bookseller Hines Strobridge (1823-1909) had joined the firm as partners. After the Civil War, Strobridge acquired sole ownership of the company and renamed it after himself. Strobridge and Company became especially well known for circus, theater, and movie posters. After leaving the company, Elijah Middleton established a reputation as a portrait publisher, producing prints of George and Martha Washington, Daniel Webster, and other American historical figures.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1879
copyright holder
Stewart, A. A.
maker
Strobridge and Company
ID Number
DL.60.3032
catalog number
60.3032

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