Broadsides, Handbills, Signs, Posters

See below for a similar item: Swat the Fly, Protect the Family . Swat the Fly, Save the Babies Make the way hard for the fly and easy for the baby. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Health. Swat 'em. Flies transmit typhoid fever, diarrhea, infantile paralysis, cholera, etc. Swat every fly, save all babies. Hurry, children, here's an unscreened window. No race suicide with the flies. Uncovered food means a feast for filthy flies. Cover all food. Keep garbage cans clean and covered. Flies carry disease and filth on their feet. Health departments, civic clubs, schoolchildren, scouts, housewives, swat 'em. This is no place for me. Disease.

Cover of an advertising brochure extolling the virtues of the "Studebaker Automatic Drive"--"the newest and most advanced automatic transmission." This Studebaker has "No clutch pedal, of course! But there's nothing new to learn. You just drive in the usual way--without any clutching, declutching, or shifting gears. Marvelous for 'new' drivers." "Studebaker Automatic Drive. The newest and most advanced!" License plate on front of car: "1950." Stamped on cover: "Goodwin Park Garage, 908 Maple Ave., Hartford, Conn."

As Wikipedia explains it, " Washington's Birthday is a United States federal holiday celebrated on the third Monday of February [February 16 in 2015] in honor of George Washington, the first President of the United States. Colloquially, it is widely known as 'Presidents Day' and is often an occasion to remember all the presidents, not just George Washington [whose actual birthdate is February 22] or Abraham Lincoln, whose birthday is also in February [on February 12]. The term 'Presidents Day' was informally coined in a deliberate attempt to use the holiday to honor multiple presidents and is virtually always used that way today." Today, Presidents' Day is simply noted as a time for special store sales or--for some--a day off from work or school. In years past, however, George Washington's birthday was celebrated with special events, like this program of musical performances and recitations that was held at the Zion Lutheran Church in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in 1894. Washington Tea Given by the Luther Union, Zion Lutheran Church, Thursday, February 22, 1894, 7:45 p.m. Programme Hymn - "America" [For the verses, see the image above.] Instrumental Duett - Misses Knocke and Seidel Declamation - "Eulogy on Washington," Phillips - Mr. William Bomgardner Bass Solo - "The Bugler" - Mr. Chas. Barnitz Address - B. M. Nead, Esq. Collection Recitation - "Ode to America," Eliza Cook - Master Clarence Funk Violin Solo - "National Airs" - Miss Blanche Raysor Essay - "Martha Washington" - Miss Annie Hershey Vocal Solo - Miss Emma Meyer All are invited to remain for the reception.

The borough of Lititz, located in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, has hosted a Fourth of July celebration--including a "Fairyland of Candles," as mentioned in this notice from 1940--for well over 100 years. The Lititz Web site provides additional details: "One of America's oldest continuing observance of Independence Day also takes place in Lititz. Since 1818 the community-wide Fourth of July celebration in Lititz Springs Park has been a mainstay. The festivities include the 'Fairyland of Candles' along the Lititz Run within the Park, which is a grand illumination of over 7,000 candles, started in 1843 when only 400 were lighted." -------- "Lititz Springs Park, Thursday, July 4, 1940, afternoon and evening. 98th annual Fairyland of Candles. 7,000 candles, only display of its kind in America. Hon William S. Livengood, Jr., secretary of internal affairs, guest speaker, 7:30 p.m. Streaker's Band of Lancaster, concerts from 2 to 10:30 p.m. (D.S.T.). Punch and Judy, three shows, 3:00, 4:45, 6:00 p.m. 3rd annual Photographic Salon, more prints than ever from U.S. and foreign lands. Baby Parade, 4:30 p.m. Gigantic fireworks display. Admission, 35c, children under 12 free, free parking. Largest program ever offered for the money; continuous from 2 to 11 p.m. Bring your supper and spend the day."

"Mrs. General Tom Thumb, compliments, Trenton Theatre, ladies' and children's matinee, Friday, February 16th, 1912." See also Mrs. General Tom Thumb Co., Admit One : For more information, see Mr. and Mrs. Tom Thumb in Their Wedding Attire :

Over 19 million people visited the St. Louis World's Fair (officially known as the Louisiana Purchase Exposition), which was held in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1904. For one of the attractions at the fair, the Chicago House Wrecking Company bought the world's first Ferris Wheel , originally constructed in 1893 for the Chicago World's Fair , disassembled the wheel in Chicago, and then rebuilt it in St. Louis. After the St. Louis fair closed on December 1, 1904, the Chicago House Wrecking Company purchased many of the fair's buildings, which the company then dismantled and resold in parts and pieces (the Ferris Wheel, however, met a different fate--it was dynamited and scrapped in 1906). As this small advertisement demonstrates, all sorts of fixtures were available for sale. If you needed a toilet (or, I suppose, if you just wanted a unique souvenir from the fair), you could buy a "high-grade front washout closet" like the one above for $9.00. Or for a better bargain at only $8.00, you could turn the ad over and select a " hopper closet " (see image below) that was safe even in unheated bathrooms. Bargain Water Closets from World's Fair No. W.F. 100. 2,000 of these high grade Front Washout Closets. They are in first class condition. Outfit consists of porcelain front washout closet bowl, with a top supply closet tank all complete with best flushing devices; strong seat to fasten to wall. N.P. flush pipe and elbow coupling, floor screws, chain and pull, brackets, etc. Special price while they last, $9.00. Chicago House Wrecking Co., 35th and Iron Sts., Chicago. (Over).

For information regarding the Chicago House Wrecking Company and the world's fair toilets that the company sold, see Bargain Water Closets from the St. Louis World's Fair (1904): Front Washout Closets . Bargain Water Closets from the World's Fair No. W.F. 108. 500 of these Hopper Closets. Just the thing for bathrooms that are not heated--as they won't burst. Outfit consists of porcelain hopper bowl, top supply tank complete with best flushing devices, strong seat to fasten to the wall. N.P. flush pipe and elbow coupling, floor screws, chain and pull, brackets, etc. Special price while they last, $8.00. Chicago House Wrecking Co., 35th and Iron Sts., Chicago. (Over).

"Thank you! Each loaf of Sunbeam you buy is a vote for me. I'm in line for prizes in the big contest if you keep backing me. ________ (sig.) Your Sunbeam Salesman." Hat: "Sunbeam Energy Bread." As Wikipedia explains, " Sunbeam Bread is a franchised brand of white bread, rolls, and other baked goods owned by the Quality Bakers of America cooperative. The bread products are produced and distributed by regional bakeries....The brand was launched in 1942 and was first marketed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania." In the 1950s and 1960s, Quality Bakers ran contests with cars as prizes for the salesmen who handled Sunbeam and its other brands of bread. This poster, which dates to 1960, was probably distributed to grocery stores.

A colorful touch typing chart on heavy cardboard with an attached easel on back that allows you to place it upright on your desk while you learn to type with your new 1959 Remington portable typewriter. Remington Color-Key Touch Typing Chart Here is exactly the same type of keyboard chart found in typing classes in leading schools and colleges throughout the country. Use this chart with the Touch Typing Instruction Booklet packed with your Remington Portable. This approved typing course is the fastest, easiest-to-lean of any because it relies on simple visual methods. You will actually be typing sentences after just a few hours of practice.

An insulting " vinegar valentine " for schoolteachers. Schoolmistress You teach each little elf More than you know yourself; And talk like a petticoat college; To spank the little boys Is the greatest of your joys; 'Tis thus you preside at the seat of knowledge. For another example of a vinegar valentine, see Wretched Typo the Printer .

An insulting " vinegar valentine " aimed at printers. Printer Lead-colored claws, tobacco-stained jaws, Wretched Typo, you cram up your stick, Drunk today to your sorrow, half sober tomorrow, And then swear you're a regular "brick." Your foreman condemns how you count up your "ems," How you "sub" it at half-price he likes, But the editor only, at his desk groaning lonely, Damns you and your interminable "strikes." For another example of a vinegar valentine, see You Teach Each Little Elf More Than You Know Yourself .

"Don't be a dunce. Try to get a little useful information about things in general." Book title: "Things You Should Know." An example of a "cynical, sarcastic, often mean-spirited" vinegar valentine .

Dr. John Birkmire Lawrence (1890-1961), a chiropodist (or podiatrist ) in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, promoted his services by adding his name to this amusing list of Rules of the Road. It's difficult to determine when Lawrence may have first circulated these rules. Versions of it were already appearing in published sources as early as the first decade of the twentieth century (see, for instance, " Constable Trust in Darkest Michigan ," The Auto Era , Sept. 1908, p. 11). According to "Dr. Lawrence Moves to 23 S. Third St.," an article that appeared in the Harrisburg Sunday Courier , on February 3, 1935, p. 5, the doctor's office was located at 204 Market Street from 1915 until 1924, so presumably he had them printed sometime during those years. For another example of early automobile humor, see Not Exceeding the Speed Limit in 1908 . Rules of the Road Adoped by the Farmers' Anti-Automobile Society 1. Upon Discovering an Approaching Team, the automobilist must stop offside and cover his machine with a blanket painted to correspond to the scenery. 2. The Speed Limit on Country Roads This Year Will Be a Secret, and the penalty for violation will be $10 for every mile an offender is caught going in excess of it. 3 In Case an Automobile Makes a Team Run Away, the penalty will be $50 for the first mile, $100 for the second, $200 for the third, etc., that the team runs; in addition to the usual damages. 4 On Approaching a Corner, where he cannot command a view of the road ahead, the automobilist must stop not less than 100 yards from the turn, toot his horn, ring a bell, fire a revolver, halloo, and send up three bombs at intervals of five minutes. 5 Automobiles Must Again Be Seasonably Painted, that is, so they will merge with the pastoral ensemble and not be startling. They must be green in spring, golden in summer, red in autumn, and white in winter. 6 Automobiles Running on the Country Roads at Night must send up a red rocket Every Mile and Wait Ten Minutes for the road to clear. They may then proceed carefully, blowing their horns and shooting Roman candles. 7. All Members of the Society will give up Sunday to chasing automobiles, shooting and shouting at them, making arrests, and otherwise discouraging country touring on that day. 8. In Case a Horse Will Not Pass an Automobile, the automobilist will take the machine apart as rapidly as possible and conceal the parts in the grass. 9. In Case an Automobile Approach[es] a Farmer's House When the Roads Are Dusty, it will slow down to one mile an hour and the chauffeur will lay the dust in front of the house with a hand sprinkler worked over the dashboard. Compliments of Dr. J. B. Lawrence, chiropodist, 204 Market Street, Harrisburg, Pa. Logo at top: "Harrisburg Rotary Club."

Mouse over the image above to see enlargements of the top half and bottom half of this fireworks display announcement. James Pain presented his "pyrotechnic displays" of fireworks at Coney Island for the first time on the Fourth of July in 1879, and this broadside is an announcement for his third show held two weeks later. For additional background information, see David A. Sullivan's illuminating article Coney Island History: The Story of Pain's Manhattan Beach Fireworks Shows . For a later James Pain production, see the following trade card for Pain's Last Days of Pompeii : Pyrotechnic Displays by James Pain, Coney Island, July 19, 1879 Alexandra Exhibition Co. The next in the Series of Pyrotechnic Displays Under the charge of Jas. Pain, Esq., Pyrotechnist of the Alexandra Palace, London, England, and also of the Royal Yacht Squadron, will take place Saturday, July 19, '79 at Manhattan Beach, Coney Island. The Enclosure lies East of the Bathing Pavilion. Programme 1. Salute of Aerial Maroons. 2. Electric Illumination, with Colored Fires. 3. Grand Display of Large Colored Rockets. 4. Ascent of Magnesium Balloons, weather permitting. 5. Golden Tourbillions, ascending and descending. 6. Girandoles of Fire, with Brilliant Circles, Batteries of Roman Candles, Jewelled Mines, Rockets, &c, &c. 7. Discharge of Shells of Various Colors. 8. Set Piece, Saxon Cross in Brilliant Gold and Emerald Fires. 9. Asteroid Rockets, with Floating Lights, changing colors while sailing through the air. 10. Pigeon Cotes, with Fiery Pigeons Flying to and fro. 11. Set Piece, Mammoth Silver Fire Wheel, with interesting centres continuously changing colors. 12. Pleiades, or Seven Floating Stars, thrown from one rocket. 13. Set Piece, Fairy Fountain, with gold and silver jets. 14. Fire Picture of a Palace River Steamboat. 15. Discharge of Shells, forming gold clouds, silver streams, &c. 16. Forest of Fire, produced by simultaneous discharge of Monster Golden Trees. 17. Set Piece, Grand Star Device. 18. Set Piece, Passion Flowers, represented in various forms and colors. 19. Second Display of Large Rockets, introducing the Wondrous Silver Stars with Cometic Tails. 20. Grand Naval Attack. - Sighting of the Ships -The Attack - The Running Down - Explosion and Sinking of one of the Combatants. 21. Second Discharge of Large Shells, in various colors and effects of the latest invention. 22. Grand Cascade of fire, falling from a great height, and covering a space of several thousand feet. 23. Finale, Flight of Large Rockets, forming a Gigantic Aerial Bouquet. Admission 25 cts., seats 25 cts. extra. The Display will be over in ample time for the comfortable return home of our visitors. American Bank Note Co., Type Department, 53 Broadway, New York.

For more information, see the bottom half and the full version of this fireworks display announcement (below). Pyrotechnic Displays by James Pain, Coney Island, July 19, 1879 (Top Half) Alexandra Exhibition Co. The next in the Series of Pyrotechnic Displays Under the charge of Jas. Pain, Esq., Pyrotechnist of the Alexandra Palace, London, England, and also of the Royal Yacht Squadron, will take place Saturday, July 19, '79 at Manhattan Beach, Coney Island. The Enclosure lies East of the Bathing Pavilion. Programme 1. Salute of Aerial Maroons. 2. Electric Illumination, with Colored Fires. 3. Grand Display of Large Colored Rockets. 4. Ascent of Magnesium Balloons, weather permitting. 5. Golden Tourbillions, ascending and descending. 6. Girandoles of Fire, with Brilliant Circles, Batteries of Roman Candles, Jewelled Mines, Rockets, &c, &c. 7. Discharge of Shells of Various Colors. 8. Set Piece, Saxon Cross in Brilliant Gold and Emerald Fires. 9. Asteroid Rockets, with Floating Lights, changing colors while sailing through the air. 10. Pigeon Cotes, with Fiery Pigeons Flying to and fro.

For more information, see the top half and the full version of this fireworks display announcement (below). Pyrotechnic Displays by James Pain, Coney Island, July 19, 1879 (Bottom Half) 11. Set Piece, Mammoth Silver Fire Wheel, with interesting centres continuously changing colors. 12. Pleiades, or Seven Floating Stars, thrown from one rocket. 13. Set Piece, Fairy Fountain, with gold and silver jets. 14. Fire Picture of a Palace River Steamboat. 15. Discharge of Shells, forming gold clouds, silver streams, &c. 16. Forest of Fire, produced by simultaneous discharge of Monster Golden Trees. 17. Set Piece, Grand Star Device. 18. Set Piece, Passion Flowers, represented in various forms and colors. 19. Second Display of Large Rockets, introducing the Wondrous Silver Stars with Cometic Tails. 20. Grand Naval Attack. - Sighting of the Ships -The Attack - The Running Down - Explosion and Sinking of one of the Combatants. 21. Second Discharge of Large Shells, in various colors and effects of the latest invention. 22. Grand Cascade of fire, falling from a great height, and covering a space of several thousand feet. 23. Finale, Flight of Large Rockets, forming a Gigantic Aerial Bouquet. Admission 25 cts., seats 25 cts. extra. The Display will be over in ample time for the comfortable return home of our visitors. American Bank Note Co., Type Department, 53 Broadway, New York.

According to folklorist Don Yoder, who included an example of this song broadside in his book The Pennsylvania German Broadside: A History and Guide (2005), p. 11, "The Great Know Nothing" song "is a clever takeoff on the political party of the 1850s known as the ' Know-Nothings ,' who ran against both Whigs and Democrats. The song adroitly transfers the 'Know-Nothing' cry of politics to the courting of Philadelphia's young people and the relation of husbands and wives, fathers and children. To get out of work, they all 'know nothing.'" As Yoder mentions, the setting of this amusing political song is Philadelphia, which was also called Quaker City for its association with William Penn and other Quakers . I like the distinctive ornamental border that the printer used on this piece. The Great Know Nothing Song, "I Don't Know." By Francis F. Eastlack, Air--Bow, Wow, Wow. Of all the many mighty things in this here Quaker City, Of dark, and brown, and blue-eyed girls, with cheeks so plump and pretty; Of all the wonders of the day that's horrible or shocking, The greatest question of them all is who are the know nothings? Chorus--I don't know; Nor you don't know, Then don't you ask me any thing, For I don't know. These men wear white hats all turned up, and at you boldly stare, sir, They only speak with nods and winks, and never comb their hair, sir, They beat both Whigs and Democrats, wherever they may go, sir, And if you ask them any thing they'll answer, I don't know, sir. I don't know, &c. The ladies, too, God bless their hearts, I cannot help but love them, For who with all their nods and winks, can ever be above them, No, they know their tricks, their signs, their grips, from head to heel and toe, sir, And should you ask a girl her name, shall answer, I don't know, sir. I don't know, &c. You dare not tell your wife be still, or say she's always squeeling, Or you'll find a great big three legged stool around your head come reeling, And the other day I asked my wife, only to mend my stockings, Now not an other word, she cried, I'm a feminine Know Nothing. I don't know, &c. The other day I came from work, with heat was almost smothered, Says I unto my youngest son, Ho, Sam! where is your mother? Then he turned his fingers on his nose, and with a voice half mocking, Why, dad, says he, why don't you know that I'm a young Know Nothing? I don't know, &c. We took this same smart son of ours one day to a public dinner, And into corn, and pork, and beans, he pitched in like a sinner, Says the lady, Now of all these men, your father to me show, Sam; Then he looked me right straight in the face, and answered I don't know, ma'am. I don't know, &c. Young men, now marry from this lot of pretty girls around you, And when your settled down in life, and family cares surround you, Take the advice of one poor man, who's suffered deepest wo, sir, Don't teach your little ones to say, why really, I don't know, sir. I don't know, &c. Now, ladies, don't you think 'tis hard, and don't you think it's shocking, That we in free America, should all of us know nothing; And don't you say with all your heart, I do believe it so, sir, Or can you say, like all the rest, Why really I don't know, sir? I don't know, &c. Published by H. J. Kehr, Central Hall, Frankford Road and Master Streets, And for sale at all the book stores. Copyright secured.

"Job-Printing, Surveying, Conveyancing, &c., attended to by Jesse I. Dauman, notary public, Waynesburg, Chester Co., Pa." A nineteenth-century sign that dates to the 1870s or 1880s and lists all the services that Jesse I. Dauman could provide. Dauman also published a local newspaper, as mentioned in the History of Chester County, Pennsylvania (1881) (via Google Books): "The Honeybrook Graphic , a weekly paper, was established at Honeybrook (formerly Waynesburg), Feb 15, 1879, by J. Henry Long, and conducted by him until August 8th of the same year, when he disposed of it to Jesse I. Dauman, who has since then been editor and proprietor. Mr Dauman has had a job printing-office at Honeybrook since April, 1869."