Alan Mays' photos

"Chas. E. Marsh, International Exhibition, Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, Pa., 1876. Copyright 1876 by L. Prang & Co. Main Building, Horticultural Hall, Agricultural Hall, Art Gallery, Machinery Hall." Printed on the back: "Centennial Card. Retail price, 30 cts. per dozen." ("30" is crossed out, and "20" is written below it.) Since Charles E. Marsh's name also appears on a card in the holdings of the American Antiquarian Society that identifies him as a printer ("Chas. E. Marsh, card & job printer, business and address cards a specialty, Greenville, N.H."), it's likely that this was a sample card used to solicit customers for Marsh's printing business. He would have purchased blank copies of this card from lithographer Louis Prang 's firm and then printed individual names on them, as he did here with "Chas. E. Marsh." Although commonly called the Centennial Exposition today, the exhibition's full name when it was held in 1876 was the International Exhibition of Arts, Manufactures, and Products of the Soil and Mine. "Nearly 10 million visitors attended the exhibition and thirty-seven countries participated in it," Wikipedia reports. The five major buildings at the exhibition—the Main Building, Horticultural Hall, Agricultural Hall, the Art Gallery (also known as Memorial Hall ), and Machinery Hall—are depicted on this card. Although Charles Marsh may have attended the exhibition, it's possible that he advertised these cards elsewhere and filled orders through the mail.

"Pennsylvania Railroad. Centennial Excursion. Under the auspices of Putnam Circle, No. 113, B.U. (H.F.) of Pa. Columbia to Philadelphia and return. On Saturday, October 14, 1876 . Tickets, $2.00. 1." As Wikipedia explains, the Centennial Exposition "was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from May 10 to November 10, 1876, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia." It was "the first official World's Fair in the United States." The organization sponsoring the rail excursion--"Putnam Circle, No. 113, B.U. (H.F.) of Pa."--was a local chapter of the Brotherhood of the Union (Holy Flame) of the Continent of America . Founded in 1850 by author and labor organizer George Lippard , the Brotherhood was "a secret benevolent society aiming to eliminate poverty and crime by removing the social ills causing them." Putnam Circle, No. 113, was organized in Columbia on February 10, 1875, and had sixty members by 1883, according to the History of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania , by Franklin Ellis and Samuel Evans (Philadelphia: Everts and Peck, 1883), p. 581. Columbia is located in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, about ninety miles west of Philadelphia.

And the winner is . . . (a person or a team winning or with an award/medal/prize) --a photo for the Vintage Photos Theme Park. The athlete in this real photo postcard is standing next to a pedestal that holds a trophy, and nine medals are pinned to his chest (mouse over the photo to see a close-up of the trophy and medals). Unfortunately, I haven't been able to figure out the inscription on the trophy (except for a possible identification of the year—1914 or 1919), and the medals haven't yielded much information either. Judging by the man's clothing and the outline of a runner in the design of one of the medals, however, I take it that he participated in running competitions or other track and field events. Anyone else recognize this fellow (if he happens to be a famous athlete) or the type of medals he's wearing?

For more information, see the full version of this photo:

"Thanksgiving. Tommy's first and turkey's last picture." A somewhat macabre postcard noting the imminent demise of the photogenic turkey. I was surprised to discover that a reproduction of this card is widely available on the Web as a poster. For a similarly morbid Thanksgiving ad, see Save the Day with Snap Shots--Next Year Might Be Too Late :

The tradition of holding football games on Thanksgiving Day in the United States goes the whole way back to 1869, according to Wikipedia's article on American football on Thanksgiving , which uses a copy of this postcard to illustrate the topic (Wikipedia's version of the card is dated "circa 1900," but mine is postmarked November 25, 1914). For two other early Thanksgiving football postcards, see 'Rah, 'Rah, 'Rah, Thanksgiving!!! and A Wingless Steed Will Take the Winner to a Fine Thanksgiving Dinner :

"'Rah, 'rah, 'rah, Thanks-giving!!! HBG." Is it a tussle on the football field? Post-game hugs? Or something else? I'm not sure what's going in this scene created by postcard artist H. B. Griggs and dated November 26, 1912, on the other side. There's no football visible, but the "rah, rah, rah" certainly sounds like a typical college football game cheer (see the chants in North American sports section of Wikipedia's Cheering article for examples).

"Thanksgiving. A wingless steed will take the winner to a fine Thanksgiving dinner. C. Beecher. Copyrighted 1908 by Fred C. Lounsbury. 2088-4." From what I can determine, Tom Turkey is driving the winning football team to a victory meal. But does Tom know what main dish is traditionally served at a Thanksgiving dinner?

"The Revolt of Turkey. Bernhardt Wall. Copyright 1907 The Ullman Mfg. Co. New York. 2130." This appears to be a case of domestic poultry unrest rather than foreign political intrigue.

"A Joyous Thanksgiving." Postcard addressed to Miss Gertrude Blank, R.F.D. No. 1, Baden, Pa., and postmarked Allegheny, Pa., Nov. 19, 1909. Message: "Wishing you a happy Thanksgiving Day, Edna." This sure looks like a Halloween card rather than one for Thanksgiving, but I couldn't locate any versions with Halloween greetings. For another suspiciously Halloween-like Thanksgiving postcard, see Thanksgiving Greetings :

"Thanksgiving Greetings." A nutty Thanksgiving postcard featuring a squirrel!

Church groups and other organizations used variations of this poem to invite members to "Birthday Party" gatherings that were both social get-togethers and fundraising events. See additional examples from 1910 and 1912 (below). Birthday Party, in the Methodist Church, Parryville, Tuesday evening, February 18, 1896, at seven o'clock. Invitation. This "Birthday Party" is given for you, 'tis something novel, something new. We send to you a little sack--please either send or bring it back With as many cents as you're years old, we vow the number will ne'er be told. Methodist people with greetings hearty, fell sure you'll attend your own birthday party. Benefit of the Ladies' Aid Society of the Methodist Church. Cake and coffee free.

Church groups and other organizations used variations of this poem to invite members to "Birthday Party" gatherings that were both social get-togethers and fundraising events. See additional examples from 1896 and 1912 (below). The Mite Society will give a Birthday Party, Thursday evening, Sept. 15th, 1910, in the Nantmeal M. E. Church, Rev. J. S Tomlinson, pastor. This birthday party Is given to you; We hope you will come, And propose if you do, An agreeable time. Some good things to eat And besides many others A musical treat. As we could not secure The number of candles To let your light shine, We send this fandangle; Put safely within it As many round pennies As years you are old. Your light will be bright. If you send it or bring it. While we will keep dark, If you wish, what's within it. The Mite Society With greetings most hearty, Feel sure you will come To your own birthday party.

Church groups and other organizations used variations of this poem to invite members to "Birthday Party" gatherings that were both social get-togethers and fundraising events. See additional examples from 1896 and 1910 (below). Birthday Offering, will be held in the Social Hall of Cookman M. E. Church, October 15, 1912, by the Epworth League in honor of the 45th birthday of George W. Young. Upon this card, a little sack, We give to you with pleasure; Please either send or bring it back, Having filled it from your treasure. To put in pennies were are told, As many years as you are old; And if your name in public be read, We promise the number will never be said. Refreshments will be served to all, and we kinly invite you to make a call; And earnestly pray that the Lord will bless And crown the work with abundant success. The proceeds are for the benefit of the society. If not convenient to attend, please forward sack with your offering.

Booklet published by the National Live Stock and Meat Board, Chicago, Ill., 1936-37, and distributed by the National Wool Growers Association.

"Campfire. The original food. Marshmallow and creme recipes. Campfire makes so many things just perfect! Campfire Marshmallow Creme. The Campfire Company. Campfire Marshmallows. The original food. Family package. Guaranteed fresh." The front and back covers of a small recipe booklet. To see the entire booklet, including the inside pages, take a look at Campfire marshmallow and creme recipes, ca. 1910s , which is part of the Szathmary Recipe Pamphlets collection at the Iowa Digital Library .

License plate on front of car: "Middletown Bi-centennial, 1755-1955, July 11th-16th, 1955, Keystone State."

Written on the back of this photo: "Dennis & Little Francis. Thanksgiving."