1895 Hair Dye

Here is an advertisement from an 1895 newspaper offering to wash that gray away. Okay, so it isn't actually that but I remember those old commercials. Hair Dye has been around for centuries.

Crescent Bicycles

Last week I posted 5 ads for different types of bicycles. Below is a copy of an advertisement for Crescent Bicycles the prices reflect the costs of 1895. Note that I also saw a Monarch Bicycle ad reflecting higher costs of $85 to $100.

Bicycles

We are all aware but I admit I haven't seen too many bicycles in fiction. Below are some examples of bicycles being advertised in The Ladies' Home Journal ©June 1894. All of the ads below were found on a single page in the magazine. Take a look at the Hickory Bicycle ad, the wheels were made of wood, which after a moment of thought on the matter, made sense since wagon wheels were also made of wood. Enjoy!

1842 Fall Clothing Line

Below is an Advertisement with the list of items for the Fall season. This comes from the Nov. 4, 1842 Burlington Free Press. Note the various items listed. It might help you as a writer put in an article of clothing that is perhaps a bit different than your normal description given by authors.

1842 Fall Clothing Line

Below is an Advertisement with the list of items for the Fall season. This comes from the Nov. 4, 1842 Burlington Free Press. Note the various items listed. It might help you as a writer put in an article of clothing that is perhaps a bit different than your normal description given by authors.

1869 Advertising

Below is an Lord & Taylor ad from the New York Tribue, Apr. 21, 1869. What I find useful from this is the pricing of the various clothing items in this newspaper ad. It starts with the Black silk dress for $2.50 worth $3.50. A point to remember is that 1869 is one of the recovery years from the Civil War.

Here's the Ad:

1851 Pistol Gallery

Okay today I have an advertisement from the Burlington Free Press Oct. 3, 1851 edition. At first glance I was thinking that a pistol gallery was an early name for bowling alley. But as I researched further I'm wondering if it was in fact a pistol gallery. Here's the ad, let me know what you think it is:

Western Travel 1851

I found this ad in the 1851 Burlington Free Press. What I found interesting is the offer to bring their belongings at no charge. Today we can't even fly with a suitcase without paying extra to see this offer for families going west with all of their possessions was quite something. Also the opening paragraph lays out the way to head West. Enjoy!

1837 Stoves

In the interest of what kinds of stoves existed and when in the 19th century I'm posting an advertisement that appeared in the Nov. 3, 1837 newspaper "Burlington Free Press" It has some hand drawings of the stove they are advertising.

For those who are having a hard time reading the advertisement it states:
The Subscriber would inform their friends and the Public that they have just received a general assortment of Stoves, of various kinds and most approved patterns, which they are determined in selling the very lowest prices; among which are the
Improved Rotary, Cooking, 2 sizes,
Best Premium, (Troy) do. 5 sizes,
Various kinds Box
Elegant parlor Stoves &c
also Stove pipe of various sizes and qualities, wholesale and Retail. Stove furniture constantly on hand or made to order on short notice. A small assortment of hollow ware suitable for Stoves. Persons wishing to purchase are invited to call and look at their assortment, as they have xxxx of Superior Castings,
STARR & BOSTWICK.
Burlington, October 20th,
Opposite the Jail Church St.

1898 Ivory Soap Post

Below is a copy of an 1898 Ad for Ivory Soap. I love the claim that "It Floats."

READY FOR BATTLE

An Ivory Soap bath gives a sensation of increased vitality; a longing for activity and for exercise of the faculties; it is a fitting preparation for any battle of life.

Every ingredient of Ivory Soap is sweet, clean and pure. No better materials go into the most expensive toilet soaps, and no soap is so pleasant to use; it has a rich creamy lather that is soothing to the skin as well as cleansing.

IT FLOATS

Bartering Exchanges

In Harper's Young People magazines there was a page devoted to "Exchanges" where an individual could post an item or items for trade for another item. Bartering or exchanges was a time honored way to do business. Below are some of the "exchanges' from this 1885 publication.

EXCHANGES.*
V nickels without" cents," a Spanish coin of 1776, and old U. S. coppers, for other rare coins. Fnnnle A. Gris Tt old, Buttle Creek, Mich.
Five advertising cards, for every mineral or curiositv. William Brigden, Jun., 210 Raymond St., Brooklyn,?}. Y.
A Baitlmorean printing-press and equipment (including 3 fonts of type), for a pair of Peek & Snyder*s Ice skates, S!js« 9}i or 10. J. C. Letts, 89 South Portland A v., Brooklyn, N. Y.
A magic lantern in good condition, for the best offer in roller skates. William Smith, 92 South Portland A v., Brooklyn, N. V.
Minerals, fosslls, and curiosities, for the same or for coins. C H. Solomon, 3iU \V. First St., Dayton, Ohio.
Some curiosities and postmarks, a Vnlekel without" cents," 2 old coppers, a basket made of a hazelnut, and some pretty cards, for the best offer of magic-lantern slides not more than 2\' inches in Width, li. H., 206 Broadway, Norwich, Conn.
An Acme card press and a rase, for 1 font of type. Albert Zerboue, 22:1 S. Water St., New Bedford, Masr.
Pretty colored advertising picture cards, for Indian relics (1S for a trood arrow-head), minerals, or curiosities. Frank B. Veusey, 1209 Taylor St., San Franatsco, Cal.
"Wide Awake for 1884-5 and a pair of B. & B. roller skates, size for a pair of all-clamp roller skates, size 9 or 9>tf, with or without bag. £. L. O'Counell, Oneida, N. Y.
Cards, stamps, postmarks, coins, tin tags, or monograms, for stamps not in my collection (Alsace and Lorraine, Angola. Antigua, and Argentine Republic preferred). Send list. W. W. Jackson, 835 W. 18th St., New York City.
A good magic lantern and 10 slides, 50 postmarks, an Indian arrow-head, and Exchanging to Win, for a good pair of all-clamp roller skates. Nelson, care of J. H. Sharewood, Box 411, Freehold, N. J.
Elements of Chemistry, nearly new. for stamps, curiosities, or coins. S. A. Nelson, Tompklnsrille, N. Y.
Three Hong-Kong stamps, for 2 from Azores or 8 from Portugal; 8 Sandwich Island stamps, for 2 from Newfoundland. Koger B. Friend, 971 West St., Oakland, Cal.
A new pair of 10-inch roller skates, in perfect condition, and the numbers of Youth's Companion for 1883 or 1884, for a printing-press and complete outfit. The press must be in good working order and the chase at least 2>J by 4 inches. Collector, Lock Box 57, Osceola, Iowa.
Two hundred mixed foreign stamps, 10 different l'. S. stamps, 5 different revenue stamps, and 5 advertising cards, for the best offer of U. S. or foreign Stamps, all different. No German of the issue of 1878 wanted. Clyde, 747 Custead Av., Cleveland, O.
A card press, for stamping names, a full font of type, and a can of ink, for a toy theatre or for magic - lantern slides in good condition. F. Sl. Stowcll, Box 40, NewtonvIMc, Mass.
A Scott's International stamp album with 425 rare stamps, for volumes of the Wheelman and Outing and The Wheelman, or books on ornithology; books, for the same. E. B. Smith, Warren, Worcester Co., Mass.
Postmarks, for the same. Alexander Graham, Jun., Clyde, Wayne Co., N. Y.
A piece of satin-spar, copper, and iron ore. for arrow-heads. Philip Coltn, 651 Washington St., San Francisco, Cal.
One hundred foreign stamps, 5 fish fosslls from Charleston. South Carolina, a triangular Cape of Good Hope stamp, and 30 postmarks (18 of which are different), for the best offer in V nickels without the word " cents." B. Spcltmtn, 78 Clinton Av., Albany, N. Y.
A handsome scrap - book (slightly damaged), a few minerals, a specimen of cedar wood, some shells, a V nickel. 100 cards with any desired name, some scrap and advertising pictures, and a pair of nickel-plated ice skates {size 91, for the best, offer of a pair of roller skates. C. E. B., 384 Ninth Av., New York City.
A pair of roller skatest a set of boxing-gloves, and large collections of cotns, stamps, and minerals, for a prtnting-press complete Size of chase 4 by 5 inches or larger. E. F. Jordan, 4226 Walnut St., Phlladelphia, Penn.
A large Mexican sllver coin of 1834, an English coin of 1801, a French coin of 1854, and 2 old coins of 1810 and 1883, for U. S. pennies of 1836, M0. '41, '42, '45. and '50. F. T. Towne, caro of H. K. Towne, Stamford, Conn.
A V. S. stamp of 1881 and a 5-sen Japan of 187. Smith, Lock Box 18, Andover, Mass.
* Tlte publishers reserve to themselves the right of deciding whether an Exchange shall appear or not. They do not undertake any responsibitity with regard to transactions effected by means of this department of tlte paper, nor do they guarantee the responsibllity of correspondents or the accuracy of the descriptions of articles offered for exchange. To avoid any misunderstanding or disappointment, therefore, they advise Exchangers to write for particulars to the addresses given before sending the articles coiled for.
Goskell's How to Write for the Press, new and in good condition, cloth binding, for the best offer of bound books of adventure or travel. J. D. O'Neil, Box 55, West Elizabeth, Pcnn.
Ten foreign stamps, no 2 alike, for 100 well-mixed U. S. stamps. F. I. Grlswold, Battle Creek, .Midt.
Two varieties of Chinese nuts, for every perfect arrow-head - a pair of Chinese chopsticks, for every 5 arrow heads. Collector, Dayton, Ohio.
Books on anatomy, physiology, chemistry, history, phllosophy, geography, and text-books, for a pair of pet rabbits or pigeons of good breed. John Awhrey, Maple Grove, Ala.
A small stalactite from Spruce Run Cavern, Allegheny Mountains, Virginia, and barnacles and pebbles from Chesapeake Bay, Virginia, for the best offer of Indian relics. A. H. Jennings, 903 Federal St., Lynchburg, Vs.
A pair of No. 9)4 club skates, lock on toe, Union Hardware Co. make, for Pitman's short-band book in good condition. W. G. Knight, Seneca Falls, X. Y.
One hundred stamps, 50 picture advertising cards, 25 postmarks, 15 tobacco tags, petrified wood, petrified charcoal, mica, Iron pyrites, and wood from Washington Territory, for a pair of Henlv or B. & B. roller skates to fit a No. 8 boot. J.W. Sargent, Centralis, Washington Territory.
Two volumes of St. Nicholas and 8 volumes of Wide Awake: any 3, for a pair of half-clamp skates; any 4, for a pair of all-clamp ; and the 5, for a pair of patent lever, 11-inch. Box 23, Lewes, Del.
Hematite, Lake Superior. Spanish, and English iron ore, advertising cards, and U. S. cents, for minerals, curiosities, or old U. S. cents and half-cents. It. M< M. Dodgers, 70 Miller St., Pittiburgh, Penn. A printing-press, chase Z)4 by \% inches, with 12 fonts of plain and fancy type, furniture, ink, cabinet, etc., for a photographtc outfit with or without chemicals. A. K. Cressinghsm, 188 18th St., Brooklyn, >. Y.
Two Australian papers, for the best offer of tobacco tugs. A. R. Lewis, care of W. U. Lewis, Marshall, Mich.
Rare stamps on sheets, for stamps not in my collection ; a genuine periodical stamp, for any stamp of iMi'j above 10-c. Warren Koser, Wellington, Ohio.
The 10 and the 3 c. unpaid letter stamp, for the 5; a stamp of Denmark, Japan, Netherlands, and Brazll, for a triangular Cape of Good Hope. John D. Smith, Andover, Mass.
Bread-fruit, poppy pods with seed from China, and first stripping of cork-tree from Spain, for Indian relics, petrifactions, shells, minerals, woods, nuts, and bulbs. N. L. Wilson, 237 Longwood Av., Koxbury, Mass.
Foreign postal cards, uncancelled and unwritten, for postal cards uncancelled, etc., not in my collection. Thomas Whitridge, 5 Cathedral St., Baltimore, Md.
Sharks' teeth, Indian pottery,petrified clams, and starfish, for crystallized and polished minerals. Indian relics, and good curiosities. Box 155, Wilmington, Del.
A printing-press (chase 3# by 4)4) and Robinson Crusoe, for a pair of Peek & Snyder's nickel-plated Ice skates, 9)4. L. Walker, 251 13th St., S. Brooklyn, N. Y.
A 25-cent note, for a star-fish or Indian pipe. Must be of good size, and perfect. W. S. Header, New Brighton, Beaver Co., Penn.
A good violin and bow, for the best offer of a stamp album (Scott's International preferred). B. Terry, 922 Putnam Av., Brooklyn, N. V.
Fifty tin tags, 50 postmarks, and an eagle cent of 1858, for Indian relics, sea-curiosities, minerals, and rare stones. Dixon Kautz, Moweaqaa, IH.
Five postmarks, for every stamp not in my collection ; stamps, for stamps. Jackson Kemper Garrett, 521 Columbia St., Burlington, lows.
Two rare Chinese coins, for the 24-c. stamp of 1870; an Italian coin of 1886 and a Swiss coin of 1K50, for the 8-centime Belgian stamp of 1809. H. B. Foster, Lock Box Z, Andover, Mass.
A piece of a pllaster (1# by 2 inches) of black walnut from the captain's cabin in the Morning Star, for minerals, Indian relics, and other curiosities suitable for cabinet. A. F. Mitchell, Box 161, St, Johusbury, Vt.
Bare stamps, advertisement cards, postmarks, and copies of Youth's Companion, for good fosslls and trllobites. Lower Sllurian especially desired. II. S. tiane, 89 N. Broadway, Yonkers, N. Y.
A bound volume of the Museum, instructions for playing the fife, a steam-engine, and a mouth harp, for a waterbury watch in good order. Robert J. Kerley, Mlllcrton, Dutrhess Co., N. Y.
A 2-cent Sandwich lsbtnd stamp, a 5-cent Newfoundland stump, and a 20-cent German stamp, for a Cape of Good Hope stamp. Hal C. Rogers. Box 327, F.scanaba, Mich.
A 14, 15, 1G puzzle, 10 revenue stamps, 25 stamps, 15 foreign stamps, curiosities, etc., for the best offer of tin tobacco tags. Accepted offer answered. Willie Borland, I tnlay City, Lnpur Co., Mich.
A Japanese napkin, for 5 pieces of sllk, satin, or velvet, 2 by 3 inches. No duplicates or solled pieces. Myra A. Doremus, 11 South Elliott Place, Brooklyn,
A hand-inking printing-press fchase 4 by 0 inches), 3 fonts of type, a rubber roller, and a pair of Sc
inch club skates, for a self-inking printing-press (chase not less than 3X by BM inches) with or without type and in good condition. George L. Mallery. Continental Hotel, cor. of 20th St. and Broadway, New York City.
Three foreign stamps, for pieces of sllk, satin, plusb.velvet. or anything suitable for a crazy-qullt. A. R. H., 2210 Locust St., Philadelphia, Penn.
One hundred and twenty postmarks, for an Indian arrow-head. John A. Thompson, Box 316, YYestvllle, Conn.
Four good postmarks, for every first-class tin tobacco tag except Climax. Chief, Old Honesty, Horseshoe, or Star. P. McF. Bealer, 201 Jackson St., Atlanta, Ga.
Three different tin tags, for every K. of L. or Brown's Mule tag sent me. YT. B. Nj mtners, 194 Houston St., Atlanta, Go.
Galena, gypsum, sandstone, peacock - coal, starfish, coral, geodes, moss-agates, hornblende, pudding-stone, coke, moonstone, arglllite agates, buhrstoue, chlorite, copper ore, hematite, ltmestone, and mica, for minerals and curiosities. Carl Gray, Box 471, St. Johusbury, Vt.
Sllver ore, jasper, chalcedony, carnellan, black sand, petrified wood, garnet, all kinds of Oregon minerals, and curiosities, for Indian relics. Gny M. Powers, Shedd, Linn Co., Oregon.
Full directions for Kensington painting, paper flowers, and some modern music, for plush and brocaded scrap-pieces. No black or old pieces wanted. 11. Brown, 00 Reynold's Arcade, Rochester, X. Y,
Twcnty foreign stamps, for 1 from Austria, Italy. Baden, Azores, Barbados, Bolivia, Hamburg, and New Brunswick. Not less than 4 taken. A.M. K.% 1010 Clinton St., Philadelphia, Penn.
Volumes IV. and V. of Golden Days, 355 foreign and 50 domestic stamps, 8 German papers, and a paper in mourning for Garfield, for a pair of allclamp roller-skates. Kaymond extension preferred. Kdward K. Black, 167 K. 60th St., New York City.
A year's subscription to an amateur paper, for 18 different Department stamps. Frank Thompson, Letter,box, Station B, Jersey City, K. J.
Cards and tin tags, for stamps and stamp papers; 2 postmarks, for every stamp; stamps, for the same. J. C. Wallace, Carlisle, Penn.
Vol. I. of Golden Argosy (7 numbers missing) and 28 numbers of Vol..II., and 500 mixed U. S. revenue stamps, for rare postage stamps or coins. Arthur C. Smith, 428 ffllfilin Av., Scran ton, Penn.
Four picture cards, for every piece of sllk, satin, velvet, or plush in Irregular shapes, but none less than S by 3 inches. No black unless brocaded or figured. Cards new and clean; no duplicates. Mabel K. Ashley, Box 24, Norwood, St. Lawrence Co..
One hundred well-assorted stamps, largest size foot-ball with key, Tom. Brown's School-Days, your name printed on 50 cards, and a gold-pointed stylographic pen, for the best offer oi long type. Alexander Gorski, care of V. A. Meyer A Co., Box 3050, New York City.
A specimen of iron ore, for 10 foreign stamps from Costa Rica, Cuba, Cyprus, Danish West Indies, Dutch Indies, Denmark, Feejee Islands, and Egypt. C. D. Mansfield, MerriU P. 0., Powell Co., Kentucky.
A good collection of 550 foreign and U. S. stamps in a Scott's International album (7th edition), for a sllver watch in good running order. E. 8. Gray, 139 Lagrange St., Toledo, Ohio.
A water-color paint box containing Winsoi A Newton's paints, books, rare stamps, and numbers of Forest and Stream, for fishing-lines, flies, spoonbaits, hooks, or tackle-book. H. W. Althouse, Pottsvllle, Box 164, Penn.
A fine new telegraph key and sounder, brass, mounted on rosewood stand, never been in use, for a pair of No. 9)4 or 10 all-clamp roller skates. Vineyard preferred. Correspondence necessary. II. Lolie Prescott, 151 Pearl St., Kast Somerrllle, Mass.
A magic lantern in good working order, for a good set of chessmen wtthout board; 150 all-different postmarks, for the best offer of foreign stamps. Stephen T. Dalryntple, Menomonec, Dunn. Co., Wis.
Sixty papers (including Durblu's last stamp catalogue), phllatelic papers, dealers' price lists of coins and stamps, minerals, etc., for 20 perfect arrowheads and a perfect axe. P. F. Shields, Nashville, Tenn.
A pair of Acme nickel-plated all-clamp ice skates (size 9) and a pair of Plympton roller skates (slzet 6). for a pair of 8 or 8)4 nickel-plated all-clamp roller skates. Winslow preferred. Kdwin A. Corbet, Box 292, Morrlstown, N. J.
A teacher of penmanship of two years' experience in Columbus Buisness College, Columbus, Ohio, wlll send a series of 12 lessons by mall, for a pair of Fenton or Raymond club skates in good condition. H. K. Hall, Box 352, Lima, Ohio.
Ten different foreign stamps, for every stamp from Asia or Africa. J* B. Brown, Jun., 22 Frank St., Nowport, K. I.
A hand-inking printing-press complete, an electric battery, a sllver-plattng set, 5 complete stories, and other articles, for a self-inking press without type. Give size of chase and full particulars. J. Davidson, 328 K. 11th St., New York City.

Signs

Signs, signs, everywhere are signs...and so the song goes. The truth is that signage is not something new to our time, or the time period with which the song was written. In fact, there are some historical signs and signage that can bring big bucks for collectors today. However, as a historical tidbit, I'd like to post ten signs from the late 19th century. These come from a journal for painters and decorates from the 19th century. In the weeks to come I'll be posting some other details from this same source.

Several of these signs were made for the sides of wagons. Today we find them on buses or in subways. A fun one for me to stumble on was Poland Water.

Advertising and Selling Tea

This tidbit is really about the art of advertising during the 19th century. However, the example is from a small book "Tea-Blending as a Fine Art"©1896 and has a chapter dedicated to how to advertise and sell tea. Below is a large excerpt from this book.

ART OF ADVERTISING TEAS.
(1.) Make an attractive display of your Teas, utilizing a show-case when convenient to do so for an exhibit of your finest varieties, having on such kind a neatly printed show-card after the following styles:—
"We sell Tea to sell again." "If it's anything in Tea, we've got it." "What you require in Tea is to be had here." "It's our pleasure to please you in Tea." "A good Tea for you is a gain for us." "Our Teas make our prices look small." "Every Tea as advertised, or—a little better." "No Tea customer must leave our store dissatisfied."
"You can make a little money go far by buying your Teas here."
"Misrepresentation in our Teas would be the suicide of our business."
"Our Teas are pure, pungent, piquant, perfect."
"Blank's Teas are distinctive in leaf, distinctive in liquor, distinctive in flavor."
"Blank's Teas are cleanest in leaf, heaviest in body, richest in flavor."
It is an old axiom "that goods well bought are half sold," and the same is equally true of Teas well displayed in the dealer's store or window.
Goods conveniently placed and marked save time, temper, labor and money in showing. When a line of Teas have been placed in a prominent position, with the prices plainly marked and attached to them, they often become their own salesmen.
A good customer secured being a promise of larger salary in the future, the good Tea salesman will always increase your business in addition to adding to your profits, while the poor Tea salesman will only serve to drive away customers and may ruin your Tea trade in other respects.
In a grocer's window Tea should always be given a prominent position, especially if neatly sealed up in handsome packages, or even "dummies" may be conveniently used for the purpose with good effect. But they should be perfectly fresh and clean, in fact, every package exhibited should be carefully examined and made as inviting as possible. It is not prudent, however, to make too copious a display of loose Teas as it collects dust and absorbs moisture in addition to the loss resulting from deterioration in strength and flavor, its appearance also disgusting the customers who are apt to reflect that they must become the consumers of the article when removed from the window. Again, nothing can look worse than a window in Summer sprinkled over with flies—dead and alive—or in Winter than a heap of damp and discolored Teas, so that all loose Teas should invariably be scrupulously covered over with well-polished glass-shades or invitingly displayed in small sample bowls appropriately labeled. The colors also should harmonize in order that the window will look well, attract customers' attention and gain favorable criticism. Care should also be taken that the Teas be not kept too near the heat of gas, heat or sun, or exposed to these influences as they are often irretrievably ruined thereby.
There is great art in dressing a window well with Teas; some dealers having a natural talent for it, while others can only imitate it indifferently, others, again, being entirely incapable of either. The art, however, has a very important bearing in the sale of Teas and is certainly worth careful study on the part of the dealer, as a well-dressed and judicious arrangement of Teas in a window is sure to attract attention and admiration from the passers-by, people turning again to look at and admire it. So that a Tea window-dresser should possess good natural taste as well as be a good designer and systematic arranger of the goods. All labels and show-cards should always be neat, clean and bright, that is, removed often, and when prices are affixed they should be reasonable, neither too high nor too low, as the best customers like moderation, but Teas that are exceptionally cheap and plentiful should always be marked in plain figures.
Cleanliness goes a long way in selling Teas, as in all things people want to eat and drink, and a clean store is a customer's delight, so that dusting and sweeping are among the mast important functions of a well-kept Tea store. These duties should be performed every day, or oftener, and should be done under the best conditions possible, as all dust is destructive to Tea, and all losses thus entailed must be kept down as far as possible.
Do not attempt to place too many varieties or grades in the window at the same time, as such a display serves only to confuse the mind and weary the eyes of spectators, neither aim at quantity. A good plan for the dealer is first to consider what Teas are most in demand or most likely to be in request in his neighborhood and not simply what he has most of. Then making out a list of what he decides to show he should map out in his mind the best manner of arranging the same.
The window display should be frequently altered and the Teas never allowed to remain until they become discolored, stale and dirty, as in such cases instead of attracting trade it will only serve to repel it, and no favorite cats should be allowed to sun themselves near the Tea no matter how sleek or handsome they may be. In emptying the window also each package should be carefully examined, cleaned and replaced in stock, ready for sale and hidden out of sight regardless of its condition. Carelessness in this matter is a source of serious loss.
The Tea salesman of the future must not be illiterate or ignorant of his business; the day for such has gone by in this country, never to return. Any salesman can take orders but very few can impart information about the Teas he sells or tries to sell, so that the customer learns nothing from contact with him, while many of the best purchasers like to talk to an intelligent and well-posted man in order to learn all they can about the article. Again, it is the Tea salesman who knows the meaning and feels the power of what he is talking about that will naturally speak earnestly and with the right emphasis; while otherwise he will not emphasize it at all and very often a good sale of Tea depends on the proper emphasis given to a few important words in reply to the customer's question about the article. The good Tea salesman should speak to explain, convince and persuade and should keep this final object constantly in mind; he should know instantly the effect he is producing on the customer, and the more favorable the effect is the better he can talk, because his faculties are thus encouraged. But when a question can be made clear at all it is made all the clearer by brevity, as all sensible intending purchasers prefer evidence to eloquence.
Many Tea dealers and employees have an idea that a certain kind of smartness in dealing is a praiseworthy business qualification, and that success in the Tea business depends largely on that kind of sharpness and chicanery in dealing with their Tea customers. This is a most mistaken idea, if not worse, as it should be the first and fundamental effort on the part of every business man to gain the respect and confidence of his patrons, not their ill-will and contempt by getting the best of them, as he foolishly supposes. As a customer who once finds himself deceived in either quality or price in buying Teas will consequently be suspicious ever afterward of the dealer who has deceived him, so that the dealer who thought himself so sharp in making a little extra money on the first transaction loses in the end a good and prompt-paying customer who might have traded with him for years if he had but retained his good opinion and induced him by fair dealing to continue his patronage. It has been wisely and sensibly said by President Lincoln that "You may fool some of the people all the time, and all the people some of the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time." Enduring prosperity in the Tea business cannot be founded on cunning and deception, as the tricky and deceitful Tea dealer is sure to fall a victim sooner or later to the influences which are forever working against him. His business structure is built in sand and its foundations will be certain to give way and crush him in the end. Young men in the line particularly cannot give these truths too much weight and importance, as the future of the young Tea dealer is secure who repudiates every form of deception and double dealing, thereby laying the foundation of his business career on the enduring principles of ever-lasting truth and honest dealing.
A reputation for intelligence and truthfulness is indispensable to a permanent and satisfying success in the Tea business, and politeness is also among the few weapons that the small Tea dealer has at his command to meet the competition of larger dealers who
buy their Teas more cheaply. But the larger the business the greater the number of hands required and consequently the less chance of the customers being treated with deference. That these advantages are not fully realized and utilized by the average retailer is well known to all who come in contact with them. One important point in particular to be impressed upon your assistants is the necessity of careful and polite attention to the smallest customers. There is an old and trite adage which says, "When you buy, keep one eye on the goods and the other on the seller, but when you sell, keep both eyes on the buyer." Customers are drawn to the dealer who greets them cordially, treats them with civility, shows them little courtesies, manifests an interest in their wants and seeks to gain their confidence. Do not imagine that customers consider cheap Teas and "cut prices" are the equivalent for such treatment, for if you do you will soon have to discontinue business for lack of brains or be sold out altogether, although you may charge your misfortune to other causes.
Don't.
Don't smoke in your store or encourage your customers to do so.
Don't let your store smell of mice and rats, or allow dogs or cats around the store.
Don't permit your store to smell of oil, fish, soap, strong cheese or other loud smelling articles.
Don't clean your scales, weights and other utensils or wash your counters and shelves in the presence of customers.
Don't spit on your store floor or allow others to do so, and never be without a clean handkerchief, even when you wear an apron.
Don't use the same set of scales, weights or scoops for sugar, flour, rice, cheese or other articles for Tea, as they invariably impart their odor to it.
Don't store your Teas in damp places or they will soon contract a musty, mildewy smell and flavor, and be careful of wet cellars, which produce the same results.
Don't permit your store to become a lounging place for idlers, local gossipers or cheap politicians, no matter how profitable they may appear to you, as particular customers do not like to have their business exposed to such hangers-on.
Don't have dirty hands, face or wear your fingernails in half-mourning, and don't wear a sour, illtempered face—nothing so repels a sensitive customer —but cultivate a cheerful countenance at all times and under all circumstances. In other words, if you do not possess this virtue at least assume it.
Don't overbuy, as most Teas deteriorate by long keeping, particularly after opening, get dirty, lose strength and therefore become unsalable. And when you happen to get stuck on a bad lot dispose of them quickly and as privately as you can, even at a sacrifice. Above all things don't try to work them off on your customers, either regular or casual, as nothing will ruin your Tea trade quicker or surer.
In conclusion, be thorough in all you undertake, as nothing conduces like thoroughness and sincere earnestness to build up and retain a successful Tea business. And remember that it is much easier to do particular work yourself than to show others how to. Master the whole business and the road to success has been mapped out, as most certainly the dealer who notes what a community is most in need of and supplies that want most thoroughly possesses the attributes of a successful Tea merchant.

1871 Newspaper Ads

Below are a few ads I took from an S.C. newspaper.

There were many more ads concerning travel by sea but here are three of them.

Next was an ad for bitters. There are always many ads for Bitters or cure all medicines.

The next is an ad for rodent removal products. You'll never see wording like this today

And for those of you wondering how you're going to illuminate your Historical character's home. Here's an option from 1871 illustrated.

And finally this one I couldn't figure out. I'll have to do more research but if any of you have heard of these shoes or boots, let me know.

Van Camp's & Canned Foods

Today Van Camp's is producing canned beans. However, the company was started in 1861 by Gilbert Van Camp and it was his son, Frank who was credited with the canned beans & pork.

In this ad (which I forgot to note the year) you'll note they sold condensed soups and one canned served 8 for .10 cents. They also mentioned mac and cheese with tomato sauce.

Below is a tidbit regarding the Van Camp's and their history of canning and refrigeration.
In 1860 he removed to Indianapolis, where he became associated with Calvin Fletcher and Martin William, under the firm name of Fletcher, Williams & VanCamp, for the introduction of the cold storage process of preserving fruits, meats, etc. Mr. VanCamp, as manager of the firm’s business, erected a warehouse with walls three feet in thickness, with a filling of cut straw, the inner surface being lined with galvanized iron and the outside covfired with sheet iron. This was the first satisfactory and successful experiment in the nature of cold storage warehouse...
In 1882, with Gilbert C. VanCamp as president, a position which he has held continuously to the present time. His son Frank is treasurer and general manager. As suggestive of the magnitude of the business it may be stated this company used six million tin cans in its operations last year, shipping its products to every state and territory of the Union and to Great Britain and the Continent of Europe.
Source: Encyclopedia of Biography of Indiana, Volume 2 ©1899

Coachman's Ads from 1875

This might spur some of the creative juices for some of you. Enjoy!

And if a coachman sparks a flicker of a character for you, you might be interested in this little tidbit called the Road Game.
HE ROAD GAME.
The chances are a hundred to one that in these days the reader never saw or heard of the 'road game,' which was sometimes also called 'road piquette;' and when I have informed him what it was, he may probably consider it a slow proceeding, and hardly worth the name of an amusement to pass the time. In these days of rapid movement, when one goes so fast that one can hardly count the telegraph posts or distinguish how many wires there are, the 'road game' cannot well be played, and with newspapers and books to read in the train it would be a slow proceeding. But on a coach, doing nine or even ten miles an hour, instead of forty, time sometimes hung rather heavily on hand, and we were glad to have a game of any sort to beguile the hours that were sometimes rather tedious. Though there were generally plenty of incidents along the road, still if incidents did not present themselves just when wanted, the 'road game' was sometimes played; and I have seen as much amusement and jollity over it, and I may say excitement, as if there had been a pack of cards and whist inside a railway carriage. The coachman, for instance, and the person sitting beside him would have a game, tossing up for taking choice of which side of the road they would have. A donkey counted seven, a pig one, a black sheep one, a cat five, a cat in a window ten, a dog one, a magpie one, a grey horse five; and there was one thing by which game might be got at once, but it was connected with what I cannot venture to describe, and it was a very rare occurrence. Once in my life, and only once, I saw this feat performed, and it elicited a shout of ' Game, by Jove!'
Source: Down the Road', Or, Reminiscences of a Gentleman Coachman ©1887

1875 Advertisements and Story Starters

From time to time, I'll be looking through historical newspapers and I love reading the advertisements for a variety of reasons. Below are a few. These all come from the Holt County Sentinel, Oregon, Mo. Dec. 17th 1875

Here's 1875 American Stock Journal That was mentioned in the ad.

Farm for Sale

Flour Advertisement

Train Routes East

Possible Story Idea