Clark’s O. N. T. Black Spool Cotton Trade Card

Trade card for Clark’s O.N.T. Spool Cotton. Lithograph, M & K Company. Circa  1880’s – 1890’s.

Price:  12.00                Size:  About 2 and 3/4 x 4 and 1/4″

“Across the line from pole to pole the children’s clothes depend upon it.”

A gorgeous design for this one and clever. It’s a windy day. (Those clothes will dry pretty quick!) Actually, it looks like a storm’s coming in – maybe a further illustration of the point – strong thread, strong enough to make a clothesline 😉 and withstand the storm. If the back had no wording and you were just looking at the shape, would it make you think of a spool of thread? Maybe so.

O.N.T. stands for Our New Thread. See Sources below.

At the bottom right the print reads, “Copyright Secured”  and at the bottom left is the lithographer name of M & K Co.

Major & Knapp

M & K was the very successful New York City lithography firm of Major & Knapp. The company began life as Sarony & Major, headed by lithographer, artist, draftsman (and later photographer), Napoleon Sarony. Major was James Major and then brother, Henry B. Major. The name then changed to Sarony, Major & Knapp (sometimes called Sarony & Co.) and then when Sarony left the firm in 1858, it became Major & Knapp, the full name of which seems to have been The Major & Knapp Engraving, Manufacturing and Lithographic Company, but we often see them as the Major & Knapp Co. and Major, Knapp & Co. And here it’s unclear whether that last was an actual name change or just sometimes reported incorrectly. Major were brothers Henry Broughman Major and Richard Major and Knapp was Joseph F. Knapp.

Sources:  Clark O.N.T. Thread. historyatyourfingertips.education. (accessed December 19, 2023).

Coats Group. n.d. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coats_Group (accessed December 19, 2023).

Napoleon Sarony. n.d. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Napoleon_Sarony (accessed December 19, 2023).

Spooner, Ken. (2010). “The Knapps Lived Here.” Elm & McKinley Books, New York. Google.com books.

“Sarony, Major & Knapp:  New York City Lithographers.” https://ahpcs.org/publisher/sarony-major-knapp/ (accessed December 16, 2023).

The National Archives and Records Administration; Washington, D.C.; Internal Revenue Assessment Lists for New York and New Jersey, 1862-1866; Series: M603; Roll: 56; Description: District 4; Monthly and Special Lists; June-Dec 1865; Record Group: 58, Records of the Internal Revenue Service, 1791 – 2006.

W. & J. Leonard Trade Card, Salem, Mass.

Trade card for W. & J. Leonard, Salem, Massachusetts. Circa 1885 – 1890.

Price:  $12.00                Size:  4 and 1/4 x 2 and 3/4″

W. & J. Leonard, Boots, Shoes & Rubbers. Successors to Buswell & Leonard. 196 Essex St., Salem, Mass.

Two little Pagliacci-type figures, along with their dog, are out on the street begging for a living. Pagliaccio in Italian is “clown”.

The former Buswell & Leonard was Ebenezer “Eben” Buswell and William Leonard. Successors, W. & J. Leonard were brothers, William and Captain James Leonard, the firm being run under this name from 1885 to 1890.

But a full history, going back to about 1794, is given in the Boot and Shoe Recorder, July 29, 1908:

“The retirement of William Leonard of Salem, Mass., from the shoe business will, with the closing of his store, bring to an end a business that has been connected with the Driver family for 104 years. It was begun about 1794 by the grandfather of Mrs. Leonard, Stephen Driver, Jr., who with Louis Tucker, as Tucker & Driver, had a shop on Essex street, nearly opposite Cambridge street, in a two-story wooden building, with an attic. Mr. Tucker furnished the capital and Mr. Driver the knowledge of the business. In 1798 the partnership was dissolved, Mr. Tucker retiring, and Mr. Driver continuing the business alone. In 1816, his son, Stephen, 19 years of age, bought his time of his father, and took a shop on Central street, and the firm name became Stephen Driver & Son. In 1822, his eldest son, Thomas, bought out his father’s interest, and the firm name became Stephen & Thomas Driver. The father continued in business alone. In 1836 Ebenezer Buswell and his brother-in-law, George Driver, bought out the retail trade of Stephen Driver, 3d, who then commenced the wholesale trade. The name of the firm was Driver & Buswell, and the store was on Essex street, below Washington street, and where the store of Almy, Bigelow & Washburn, Inc., is now located. George Driver withdrew in 1847 to assist his brother in the wholesale business, and for 13 years Mr. Buswell continued the business alone, or until 1860, when Henry Morton was admitted as a partner. The firm name became Buswell & Morton, and so continued until 1867, when Mr. Morton withdrew, and William Leonard became associated with Mr. Buswell. This firm continued until the death of Mr. Buswell, June 30, 1880. Mr. Leonard, in 1885. took his brother, Capt. James Leonard, in partnership with him, the firm name being W. & J. Leonard. In 1890, James Leonard withdrew, and William Leonard continued the business at the old stand on Essex street until 1897, when the march of progress removed the building, and the business was transferred to its present location on Washington street.”

Sources:  Pagliacci. n.d. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pagliacci#:~:text=Leoncavallo%20based%20the%20st   ory%20of,brother%20Luigi%20acting%20as%20accomplice. (accessed December 26, 2023).

Henry M. Meek’s Naumkeag Directory for Salem, Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peobody, Essex and Manchester, for 1888 and 1895, pp. 232 and 356. Ancestry.com. U.S., City Directories, 1822-1995. 

Sampson, Davenport & Co.’s Salem Directory for 1879, No. XVIII, p. 42. Google.com.

“Some Short News Notes of the Trade.” Boot and Shoe Recorder, July 29, 1908, p. 115. (Google.com).

L. F. Abbott Groceries and Provisions, Boston

Trade cards, set of 4. Louis F. Abbott, Groceries and Provisions, Boston, Massachusetts. Copyrighted 1885 by F. C. Bryon, New York. Series 313.

Price for the set:  $40.00           Size for each:  About 5 x 3 and 3/4″

“A Merry Christmas To You., L. F. Abbott, Groceries and Provisions, 181 Eliot St., Boston.”

We’re not finding any other trade cards online for grocer, L. F. Abbott in Boston, and that’s surprising, given the size of these cards, which are larger than most – leading us to think he was doing pretty well. And these are absolute beauties, each showing a scene within a sparkling snow-rimmed leaf. (Sorry you can’t see the sparkle.) Enlarge the images and get lost in them a little – note also the flowery embellishments in the holiday message.

L. F. was Louis Frederick Abbott, born October 2, 1852 in Ossipee, New Hampshire, the son of Henry G. Abbott and Phoebe Abbott, her maiden name unknown.

On October 5, 1881 in Cambridge, Mass, occupation grocer, he married Myra W. Sherman. She was age 27, born in Rockland, Maine, the daughter of Alden Thomas Sherman and Bethiah (Glover) Sherman. Myra died in 1892, and the following year Louis married Myra’s younger sister, Julia. The 1900 Federal Census shows five children: the oldest, Sarah and Lulu would have been Louis’ daughters with Myra; the younger, Bertha, Henry and Fred, his children with Julia. By the 1910 census, the family has increased with sons Warren and Robert.

The business address on the cards of 181 Eliot St. in Boston, shows up in city directories from 1886 through 1890. In 1886 we find the short ad, below:

The store in question may or may not have been the same one our trade cards were advertising; as from this and a couple of other ads, Louis was also in the real estate business. By the 1900 Federal Census taken in Boston, his occupation is listed as real estate, rather than grocer.

Some Years Later……A Helpful Owl

If you’ll indulge the pretentiousness below:  Regarding “Mr. and Mrs.” Jean Martin (in French I always must use the “et” for “and”, otherwise it sounds absurd.)

It’s unclear how long Louis owned the 181 Eliot Street address but we did find a funny article in The Boston Globe, March of 1910:  The residents at that time were M et Mme Jean Martin, who kept a barn owl in the basement. The good owl had eliminated the rat problem that had come about (let’s presume) after the butcher shop moved out, the property perhaps having stood vacant for a time. (The article went on to explain that the rats are gone, so the residents feed the owl with meat.) Here’s an excerpt:

Sources:  Town and City Clerks of Massachusetts. Massachusetts Vital and Town Records. Provo, UT: Holbrook Research Institute (Jay and Delene Holbrook). (Ancestry.com).

New England Historic Genealogical Society; Boston, Massachusetts; Massachusetts Vital Records, 1840???1911. (Ancestry.com).

Massachusetts Grand Lodge of Masons Membership Cards 1733–1990. New England Historic Genealogical Society, Boston, Massachusetts. (Ancestry.com).

Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/176768573/louis-frederick-abbott: accessed 25 December 2023), memorial page for Louis Frederick Abbott (2 Oct 1862–13 Oct 1937), Find a Grave Memorial ID 176768573, citing Seaview Cemetery, Rockland, Knox County, Maine, USA; Maintained by Sally – Midcoast Maine (contributor 48138595).

Year: 1900; Census Place: Boston Ward 21, Suffolk, Massachusetts; Roll: 686; Page: 14; Enumeration District: 1479. (Ancestry.com).

Year: 1910; Census Place: Boston Ward 21, Suffolk, Massachusetts; Roll: T624_623; Page: 11a; Enumeration District: 1587; FHL microfilm: 1374636. (Ancestry.com).

Boston City Directory, 1890. Boston, MA, USA: Sampson, Murdock and Co., 1890.

Ancestry.com. U.S., City Directories, 1822-1995.

The Boston Globe, August 18, 1886. Wednesday, p. 7. (Newspapers.com).

“No Rats Where It Has Its Home.” The Boston Globe, March 5, 1910. Saturday, p. 10. (Newspapers.com).

Round Oak Stove Trade Card

Trade Card. Lithograph by Gies & Company, Buffalo, New York. Circa 1888 – 1895.

Price:  $12.00

“The Name Tells”

A lithograph by Gies & Co. of Buffalo, New York:  A pretty brunette in profile, gazes up and off in the distance. She’s wearing a dress of muted gold with blue, almost poinsettia-like flowers and a double strand of pearls.

“Makes ’em Hustle”  probably means the stove is so good and sales are brisk, making the salesmen hustle, or meaning the competition is hustling to try to come up with something just as good. Below, a September 1892 ad in The Huntington Democrat:

P. D. Beckwith was Philo D. Beckwith (1825 – 1889). See Find A Grave’s entry for detailed information, and for a better image of the Round Oak stove.

As for our trade card, it was distributed by Ramsay, Lerdall & Guldermann. The following announcement appeared in the Wisconsin State Journal, May 30, 1888:

Full names per the above, DeWitt Ramsay, Herman T. Lerdall and Jacob Guldermann, The hardware store was located on the corner of Main and Carroll streets, in Madison. By January 14, 1895, Guldermann had left the firm, according to a quick mention of an architect working above the Ramsay & Lerdall store. Ramsay then sold out in March 1899, per the article below:

Sources:  “The Round Oak Stove.”  The Huntington Democrat (Huntington, Indiana). September 29, 1892. Thursday, p. 2. (Newspapers.com).

Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/15327221/philo-d-beckwith: accessed 19 November 2023), memorial page for Philo D Beckwith (6 Mar 1825–10 Jan 1889), Find a Grave Memorial ID 15327221, citing Oak Hill Cemetery, Battle Creek, Calhoun County, Michigan, USA; Maintained by Gerrie (contributor 46794434).

“A New Firm.”  Wisconsin State Journal (Madison, Wisconsin). May 30, 1888. Wednesday, p. 4. (Newspapers.com).

“Another Architect,”  Baraboo News Republic. (Baraboo, Wisconsin). January 14, 1895. Monday, p. 4.(Newspapers.com).

“Ramsay Store Sold.”  Wisconsin State Journal (Madison, Wisconsin). March 23, 1899. Thursday, p. 1. (Newspapers.com).

Dr. Thomas’ Eclectric Oil Trade Card

Trade Card, circa 1880 – 1896.

Price:  $12.00            Size:  2 and 5/8 x 4″

A rendition of a young woman in traditional dress, probably modified by the artist’s imagination. No indication of what country or region she might represent.

Dr. Thomas’ Eclectric Oil was a patent medicine and “cure-all” sold in the U.S. and Canada from the 1850’s to the early 1900’s. The term eclectric, (not an actual word) was either a combination of eclectic and electric, (Wikipedia has an entry for Eclectic medicine which fits with the product being a conglomeration of items including botanicals) or derived from the word, electric. (See the first link above and note the lightning bolts on the label that surround the hand raised in triumph.)

And maybe I’m easily amused, but I get a kick out of the sometimes slightly odd phrasing in old ads; this one being a prime example with its “bold” statement, “You May Want It.”

The stamp on the reverse tells us that druggist, Alden A. Heath of Hallowell, Maine, carried this product in his store. Here’s one of his advertisements in the 1886 Hallowell business directory; and just because it’s so nice, the directory’s cover page (love the publisher’s tangle of initials, the extra “etc.”, the intricate corner pieces).

Alden A. Heath was born March 8, 1854 in Whitefield, Maine, son of John Heath and Abby (Palmer) Heath. By the 1880 Federal Census he was married to Mary F. (maiden name unknown). He died August 4, 1899 in South Berwick, Maine. Obituary below:

 Sources:  “Dr. Thomas’ Eclectric Oil.” Museum of Health Care at Kingston – Research Collection Catalogue. mhc.andornot.com. (accessed October 1, 2023).

“Eclectic medicine.” n.d. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eclectic_medicine (accessed October 1, 2023).

Sullivan, Catherine (May 1984). “Dr. Thomas’ Eclectric Oil.” Parks Canada Research Bulletin: 3 – via Parks Canada History. (accessed September 28, 2023).

Dr. Thomas’ Eclectric Oil. n.d. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dr._Thomas%27_Eclectric_Oil (accessed September 28, 2023).

Year: 1880; Census Place: Hallowell, Kennebec, Maine; Roll: 481; Page: 287A; Enumeration District: 096. (Ancestry.com).

W. A. Greenough & Co.’s Augusta, Hallowell & Gardiner Directory, 1886-7. (Ancestry.com).

Maine State Archives; Cultural Building, 84 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0084; 1892-1907 Vital Records; Roll Number: 26. (Ancestry.com).

Kennebec Journal. (Augusta, Maine). August 8, 1899. Tuesday, p. 8. (Newspapers.com).

Wanamaker & Brown, Philadelphia, Trade Card

Trade Card, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for Wanamaker & Brown. Circa

Price:  $10.00            Size:  3 and 1/4 x 1 and 1/2″

Taking a very short respite from all the black and white photos and cards, here’s a bit of color, nicely appropriate for autumn. The front shows some turning leaves with the following printed message:

“Buy your Winter Overcoat and Suit at Oak Hall. We sell the best goods for the least money, and refund the cash if you are displeased with your purchase. Wanamaker & Brown. S. E. cor. Sixth & Market Sts.” 

Founded in 1861, the Wanamaker & Brown clothing company became an institution in Philadelphia, lasting for over a century. Much has been written about them, and plenty of online photos and other trade cards can be found. See Wikipedia’s post, “Wanamaker’s” for more information. Below, an early ad from The Philadelphia Enquirer, dated January 25, 1862:

The title in the ad above is interesting, referring to pickling something in salt water, though in this case the salt would be used to melt snow and ice on the streets.

On the back of our trade card, the holder (for a time) of this card, has written her name:  Hattie B. Francis (or Hattie A. Frances).

Sources:  The Philadelphia Enquirer, January 25, 1862. Saturday, p. 5. (Newspapers.com).

Wanamaker’s. n.d. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wanamaker%27s (accessed September 30, 2022).

Old Advertising Card McNeil’s Pain Exterminator

Trade Card for Dr. T. S. McNeil’s Pain Exterminator. Circa 1870s – 1880s.

Price:  $10.00         Size:  4 and 1/4 x 2 and 1/2″

The most detailed information on T. S. McNeil, found in some quick searches, comes from a Lycoming College (Williamsport, PA) article (see link in sources below.) The authors explain that T. S. McNeil was a minister who went into the medicine business; the title of “doctor” was honorary. A number of ads can be found in old newspapers for McNeil’s Pain Exterminator (formulated in 1848) including a rather long one from 1906, stating the product was sold in 15 states, as well as in Liverpool, England and on the west coast of Africa. By the look of the card, we’d guess the date 1870s through the 1890s, but to try to narrow it down, we searched city directories. The address showing on the card for McNeil Medicine Co., Proprietors, 500 N. Third Street and 242 W. State Street, Harrisburg, PA was not found, however a few entries from 1891 – 1895 show 1111 N. 3rd St., (so if we were betting, we’d bet that the card is from the 1880s.) Thomas S. McNeil was born in 1814 in Virginia and died, unfortunately quite young, in 1847 from a drowning accident.

Sources:  Alcodray, N.I. and Bause, G.S. (2021). “Thomas S. McNeil, An Enterprising Pastor.” (https://www.lycoming.edu/). Accessed May 13, 2022.

“McNeil’s Pain Exterminator (Established 1848) Goes to West Coast of Africa.” The York Daily (York, Pennsylvania). July 13, 1906, p. 8. (Newspapers.com).

Boyd’s Directory of Harrisburg and Steelton, 1891. p. 321; 1895, p. 226. Ancestry.com. U.S., City Directories, 1822-1995.

G. W. Jenks, Boots and Shoes, Shelburne Falls, Mass

Trade card, circa 1870 – 1900. Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts.

Price:  $10.00        Size:  5 and 7/8 x 2 and 3/4″

Was looking thru boxes this morning for anything 4th of July related, and nothing. So, taking a break from the offerings from Germany, here’s a trade card from the U. S., Shelburne Falls, Mass., to be precise. No American flags or anything in there (imagine some red-white-and blue bunting draped along the porch rail, if you like) but it’s a beauty with an old-timey feel, in rural America:  an artist’s scene of a mill or home with a waterwheel, a woman shepherding a little girl across the wooden footbridge and another lady on the porch (if you enlarge, you can see her). Stamped on the card is:

“G. W. Jenks, Boots and Shoes, Shelburne Falls, Mass”  and  “Buy the light running ‘domestic’ “

G. W. was George W. Jenks, boot and shoe dealer who, according to the card, also sold sewing machines. A Massachusetts native, he was born about 1840. He appears on the 1880 Federal Census along with his wife, Abbie L., and their two children, Charles E. and Mabel L. Jenks. Also in the household is Maggie Chandler, a domestic servant. George must have had a successful business as he appears under this occupation as early as 1870 and as late as 1910 on census records.

He and Abbie (Northup) married on September 12, 1865 in Cheshire, Mass. After Abbie died in 1886, he married Mary Ellen Blanchard October 18, 1888 in Shelburne Falls.

Sources:  Year: 1880; Census Place: Shelburne, Franklin, Massachusetts; Roll: 533; Page: 221D; Enumeration District: 259. (Ancestry.com).

Year: 1870; Census Place: Shelburne, Franklin, Massachusetts; Roll: M593_615; Page: 382B; Family History Library Film: 552114. (Ancestry.com).

New England Historic Genealogical Society; Boston, Massachusetts; Massachusetts Vital Records, 1911–1915. (Ancestry.com).

Year: 1910; Census Place: Shelburne, Franklin, Massachusetts; Roll: T624_589; Page: 3A; Enumeration District: 0517; FHL microfilm: 1374602. (Ancestry.com).

Year: 1850; Census Place: Cheshire, Berkshire, Massachusetts; Roll: 305; Page: 101B. (Ancestry.com).

E. K. Reynolds, Norwich CT Trade Card

Trade card, lithograph by Bufford, Boston, Mass. Circa 1878 – 1890.

Price:  $15.00

“After the race – off City Point, Boston Harbor.”

“E. K. Reynolds, French China, Grockery, Glass Ware & House Furnishing Goods.  Norwich, Conn.”

Yep, that’s a typo there – of course, they meant Crockery. And in checking the internet, this card is the only one that we see right now for E. K. Reynolds. It’s in good condition, other than the white mark, top left-hand side of the card, which is paper that had gotten stuck to it, at some point. The lithograph company name is printed in the waves there on the bottom right.

Edward Kennard Reynolds was born December 3, 1834 in Cecil County, Maryland. He married Fannie Foster and they had two daughters, Bennibel and Nellie. Edward died September 5, 1884, and from city directories, Nellie carried on the family business for a while. The last mention found (in a quick directory search) is for Mrs. E. K. Reynolds, in 1890, business address 159 Main and 17 Shetucket. The earliest directory found was for 1878.

Sources:  Price, Lee & Co. Steadman’s Directory, Norwich, 1878. No. 18. P. 199. Ancestry.com. U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995.

Price, Lee & Co. Steadman’s Directory, Norwich, 1890. No. 30. P. 402. Ancestry.com. U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995.

Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com : accessed 05 June 2020), memorial page for Edward Kennard Reynolds (3 Dec 1834–5 Sep 1884), Find a Grave Memorial no. 92408525, citing Yantic Cemetery, Norwich, New London County, Connecticut, USA ; Maintained by Northern Neighbors (contributor 47033135) .

Alfred J. Brown Seed Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Trade Card for the Arthur J. Brown Seed Company, circa 1905.

Price:  $8.00         Size:  3 and 1/2 x 5″

Spring has already sprung and yesterday was a beautiful day with half the neighborhood out doing gardening. So, here’s a trade card with nasturtiums and morning glories from the Alfred J. Brown Seed Company out of Grand Rapids, MI.

Choice Flower Seeds

“The Success of the Flower Garden depends principally upon the quality of seeds planted. We sell the Best and only the Best that grows. Alfred J. Brown Seed Co. New location Corner Ottawa and Lewis Streets. Grand Rapids, Mich.”

The ad below, appearing in March 1925, in The Daily Times (New Philadelphia, OH) indicates that the Alfred J. Brown Seed Company was established in 1891. Evidently, the company was quite successful since the most recent city directory found for them appears in 1946, address 37-45 Campau Ave. But our card above is from around 1905, since this is the first year they show up at the then new location, the southeast corner of Ottawa and Louis. The year prior they were doing business from 24-26 N. Division and 20-22 N. Ottawa.

From the 1900 Federal Census and Find A Grave, Alfred J. Brown was born December 1860 in England. He was married to Sarah “Sally” Thrasher, and they had two sons, Thomas and Robert.

Sources:  The Daily Times (New Philadelphia, OH) March 20, 1925. Friday, p. 5. (Newspapers.com).

R. L. Polk & Co.’s Grand Rapids Directory 1888, p. 202. (Newspapers.com).

R. L. Polk & Co.’s Grand Rapids Directory 1904, p. 243. (Newspapers.com).

R. L. Polk & Co.’s Grand Rapids Directory 1905, p. 233. (Newspapers.com).

Grand Rapids Directory Company Polks Grand Rapids (Kent County, Mich.) City Directory 1946, Vol. LXVIII, p. 138. (Newspapers.com).

Year: 1900; Census Place: Grand Rapids Ward 10, Kent, Michigan; Page: 22; Enumeration District: 0082; FHL microfilm: 1240723. (Ancestry.com).

Find A Grave. Find A Grave. http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi. (accessed April 19, 2020).