Album Miscellaneous from Alan Mays

Weight Card, Howe Standard Scales, Philadelphia, Pa., 1879

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Mon, 07 Dec 2020 05:06:02 +0000

A Howe U.S. Standard Scales weight card from the Pennsylvania State Agricultural Fair held in Philadelphia in 1879.

For another early weight card, see Certificate of Weight, Electrical Advertising Scale Co., Pittsburgh, Pa.

The Improved Howe U.S. Standard Scales

No. 213 Market St., Philadelphia, Pa.

Mrs. L. Y. Whitehead

Weight 158½ lbs. Sep. 16th, 1879

State Fair

American Yardwork Gothic

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Sun, 01 Mar 2020 15:46:02 +0000

Alan Mays has posted:

A Vintage Photos Theme Park photo for the theme of taking care of the house and yard (house chores).

A suburban version of Grant Wood's American Gothic in an undated snapshot.

Simplified 1040 Tax Form

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Mon, 15 Apr 2019 13:36:02 +0000

Alan Mays has posted:

In commemoration of Tax Day in the U.S., here's some humor from the time when photocopiers and fax machines were used to share jokes.

Simplified 1040

Latest revision for 1040 Federal Income Tax Form. Department of the Internal Revenue Service 07. 19_____.

Your Social Security Number ________.

Part 1: Income

1. How much money did you make last year? ________

2. Send it in ________

Punxsutawney Phil Chocolates for Groundhog Day, February 2, 2019

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Sat, 02 Feb 2019 17:11:02 +0000

Alan Mays has posted:

I spotted this store display of Punxsutawney Phil groundhogs rendered in solid milk chocolate at a Gardners Candies store in State College, Pennsylvania, last year.

I'm pleased to report today on Groundhog Day, February 2, 2019, that the esteemed rodent has predicted an early spring this year. Despite CNN's cynicism—see Groundhog predicts an early spring. Don't get too excited, he's usually wrong—I'm optimistic that the long national nightmare of last week's polar vortex is finally over.

Santa Sends a Wireless Message of Christmas Cheer

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Sun, 09 Dec 2018 02:42:11 +0000

Alan Mays has posted:

"Santa sends you a message of Christmas cheer."

Santa Claus always stays up to date with the latest technology. Here he is in the early part of the twentieth century using wireless telegraphy (also called radiotelegraphy) to tap out a Morse code message on a telegraph key. The boy is using a crystal radio set to listen to the dots and dashes of Santa's message. Judging by the smile on the kid's face, I'll bet that he found out that he's on Santa's Nice List.

Santa has also been an early adopter of other communication and transportation technologies, including telephones, typewriters, airships, biplanes, and other kinds of airplanes.

The Man with the Iron Mask—Walking Round the World

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Fri, 05 Oct 2018 17:54:04 +0000

Alan Mays has posted:

A postcard addressed to W. F. Esling, 26 The Grange, Beccles, and postmarked Colchester, July 16, 1908.

Has this gentleman arrived your way yet?

Handwritten message on the other side: "Dear Fred, Has this gentleman arrived your way yet? He was in Col. a day or two ago. I don't think he will manage it, do you? Thanks for nice P.C. I don't know where we are going at L-- yet but will let you have address, that is, if you like. I am looking forward to going. Yrs., Edith. Going to Ipo. on Thurs. to have photo taken."

So who was this gentleman that Edith wrote about, and why was he traveling around England in 1908? Furthermore, why was he wearing a helmet and pushing a baby carriage with a "Walking Round the World" sign?

After some searching, I found that the man's name was Harry Bensley, and he had to walk around the world to fulfill a bet that he lost. It required him to wear an iron mask (a helmet from a suit of armor) to conceal his identity, and he also had to push a perambulator (baby carriage) throughout his travels. He called himself "The Man with the Iron Mask" (inspired by the seventeenth-century Man in the Iron Mask), and the only way he could support himself during his journey was by selling postcards and pamphlets (see my gallery showing some of his other postcards that appear on Flickr).

I don't think he will manage it, do you?

In her message on the postcard, Edith expressed doubt that the gentleman would manage to complete his walk, and her suspicions were well founded. Newspaper accounts provide documentation that Bensley did travel through part of England in 1908 (see Tim Kirby's Research for an impressive Google Map that traces his route). Some sources claim that he continued walking through other countries for the next six years, stopping only when World War I began in 1914 (see the Official Story), but there doesn't seem to be corroborating evidence for this. In any case, it's clear that he did not "walk round the world" to meet the terms of his bet.

All bets are off!

In fact, it turns out that there wasn't even a bet! Bensley made the whole thing up! See, for example, Harry Bensley - Man in the Iron Mask: Hoax, a posting on the Big Retort blog. It reproduces an article, "The Great Masked Man Hoax: The True Story of an Astounding Fraud," which appeared in Answers magazine, December 19, 1908. The article is written in the first person but doesn't identify the Masked Man as Harry Bensley.

If Bentley was the Masked Man in the article and if we can believe this story, then we learn that Bentley concocted his scheme in 1907 while he was in prison. He set off on his journey on January 1, 1908, and immediately received newspaper publicity about his walk and the alleged bet. His main motivation, as far as I can figure, was to earn money from the sale of his postcards and pamphlets. He kept up the ruse for ten months, claiming that he traveled 2,400 miles while pushing a heavy perambulator and wearing an uncomfortable helmet the entire time.

For additional details about the whole strange affair, see Iron Mask: The Story of Harry Bensley's "Walking Round the World" Hoax (Bear Alley Books, 2018), a brief, unpaginated book by Steve Holland.

Other walking wagers?

While looking for information about Harry Bensley, I came across EastMarple1's Flickr photo of John Clark of Douglas, Isle of Man alias "Marcello The Walking King," 1905, who "alleged that he was walking around the world in 1905 for a wager of £1,000." That makes me wonder whether there were other travelers besides Bensley and Clark who said they were walking for similar reasons, real or imagined.

Greetings from the Grange Encampment and Fair, Centre Hall, Pennsylvania

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Mon, 27 Aug 2018 14:16:44 +0000

Alan Mays has posted:

Postcard addressed on the other side to: "Prof. H. C. Klinger, Liverpool, Pa., R.F.D. #1."

Partial transcription of the message (no year and no postmark): "Sept. 17th, 9 a.m. At Grange Park C. H. in remembrance of the hunting . . . J. J. Jordan."

The Centre County Grange Encampment and Fair--usually just called the "Grange Fair"--has been held annually in Centre Hall, Pennsylvania, since 1874.

For another postcard with the same ears-of-corn border, see Memorial Day.

Putnam Fadeless Dyes and Tints Advertising Fan (Back)

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 05:20:02 +0000

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Partial transcription of the text on the back of the Putnam Fadeless Dyes and Tints Advertising Fan:

Putnam Fadeless Dyes, Tints

To dye, use boiling water. To tint, dip in warm water. Colors all materials.

Putnam No-Kolor Bleach removes the original color, which enables you to dye material any color desired. No-Kolor will not harm any fabric that boiling water alone will not injure.

Why Putnam Fadeless Dyes and Tints are best for you....

Tint with Putnam (no boiling is required)....

A free offer if you have gray hair....

Putnam Dry-Cleaner. The original dry cleaner.... Monroe Chemical Company, Quincy, Illinois.

The Regensteiner Corporation, Chicago.

Compliments of Geo. F. Hoy, Hublersburg, Pa.

Putnam Fadeless Dyes and Tints Advertising Fan

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 05:20:04 +0000

Alan Mays has posted:

"Putnam Fadeless Dyes-Tints."

A late 1920s paper advertising fan with a wooden handle. The elaborate Art Nouveau design of the fan features a green nymph in flowing robes who's using Putnam Fadeless Dyes and Tints to paint colors onto the wings of a quizzical-looking butterfly. Two other leafy green creatures kneel on either side as they hold bowls of Putnam products. Purple gnarly tree trunks and branches along with green leaves frame the fantastical scene.

See also the advertising copy on the back of the fan.

May Your Family Fireside Radiate a Happy Christmas

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 04:25:02 +0000

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"May your family fireside radiate and reflect the warmth and glow of a happy Christmas. Long & Company, one-half square east of R.R. sta. Phone 19. Lititz, Pennsylvania. Famous Reading Anthracite."

Hershey Chocolate Company—Best Wishes for a Merry Christmas

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 03:03:54 +0000

Alan Mays has posted:

A small holiday greeting card possibly used as an insert in candy boxes.

Wool Mattress, E. H. Coolidge and Company, Boston, Mass.

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Mon, 04 Dec 2017 04:24:20 +0000

Alan Mays has posted:

"E. H. Coolidge & Co., proprietors. Office, 21 Blackstone St., Boston, Mass. Wool Mattress Company, So. Framingham, Mass."

A Victorian-era advertising trade card dating to the 1870s.

A Happy Thanksgiving with Ice Cream

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Thu, 23 Nov 2017 02:32:56 +0000

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This Thanksgiving greeting card with an Art Deco-y design from the 1920s is also an advertisement for the Carry Ice Cream Company, which manufactured Carry's Frozen Pudding Ice Cream and other treats in Washington, D.C.

A Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is such a happy time. Guests arrive—the joyful greetings—jest and laughter—the Thanksgiving dinner. When all are lingering over the bountiful repast, surprise them with Carry's Frozen Pudding Ice Cream. It's so delicious and adds the delightful finishing touch every hostess desires.

Purest cream, nuts, fruits, and flavors are mingled to produce a characteristic Carry confection. Just the thing for luncheons, late suppers, and other social affairs. At all Carry dealers—or phone Lincoln 5900. Please place your orders early for prompt service.

Ned Day, Famous Bowling Champion

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Mon, 25 Sep 2017 06:16:51 +0000

Alan Mays has posted:

One in a series of sports trading cards printed on the back of Wheaties cereal boxes in 1952.

For another Wheaties card, see Gretchen Fraser, Sun Valley Skiing Champion.

Bell Shares Certificate, Third Moravian Church Sunday School, Harrowgate, Philadelphia, Pa., ca. 1870s

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Tue, 27 Jun 2017 15:55:05 +0000

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The Sunday school of the Third Moravian Church of Philadelphia used share certificates like this to raise funds for the purchase of a church bell. The sale of all 2,500 shares at 10 cents each would have raised $250, and perhaps that would have covered the cost of a bell in the 1870s, which is when these certificates were issued.

For another nineteenth-century fundraising strategy that involved buying bricks rather than shares, see The Owner of This Card Has Purchased One Brick in the People's Church, Boston, Mass., ca. 1880 (below).

Third Moravian Church Sunday School, Harrowgate, Philadelphia.

2,500 shares. 10 cents each.

This is to certify that John Diehne is entitled to one shares in the bell of the Third Moravian Church at Harrogate, Philadelphia.

Chas. Thieley, president.

J. Lietz, secretary,

Senseman & Son, Printers, 416 Callowhill Street, Philadelphia.

The Wertz Ice Cream Man Is Coming Your Way

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Thu, 08 Jun 2017 21:07:44 +0000

Alan Mays has posted:

I haven't been able to figure out exactly where the Wertz ice cream man is from, but I'm listening for his bell upon my street because I've heard his truck is really neat (with apologies to Jonathan Richman).

Attention

The ice cream man is coming your way with Wertz' delicious home-made ice cream delivered to your door for your convenience.

Listen for the bell starting May 3, 1949.

Future orders taken for brick, cut brick, & molds.

½ Gal. $1.05. Qts. 60c. Pts.30c.

Quick-Way Truck Shovel Company Playing Card

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Wed, 10 May 2017 17:53:55 +0000

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"'Quick-Way' Truck Shovel Co., Denver, Colo."

The back of an advertising playing card for a company that evidently came up with a "Quick-Way" of mounting a crane and shovel on a truck.

Whip and Fan Flirtations

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Mon, 25 Jul 2016 22:21:12 +0000

Alan Mays has posted:

Flirtation lists like the ones printed on this card also circulated in books, newspapers, and other media in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. These lists suggested that common objects like buggy whips and handheld fans could be used by men and women to secretly signal their romantic intentions, but the coded gestures really seem too complicated for easy communication. Flowers, handkerchiefs, gloves, parasols, hats, cigars, and pencils were other items allegedly employed for covert courting.

For more on flirtation cards and acquaintance cards, see "When 'Flirtation Cards' Were All The Rage," an article by Linton Weeks on the NPR History Dept. blog.

See The Ghost Card, or the Skeleton on the Wall (below) for the other side of this card.

Whip Flirtation

Holding stock in left hand and lash in right—Desirous of an acquaintance.
Holding the same, and placing center against the waist—I am sorry.
Holding in left hand by center—Will you bathe with me?
Lash in right hand, stock down—I love you.
Same in left hand—I hate you.
Taking in both hands by center—I love another.
In center, hands crossed—We are watched.
Right hand in center, left on lash—Yes.
Left hand in center, right on lash—No.
Butt against right eye—I am engaged.
Against the left eye—I am married.
Holding it with the left hand against the right shoulder—Follow me.
In right hand against left shoulder—Wait for me.
End in each hand, center bent down—You are cruel.
Same, with center up—You are too willing.
Winding lash around forefinger—Repeat your last signal.

Fan Flirtation

Carrying in right hand in front of face—Follow me.
Carrying in left hand in front of face—I wish to be acquainted.
Placing on right ear—You have changed.
Twirling in left hand—I wish to get rid of you.
Drawing across the forehead—We are watched.
Carrying in right hand—You are too willing.
Twirling in right hand—I love another.
Closing—I wish to speak to you.
Drawing across eyes—I am sorry.
Resting on right cheek—Yes.
Resting on left cheek—No.
Open and shut—You are cruel.
Dropping—We will be friends.
Fanning slowly—I am married.
Fanning quickly—I am engaged.
Handle to lips—kiss me.
Shut—you have changed.
Open wide—Wait for me.
Drawing through hand—I hate you.
Drawing across cheek—I love you.

Monkees Cereal Box Record No. 1

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Mon, 02 May 2016 23:06:20 +0000

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"Monkees. Colgems, full fidelity, 33⅓ rpm. 1. The Monkees (Theme), 2. Teardrop City, 3. Papa Gene's Blues, 4. (The) Day We Fell in Love. This is record no. 1."

A Monkees cardboard picture disc, circa 1970 or 1971, that someone unevenly cut out from the back of a box of Post's now-defunct Frosted Rice Krinkles cereal. Notice that Mike Nesmith's head is missing--he had already departed the group by the time this appeared.

As I was searching for information about this disc, I learned that Rhino recently re-released--on cardboard, nonetheless!--some of the Monkees songs that originally appeared on cereal boxes. And I was also surprised to discover that a brand new Monkees album is due out at the end of this month (on May 27).

For another cardboard picture disc, see Christmas Carols as Sung by Your L&M T.V. Quartet:

Astro Bow—Get in Orbit and Go Go Go!

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Wed, 10 May 2017 18:01:04 +0000

Alan Mays has posted:

"Astro Bow. Get in orbit. Go-go-go. 39¢. Buser Century, Inc."

A black velvet hair bow shaped like a space capsule!

"Get in Orbit" and "Go Go Go" with "Astro Bow" is what the printed card is telling us. What Space Age gal could resist something like this?