Album Cars and Trucks in Printed Ephemera from Alan Mays

A Thanksgiving Greeting from the United States Capitol

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Sun, 15 Nov 2020 22:58:02 +0000

A couple of turkeys arrive at (or depart from?) the United States Capitol Building, Washington, D.C., in this illustration from a Thanksgiving postcard dated 1910.

The postcard is addressed on the other side to "Mrs. Geo Hamlin, 9 Dean[e] St., Portland, Me.," and postmarked in New York City on November 23, 1910.

Handwritten message: "Rena & Geo out for a ride. Best love to both of you & hope you have a happy Thanksgiving. Kitty."

Rena (1882-1974) and George Hamlin (1882-1958) were both twenty-eight years old and had been married for about three years when they received this postcard. It's possible that Kitty, the sender of the card, was Catherine Lewis, Rena's mother.

For some other turkey motorists, see Thanksgiving Day Fugitives and A Wingless Steed Will Take the Winner to a Fine Thanksgiving Dinner.

Off to Europe in 1911—Are You Coming with Us?

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Mon, 03 Feb 2020 04:07:02 +0000

Alan Mays has posted:

An advertising postcard addressed on the other side to Mr. Wm. P. Breen, Fort Wayne, Ind., and postmarked New Haven, Conn., June 8, 1911.

Off to Europe

Visiting Ireland, England, Scotland, Belgium, France, Germany Switzerland.

Are you coming with us? We must know soon.

Party sails from New York, July 8. 'Phone, wire, or write for reservations. A few choice berths left.

Columbus Travel Society, New York office, 2075 Metropolitan Building. Gramercy 3438.

Prof. J. C. Monaghan, pres. Mrs. B. Ellen Burke, sec'y. D. P. Toomey, treas.

New Year Mushrooms and Snails—Viel Glück im Neuen Jahr

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Thu, 02 Jan 2020 04:46:06 +0000

Alan Mays has posted:

"Viel Glück im neuen Jahre."

"Good luck in the New Year" is the message on this early twentieth-century German postcard featuring a snail chauffeur with two mushroom passengers.

Thanksgiving Day Escapees

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Mon, 18 Nov 2019 05:12:02 +0000

Alan Mays has posted:

"Thanksgiving Greetings."

In this illustration from an early twentieth-century postcard, two turkeys are making their escape in an automobile to avoid being the main attraction at a Thanksgiving Day meal.

The postcard is addressed on the other side to Miss Elsie Thornton, Main Street, Fox Chase, Pa., and was postmarked in West Philadelphia, Pa., in November (day and year smudged and unreadable). Handwritten message: "With love, Dot and Lee."

Printed on the back: "A.S.B. 290. Made in Germany."

See also Thanksgiving Day Fugitives and A Wingless Steed Will Take the Winner to a Fine Thanksgiving Dinner.

If He Gets No Puncture—Kreider Shoe Manufacturing Company, Elizabethtown, Pa.

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Tue, 09 Oct 2018 04:23:05 +0000

Alan Mays has posted:

A humorous "advance card" for the A. S. Kreider Shoe Manufacturing Company in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania. Salesmen from the company sent postcards like this in advance of their trips to let store owners know when they planned to visit.

The salesman depicted here is wearing his motoring clothes—goggles, cap, and coat—as he steers his shoe-shaped automobile through the dusty streets. His "A. S. K. Shoe Co." case of sample shoes is safely stowed on the running board.

The Kreider Shoe Manufacturing Company is no longer in business. Its former factory buildings in Middletown (below) and Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, now contain apartments.

For other salesmen postcards, see my album of Advance Cards.

If He Gets No Puncture

Our Mr. ________ will be at your store on or about ________.

The Kreider Shoe Mfg, Co., Elizabethtown, Pa.

Boys', youths', and little gents' McKay sewed and Goodyear welts.

A. S. K. Shoe Co.

There Are Some Freak Fish Around Here!

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Fri, 13 Jul 2018 18:37:22 +0000

Alan Mays has posted:

"There are some fish around here. Greetings from Beach Haven Terrace, N.J."

Printed on the back: "Series 925, Freak Fish, 12 designs."

See also There Are Some Fish Around Here.

Rosey's Auto Graveyard, Lincoln Highway, Vintage, Pennsylvania, 1919

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Mon, 09 Jul 2018 04:42:02 +0000

Alan Mays has posted:

"Rosey's Auto Graveyard on Lincoln Highway at Vintage, Pa. Between Philadelphia and Lancaster, Pa."

The Lancaster County Postcard Club's book, Lancaster County Postcards: Windows to Our Past (Stevens, Pa., 1998), p. 94, gives a date of 1919 for this postcard.

Printed on the other side of the postcard:

Rosey

Buying and selling running and not running automobiles. Paying highest cash prices. Dealer in all kinds of supplies.

On the Lincoln Highway. Vintage, Lanc. Co., Pa. Ind. Phone, Gap 420-G. Bell Phone, Gap 422.

Published by I. Steinfeldt, Lancaster, Pa. Made in U.S.A. C. T. American Art. A-80583.

Excerpts from a 1921 article about "Rosey" and "The Graveyard":

"Rosey," whose real name is Morris Roseman, is proprietor of "The Graveyard," a most interesting and profitable "outdoor showroom" for defunct automobiles and other motor vehicles.

Vintage is a small place twelve miles east of Lancaster, Pa., on the Lincoln Highway, which gives "The Graveyard" a strategical position: First, because of the tremendous motor vehicle traffic along the highway, and second, because Vintage is in Lancaster county, noted for its great number of automobile, truck, and farm tractor users and owners....

"Rosey" is a cheerful character, but while he is never tired of having colored post cards made of his famous "Graveyard," he does not consider his own portrait especially decorative and there aren't many pictures of him extant.

--from K. H. Lansing, "Being a 'Character' Has Money Value," American Garage and Auto Dealer, August 1921, pp. 13-14.

Rules of the Road, by the Farmers' Anti-Automobile Society

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Mon, 18 Jun 2018 04:52:02 +0000

Alan Mays has posted:

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."

Union Station, Bethlehem, Pa.

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Fri, 16 Feb 2018 06:21:05 +0000

Alan Mays has posted:

A linen postcard with colorful cars parked in front of Bethlehem Union Station, a railroad station in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

Richfield Autopia Driver's License, Disneyland, Anaheim, California, 1950s

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Fri, 06 Oct 2017 18:40:21 +0000

Alan Mays has posted:

A 1950s ticket and license for driving the cars at the Autopia ride, which was--and still is--located in the Tomorrowland area of Disneyland.

The Richfield Oil Corporation, which operated a chain of gas stations in the 1950s, sponsored the Autopia ride, so it's not surprising that the license also doubled as a membership card for the "Richfield Autopia Safe Driving Club." The main benefit of the club, as stated on the license, was "friendly, courteous service at more than 4,000 Richfield stations in the West," so it served as an advertisement as well.

For other versions of this ticket / driver's license / membership card / advertisement, see the Official Driver's License for Autopia posting on the Vintage Disneyland Tickets blog.

Richfield Autopia, Tomorrowland

These are the cars of the future at Disneyland.

This official Autopia Driver's License may be filled in and retained as a souvenir of your visit to Disneyland. It identifies you as an active member of the Richfield Autopia Safe Driving Club. It entitles you to friendly, courteous service at more than 4,000 Richfield stations in the West.

Richfield Autopia, Disneyland, Anaheim, California

Operator's License No. 711137

Full Name ________. Address ________. City - State ________.

Sex M - F ____. Height ____. Color of Eyes ____.
Color of Hair ____. Weight ____. Date of Birth ____..
Age ____. Occupation ____.

Right Thumb Print ________.

Your Signature ________.

Globe Ticket Safety.

Have Just Run Across Some Old Friends

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Fri, 29 Sep 2017 23:22:53 +0000

Alan Mays has posted:

"Have just run across some old friends."

A postcard addressed on the other side to Master Willie McClinton, Black Bank, Ont., and postmarked Toronto, Ont., March 6, 1911.

Handwritten message: "Sunday [March 5]. Dear Willie, Your mother was up to see us a few minutes today. You will have a great time keeping house. We are having a snow storm tonight. Robert's cat can play the piano. He walks back and forth over the keys. Goodbye for now. Your cousin, Dorothy."

Lesher's Diner, Routes 11 and 15, Liverpool, Pa.

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Tue, 02 Jul 2013 21:43:38 +0000

Alan Mays has posted:

Printed on the back of this linen postcard: "Lesher's Diner, Routes 11 & 15, 28 miles north of Harrisburg, 28 miles south of Sunbury, Liverpool, Penna. Breakfast, luncheon, dinner. Specializing in steaks, chops, sea-food. Home-made pastries baked in our kitchen, Have your car serviced at adjoining AMOCO Station while dining in our delightful diner. 24 hour service. Photography by James E. Hess. Pub. by Mellinger Studios, Lancaster, Penna."

Your Windshield Was Cleaned by Glass House Shell Service Center

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 18:24:47 +0000

Alan Mays has posted:

"Your windshield was cleaned by courtesy of Glass House Shell Servicecenter."

Best Buick Yet

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Thu, 09 Feb 2017 21:20:44 +0000

Alan Mays has posted:

Printed on the back of this postcard: "When better automobiles are built Buick will build them. Litho in U.S.A.--10-15-40."

For another Buick advertising postcard, see Buick Fireball Valve-in-Head Straight-Eight Engine (below).

This Is It! Restaurant and Cabins, Harrisburg, Pa.

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 02:49:12 +0000

Alan Mays has posted:

Sign: "This Is It! Restaurant. Cabins. Heated. Steaks, chops, chicken."

Printed on the back of this linen postcard: "This Is It! The Place to Dine. Our every desire is to please you--not only with food and service, but with our surroundings as well! If you like logs--knotty pine--a huge fireplace, and a cheery atmosphere THIS IS IT! Restaurant, service station, log cottages. Located 6 miles east of Harrisburg on Rt. 22. Telephone 56368. Mellinger Studios."

Ed Shudy's Rainbow Park, Drumore, Pennsylvania

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 02:56:18 +0000

Alan Mays has posted:

"Souvenir of Ed Shudy's Rainbow Park, Drumore, Pa. Ernest Tubb on stage. Roy Acuff on stage. View of park & stage. View of parking lot & park."

Printed on the back of this linen postcard: "Complete line of amusement and entertainment by nation's popular string and hillbilly bands. Concessions and novelties. Favorite fisherman's stop on the way to [the Chesapeake] Bay. Complete line of fishing tackle. Owned and operated by Ed Shudy. Address: Drumore, Pennsylvania, Lancaster County. Mellinger Studios, Lancaster, Penna."

Chicago and North-Western Railway Station, Des Moines, Iowa

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Mon, 19 Aug 2019 04:38:04 +0000

Alan Mays has posted:

This early postcard nicely captures the hustle and bustle of trains, cars, and wagons at a railroad station in Des Moines, Iowa, during the early twentieth century.

Building signs provide some additional details. Below the sign for the "Passenger Station, Chicago and North-Western Railway" is another one that indicates that the "American Express Co." was based there as well. Barely visible signs on the brick buildings on the other side of the railroad cars identify one as the factory for "Garr Scott & Co " which manufactured threshing machinery, and another--the tallest building in the distance--as the Grand Hotel.

Apples–How We Do Things at Fearnot, Pa.

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Wed, 16 Mar 2016 18:30:50 +0000

Alan Mays has posted:

"How We Do Things at Fearnot, Pa. Apples."

Postmarked Valley View, Pa., Oct. 11, 1912, and addressed to Clarence Wolfgang, Valley View, Pa.

Handwritten message: "Dear Friend, I wish you good luck for every day. I came home safe. Hoping to hear from you soon. Minnie."

A tall-tale postcard by Wisconsin photographer Alfred Stanley Johnson, Jr. For a similar postcard with an automobile and oversized eggs and potatoes, see The Modern Farmer:

Friendly Tavern, U.S. Routes 11 and 15, Newport, Pa.

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Sat, 03 Jun 2017 17:54:58 +0000

Alan Mays has posted:

"Friendly Tavern, Route 11-15, north of Harrisburg, Pa."

The Friendly Tavern was located in Perry County, Pennsylvania, along a stretch of highway where U.S. Route 11 combines with U.S. Route 15. The building that housed the taven is now part of an establishment called TJ's (see the Google Maps Street View from 2015).

A Wingless Steed Will Take the Winner to a Fine Thanksgiving Dinner

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 22:18:06 +0000

Alan Mays has posted:

"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?