Figure 1.-- The illustrations used in 19th century advertising was mostly illusdtrated with basic line drawings. Advances in lithography revolutionized advertizing in the 1900s. Halftones could now be reproduced. Photographs could now be printed at reasonable cost and without preparing an engraving. This also meant that much more elaborate drawings and oher art work could be incorporated into advertisements. This Hiire Rootbeer ad appeared in the "Ladies Home Journal" (July 1901). Note that although the ad shows the boy holding a commercial bottle with Hires Rootbeer on the label, the ad is pushing "a package" (presumably powder or concentrate) that will make five gallons of rootbeer by adding water.

The illustrations used in 19th century advertising was mostly illusdtrated with basic line drawings. Advances in lithography revolutionized advertizing in the 1900s. Halftones could now be reproduced. Photographs could now be printed at reasonable cost and without preparing an engraving. This also meant that much more elaborate drawings and oher art work could be incorporated into advertisements. We see wonderfully illustrated advertisemets in the better magazines. And even in newspapers the quality of illustrations was dramativally improved. As lithographic technology was still being developed, there were substsantial variations in different publications. Interestingly, some of the brands we see advertized still are popular today. The improvemnents in the quality of the illustrations is helpful for HBC as the clothing is illustrated in much greater detail.

Hires Root Beer (1901: United States)

This is an interesting ad for Hires Rootbeer that appeared prominently in the Ladies Home Journal for July, 1901, on page 1 of the magazine. Hires rootbeer was made in Malvern, Pennsylvania, but was one of the most popular soda pop drinks at the turn of the century and was loved by children all over the country. It had then the same kind of prominence in advertising that Coca Cola has today. This advertisement is intersting because it shows a boy and a girl of 1901 sitting on a bench and enjoying the beverage. What is notable of course is how dressed up the children are by today's standards.

Shredded Wheat (1902: United States)

Here we see an advertisement for shreded wheat. Presumably it is a Nabisco ad, but we are not positive about that. We do not know in what magazine it appeared, but we do know it appeared in 1902. We are not sure what the boy is wearing, but we think it may be an underwaist. The idea may be that it is the morning before breakfast and he is not yet fully dressed. Mother seems to be explaining the nutritional value of shredded wheat.

Uneeda Biscuits and Zu Zu Ginger Snaps (1902: United States)

This is a 1902 magazine advertisement for Uneeda Biscuits and Zu Zu Ginger Snaps. We are not entirely sure about the company. The trademark is Inner Seal which apparently was based on the novel idea of packaging crackers and cookies in some kind of protective sealed wrapping for frashness. Note that the term 'biscuit' here is used instead of cookie. The British for years cintinued to use 'biscuit', but cookie is now well established in British English. The trade mark symbol suggests that this was an early adverisement for now what is the Nabisco Corporation. Nabisco of course meant the National Biscuit Coeporation. To get over the idea of protective wrapping, the company chose a boy are wrapped up in a heavy raint coat and rubber boots. A reader tells us, The boy is pictured in a, "oil skin outfit (note the high sheen)".

H & R Single Gun (1903: United States)

This ad for the H & R single gun (Youth's Companion, March 5, 1903, p. 178). The issue of boys getting their first gun was a important one for many American families. A reader reports, "I recall this was a big deal when I was a teenager, and I suspect it was also in 1903 when this ad appeared. Boys getting their first rifles was and continues to be something of a rite of passage. It seems to be pecurliarly American. I'm not aware that in Europe, the possession of a gun by a teenager is such an important matter, although perhaps our European readers will enlighten us on this topic."

Mellin's Food (1903: United States)

A variety of companies began to offer formula for mothers as an alternative to breast feeding. We are not sure when this began, but we note advertisements in the 1860s. One of these compnies was Mellin's Food. leading brand of infant milk formula. . We first notice Mellin ads in the 1880s and see them into the 1920s. Mellin's food jars have become collector items. Here we note a Mellin magazine ad, altyhough we do not know the name of the magazine in which it appeared. It shows a photograph of Julius Rose as an example of a baby raised on Mellin's Food. He is described as a "sturdy, happy, and healthy boy". Julius has long ringlet curls and is dressed in a tunic suit. It looks to be a corduroy tunic, but we are not positive.

Old Dutch Clenser (1908?: United States)

This family clearly liked to have a good time. Here Phyllis was playing in the yard of their home in an undated photograph. She is presumably wearing a dress, but all you can see is the Peter Pan collar. Her hair is sone in bangs. She looks to be about 9 years old which would mean that this photohraph would have been taken about 1908. She has found an large poster advertisment for Old Dutch Clanser which she has fashioned into a can. It look like her father surprised her with the camera.

Created: 7:31 PM 9/26/2009
Last updated: 5:25 PM 8/3/2011