Rhode Island Advertising Card Collection

Collection

Identifier: 002-03-04

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The collection contains various advertising cards largely produced by Rhode Island businesses. It is comprised of two scrapbooks and a large amount of loose advertising cards.

Dates

1865 - 1910

Creator

Providence Public Library (R.I.). Special Collections (Collector, Organization)

Conditions Governing Access

Materials are open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

PPL believes this collection is in the public domain. Users of this item are responsible for determining copyright restrictions.

Biographical / Historical

During the late 19th century and early 20th centuries, small cards were used as advertisements for businesses. The cards were cleverly and memorably illustrated, although the featured image often had little to do with the business, and was primarily designed to capture attention. They were widely distributed, given to consumers personally or mailed to homes. Often, they were collected by children. Many of the images are now considered to be racially insensitive or offensive.

Extent

1.4 Linear Feet (2 boxes )

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Arrangement

The Rhode Island Advertising Card Collection is organized into one series. The loose cards are organized alphabetically by business, with unaffiliated cards or cards from outside of Rhode Island contained in a separate miscellaneous folder. The scrapbooks have been kept intact.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Materials were found in collection.

Accruals

Accruals are expected.

Related Materials

003-04-02 Collection of Soapine trading cards; 003-04-03 Corset advertising collection; 080-04 Alphabett Advertising Cards for Blake's Great Piano Palace