Subject: Americana

1.

This trade card advertises the 'Grand Opening' of P. A. Stern's P. O. Clothing House in Marshalltown, Iowa, circa 1885. The verso promotes an 'Immense Stock of FALL AND WINTER CLOTHING, For Men, Youths and Boys,' noting that the stock is 'twice as large as any in town' and encourages people to examine their stock. It also states the store is located 'under Tremont Hotel.' The recto features a color illustration (predominantly red) of a young boy playfully climbing over a fence towards a girl holding a cut sunflower. The text on the recto reads 'COMPLIMENTS OF P. A. STERN, P. O. Clothing House, MARSHALLTOWN, IOWA.' The card uses a mix of ornate script and bold typefaces typical of late 19th-century advertising. 3.

This is a trade card for The American Varnish Co., located in Chicago, IL. The front of the card features an elaborate design centered around an American eagle holding a shield with stars and stripes, clutching arrows and an olive branch, with banners displaying the company name, "The American Varnish Co." Above the eagle, the names and titles of Adolph Cohn (Pres't) and Albert Rabe Jr. (Sec'y & Treas.) are printed in ornate Victorian-style lettering. The company's main office and works address is provided as 309, 311, 313 & 315 North Branch St., Chicago. Additionally, the name "Jos. J. Schnadig" and an address "79 Dearborn St." are handwritten in purple ink. The reverse side of the card (second image) features a detailed lithographic illustration of the American Varnish Co. factory complex, depicting multiple buildings with smoking smokestacks, industrial activity including a train and horse-drawn wagons, and a busy waterfront scene with ships. This illustration is framed by decorative, ornate borders typical of the period.