Subject: Clowns

Trade card depicting a child dressed as a clown playing with colored balls. One ball is on the boy's head. The card includes the address 58 & 60 North 8th Street. The donor noted: "DON'T BUY AGAIN PEROBABLY NOT JEWISH." The card dates from circa 1885 and is from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

This trade card, one of two in the record, advertises Appel & Co., described as the "Largest Clothing House in the New West." The front of the card features a colorful illustration of a clown. The back of the card shows a depiction of the clothing establishment. The card measures 3 by 4 1/2 inches. [Jacob S. Appel was one of the founders of Congregation Emanuel in Denver.]

This trade card advertises Friedberger & Strouse, a Philadelphia-based business specializing in cloaks, suits, and wraps. The front of the card features a whimsical illustration of a clown, a common trope in advertising of the late 19th century, holding a fan and creating soap bubbles. The image is likely intended to attract attention and associate the business with fun and lightheartedness. Below the illustration, the text clearly states the business name and two addresses: 113 & 115 North Eight St. and 733 Arch Street, Philadelphia. The back of the card is blank.

This trade card advertises Lansburgh & Bro., a dry goods store located at 404 & 406 Seventh Street in Washington, D.C. The front of the card depicts a whimsical scene featuring a clown seemingly frightened by a black hand. The illustration is colorful and employs a cartoonish style. The back of the card is blank.