Victorian Era Trade Cards

Here are a some Victorian era trade cards, which were used to advertise products in the late nineteenth century. These cards were given out by businesses in downtown Sandusky.  Greetham & Son., dealers in groceries and provisions, recommended Merchant’s gargling oil liniment for sore throats, toothaches, and a variety of other ailments.

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F.R. Lange sold Hoyt’s German cologne in three different sizes, and Rubifoam, for the teeth, cost twenty five cents a bottle.

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This card from Graham and Gerlach Druggists stated that Hires Root Beer “always brings health.” It was thought that Hires Root Beer purified the blood. The back of the card states that Hires Root Beer “is the health and happiness of childhood, and the joy and comfort of old age.”

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J. Pape, a druggist at the corner of Market and Jackson Streets, sold genuine McLane’s liver pills, prepared by the Fleming Brothers of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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The Sandusky Library Archives Research Center is home to several archival boxes of primary resources related to businesses in Sandusky and Erie County. Because of the generosity of the individuals who donated these items, we can have a glance in to the daily lives of the former residents of our community.