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.

Interior Views of the John C. Kinney Home

Around 1884, prominent Sandusky photographer C.W. Platt took two photographs of a bay window at the home of John C. and Amelia (Clara) Kinney’s home at 710 Wayne Street in Sandusky. The Kinney home represented the decorating style of the Victorian era, which was noted for a great deal of ornamentation in the interior rooms of homes. An article in the January-February 2005 issue of the Old House Journal entitled “Bringing the Outdoors In,” stated that Victorians felt that bringing elements of nature indoors was important for health and emotional well-being. Indoor potted plants and climbing vines were very popular in the nineteenth century. Another view of the Kinney home shows a birdcage and family portraits. Even the pattern of the floor is ornate.

From 1866 until 1879, John C. Kinney was associated with the publishing of the Sandusky Journal newspaper. After his health began to fail, he took a position as a court stenographer. On February 1, 1888, John C. Kinney died at the age of 58. His funeral took place at his home at 710 Wayne Street. Burial was at Sandusky’s Oakland Cemetery.

Victorian Trade Cards from Graham Drug Store

Reaching a peak of popularity in the late nineteenth century, Trade Cards were used to advertise products and services. Often the cards were distributed by the manufacturer, and the name of the local merchant selling their product was stamped on the card.
A trade card advertising Dr. D. Jayne’s Expectorant and Vermifuge features a little girl and a dog, with the message on the back assuring customers that the remedies of Dr. D. Jayne were safe to use.
The card which pictures two hunters let area residents know that W. A. Graham was happy to supply medicines to both English and German speaking customers.
Lydia E. Pinkham’s Vegetable Compound was one of the best selling patent medicines in American history. Graham Drug Store carried this popular remedy.The Graham family operated a drug store in Sandusky from 1845 until 1926. An article in the Sandusky Register of March 15, 1915 reported that W. A. Graham “was one of the best known and best prepared druggists in this part of the state.” W. A. Graham had taken over his father’s drugstore in Sandusky. The Graham Drug Store building is featured in the newly published Downtown Architectural Walking Tour of Sandusky, Ohio, which lists 1868 as the date the building was constructed. (Daly’s Pub now occupies the building at 102 Columbus Avenue.)

To learn more about Victorian Trade Cards, here are three excellent online exhibits:

Victorian Trade Card Exhibit, from Miami University Libraries

The 19th Century American Trade Card, from Harvard’s Baker Library

Emergence of Advertising in America, 1850-1920, from Duke University’s Digital Collections