Victorian Trade Card – Burdett Sues Estey Organ For $3.46 Million

Ever get the feeling that battling the corporate giants was an uphill battle?  Riley Burdett found that out the hard way.  The pictured Victorian trade card is advertising for an organ company in which Riley was partners with Jacob Estey.  In 1871, Riley sued Jacob over an alleged patent infringement involving a reed board.

Victorian trade card advertising for Estey Organ Co.

Illness, Death, and Delay

It took 5 years after bringing suit, to hear the case.  However, due to the illness of one judge, and the death of two others, the case had still not been decided two years later.  During this time, Estey Organ Co. was allowed to benefit from a patent Riley felt was rightfully his.  How frustrating for Riley.   Two new judges then heard the case.  It took them just 5 months to make a decision. 

The Decision

The judge found in favor of Riley.  Ex-Governor Stewart of Vermont was appointed to take an accounting of profits due Riley.  Stewart took 5 months to find Jacob of Estey Organ Co. owed Riley $161,000.  This is approximately $3.46 million in today’s dollars.

No Decision Is Final

Of course Jacob appealed.  He put up a required bond of $200,000.  What?  Jacob put up money in an amount exceeding the awarded damages?  What if he ultimately lost the case?  Jacob Estey took a chance.

The chance paid off.  In November 1883, the United States Supreme Court ultimately decided in favor of Estey Organ Company.  Riley Burdett had fought then corporate giant, Estey Organ Company and lost.

Trivia:  If curious what yesterday’s dollar is worth today, see MeasuringWorth.com.

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Pocatello Postcard – It’s First Mayor Was A Draft Dodger

 

Oregon Short Line Depot in Pocatello, Idaho. Built in 1884 in the second empire style; expanded and improved in 1915. This postcard was published by the Gray News Co. of Salt Lake City.

Pocatello, an Idaho railroad town established in 1892, held its first election in 1893.  This town of over 3ooo elected a mayor with quite an eventful history, Edward Stein.  

A Revolutionary’s Bribe

Edward’s grandfather, Baron Von Stein, was thrown in prison for following reformer (or revolutionary) Carl Schurz.  Edward was educated at the Prussian University.  His republican tendencies led him to become interested in America.  In 1871, he boarded a steamer for New York – without a passport.  A passport would have led to German military service for Edward. 

The steamer’s officers were warned he didn’t have a passport, but demanded to see one anyway.  After a rather vocal search, Edward had no choice but to hand over the “packet” in his pocket.  It contained the money his father had given him to start out in America.  The bribe worked.

A Highwayman’s Good Deed

Edward made it to Chicago, where his limited funds finally failed.  This resulted in pawning the last of his belongings.  While wondering the streets of Chicago, a highwayman stuck a gun in his face ordering “hands up”.  After learning Edward was penniless, the highwayman bought him a meal.  He also told Edward where to find a job.  This was ironic coming from a highwayman.

So in 1893- a man with a titled past, who bribed a steamer officer to avoid German military service, and got robbed by a highwayman with a conscience was elected the first mayor of Pocatello, Idaho.

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Puzzle Trade Cards That Play Hide and Seek

Puzzle cards were a type of novelty victorian trade card used in late 19th century advertising to capture and keep a potential customer’s attention.  Puzzle cards differed from other novelty trade cards in that they required more effort and concentration by customers.  Below is an example of a puzzle card with hidden pictures.

Carters Backache Plasters Puzzle Trade Card: see if you can find an elephant, monkey, giraff, bear, dog, wild boar, 2 camels, wolf, 2 rats, face, lion, lioness, and tapir.

TIP:  Hidden Picture Trade Cards with color images are scarce.  Also look for hidden picture trade cards with unusual hidden objects like “nigger eating watermelon” or “fat man on roller skates”.

** You can find more victorian trade cards with great advertising and graphics in my store, Remember When Vintage Postcards.

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Christmas Postcard Message – You Better Be Good Or …

Vintage Christmas Postcard printed in Germany

“Hello cousin Martha,
How you getting along.  I am well.  Martha(,) Santa Claus is coming soon.  you better be good or he will take you along.  Best Regards from Tillie to all(.)  answer soon.  tell your Momma that she write me a letter ore (or) Postal Card.  I like my place awful good.
Tillie Salger, 2015 Walnut Street, Murphysloo, Ill”

Boy, this vintage postcard message missed its intended purpose by a mile.  I certainly wouldn’t be threatened by the possibility that Santa Claus would “take me along”.  I’d probably be bad on purpose.  Can you imagine riding in Santa Claus’ sleigh?  Or seeing his reindeer?

The other thing I noticed in this postcard message was Tillie used “Postal Card” rather than postcard.  Maybe that was the accepted name for this type ephemera back then.

** More great antique and vintage Christmas postcards available in my store, Remember When Vintage Postcards.

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2nd Annual Advent Calendar of Christmas Postcards

The Advent calendar is used to count down the days of Advent (the period of preparation for the celebration of the nativity of Jesus) in anticipation of Christmas.  Its use was a practice started by German Lutherans as early as the beginning of the 19^th century.

As a German Lutheran, I would like to continue this practice.  Starting December 1st I will be activating a link each day, thru December 25th, on the below advent calendar of Santa Claus.  When you click on the link, you will be taken to an antique or vintage Christmas postcard I have listed in my store, Remember When Vintage Postcards.  Purchase is nice, but not required.  I only ask that you enjoy each Christmas postcard as it is revealed.  (intro courtesy of my ‘2009 advent calendar blog post)

Dec. 01

Dec. 02

Dec. 03	Dec. 04
Dec. 05	Dec. 06	Dec. 07
	Dec. 08	Dec. 09
		Dec. 10	Dec. 11	Dec. 12
		Dec. 13	Dec. 14	Dec. 15
		Dec. 16	Dec. 17	Dec. 18

OOOOOO	OOOOO	OOOOO	OOOOO	OOOOOO
OOOOOO	OOOOO	OOOOO	OOOOO	OOOOOO

	XXXXXXX	Dec. 19		Dec. 20	XXXXXXX
	XXXXXXX		Dec. 21		XXXXXXX
	XXXXXXX	Dec. 22	Dec. 23	Dec. 24	XXXXXXX
	XXXXXXX	XXXXXXX	Dec. 25	XXXXXXX	XXXXXXX
		XXXXXXX	XXXXXXX	XXXXXXX
		XXXXXXX	XXXXXXX	XXXXXXX
			XXXXXXX

Merry Christmas (and Happy Holidays) from Remember When Vintage Postcards!

If you want to return to this Advent Calendar to reveal the antique or vintage postcards behind the remaining days counting down to Christmas, please bookmark this blog post.

** Be sure to stop by the blog, The Best Hearts Are Crunchy, to view the many postcards shared on Postcard Friendship Friday.

I also wouldn’t mind your sharing this blog post with friends and family; especially those interested in antiques and collectibles (hint).  If you repost/mention it on your blog or other social bookmarking platform, please remember to give me credit as all images/text are copyrighted.

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I Suppose You Are Angry Postcard Message

1912 SXPC Real Photo Postcard of Victorian House

“Hello –

I suppose you are angry.  I will explain as soon as I am able to write a letter; have been sick.  This is one of the pictures I took and promised you.  will have to stay in town for  a few months.  will let you know when I return.  there is no place like the Old Home.  does it suit you.

Lucile”

I wonder why Lucile believes W. E. Conner (recipient) might be angry.  It is mysteries like this that make reading old postcard messages enjoyable.  Lucile says she will explain as soon as she can write.  Obviously she can write, or else someone else wrote the message.

I like real photo postcards of Victorian homes for architectural reasons.  The design of the window caps, corner trim, and color choices on this home make what could have been a plain home stand out.  I noticed the front steps look to be carpeted.  I wonder if this was normal.  It is certainly the first time I have seen it.  There is also the possibility this house didn’t have indoor plumbing in 1912 (notice outhouse to left under the trees).  Postcards like this help in the restoration of Victorian homes.

** You can find more real photo postcards for sale in our store, Remember When Vintage Postcards.

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Vintage Postcard of Turkey’s Happy Thanksgiving

Vintage Thanksgiving Postcard, Turkey Looks Over Farm (series 1)

In this vintage postcard, a turkey is looking over a farm from afar; most likely thankful he isn’t on the menu.  This year, I’m thankful I have a job that pays the bills and a roof over my family’s head.  Let those of us who have, help those who have not in the coming year.

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving from Remember When Vintage Postcards.

** Be sure to stop by the blog, The Best Hearts Are Crunchy, to view the many postcards shared on Postcard Friendship Friday.

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Trade Card Resource – Factory Survey of Atmore & Sons

Atmore's Mince Meat Victorian Trade Card showing Santa Claus (1 of 8 in set printed by Ketterlinus)

It is always tough for me to find info on the companies behind various Victorian trade cards.  I thought I’d pass along a resource/place to look when researching trade cards in your collection.

I found info on Atmore & Sons in an 1879 general survey of factories and mills in Philadelphia, PA.  It had detailed info on the factory building, plus where various business functions occured (canning on west side of factory in shed also used for wagons, main building – dried fruit storage in basement, fruit sorting on third floor, apple paring on second floor, etc).

I also found out this factory was not their first as it was erected in 1878 and the business was established in 1842.  So, where were they previously?  For now that will remain a mystery.

Anotherwards, look in old building survey records for info on companies and how, when, and where they operated.

** More great Victorian trade cards to research (and buy) available in my store, Remember When Vintage Postcards.

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Warm and Snug Photo Postcard

AZO Real Photo Postcard, Lady in Winter Coat

I have noticed an increased interest in blog posts relating to woman’s vintage fashions.  The above fashion related real photo postcard was another find from the same collection as the postcard for the Camp Logan blog post.  The lady is wearing a thick and heavy coat.  The high buttoned collar looks snug, which should help in winter.  The fur muff is bigger than others I have seen.  I wonder if a bigger muff was unusual?

Found another real photo postcard of two ladies wearing uniquely styled large hats and warm winter coats:

1904 - 1918 real photo postcard of ladies wearing large hats

** You can find the above real photo postcards and others  for sale in our store, Remember When Vintage Postcards.

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Real Photo Postcard Of Notorious Camp Logan

Feb 1918 real photo postcard (AZO 4 triangles up) of soldiers at army Camp Logan in Houston, TX

I just bought a collection of real photo postcards that has me going, “Wow”; talk about a piece of social history.  In this collection were three real photo postcards of soldiers at Camp Logan.  This World War 1 army training camp in Houston, TX gained notoriety in August 1917 for a race related riot, and again the following year for the first widespread local outbreak of the Spanish Flu.

I kept thinking, while reading an article about Camp Logan on Wikipedia, why wasn’t this taught to us in American history class?  Yes, it was one of the saddest chapters in the history of American race relations.  If we are to learn from what happened during the Houston Riot of 1917 we need to be told about it.  History was not meant be swept under the rug.  This is why postcards are so important.

As for the soldiers in the real photo postcard above…  Hopefully they weren’t amongst  the 48 soldiers from Camp Logan that died during the Spanish Flu outbreak of 1918.

** Be sure to stop by the blog, The Best Hearts Are Crunchy, to view the many postcards shared on Postcard Friendship Friday.

** You can find the above real photo postcard and others  for sale in our store, Remember When Vintage Postcards.

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