Document Archives Record
Metadata
Title |
Lilla M. Rowe Trade Cards Scrapbook |
Object type |
Scrapbook |
Catalog Number |
SB 193 |
Creator |
Lilla M. Rowe |
Date |
1885 |
Year Range from |
1885 |
Scope & Content |
This scrapbook reflects a popular hobby of the late 19th century to collect decorative postcards, trade cards and calling cards. Trade cards were distributed to advertise businesses and used by merchants and traders to give to their customers. Visiting cards, also known as calling cards, were small, personalized cards that were carried by individuals to present themselves to others. Calling cards were about the size of a modern-day business card, featured the name of the owner, and sometimes an address. Calling cards were left at homes, sent to individuals, or exchanged in person for various social purposes. The colorful collection of trade cards in this scrapbook come from a wide variety of San Diego businesses: confectioners (including the San Diego Candy Factory), clothing, shoe and hat stores, apothecaries, hairdressers, school supplies, tea and tobacco manufacturers, and holiday cards. The extensive collection of personal calling cards includes that of Lilla M. Rowe which is glued to the inside front cover of the scrapbook. The scrapbook is accompanied by a 3-page, double-sided, penciled and numbered list of contents. The list itself is undated. The scrapbook was part of a larger 1989 donation of objects from Mrs. Phil Franklin. |
Quantity |
.25 linear feet |
Language |
English |