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page 1 -- Welcome!

updated 21 January 2019
blond girl rests on left arm with kitten drinking from milk bowl in foreground; banner at top reads "Our Picture Book"
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Welcome to
 the Earl J. Arnold
Advertising Card Collection!

Site Navigation:

Under the opening view of each scrapbook page,  <PREVIOUS PAGE  ~ index ~  NEXT PAGE>  will appear. Page numbers, as well as other terms can be entered into the "Search Arnold Collections" box to your right. You are encouraged to use the index ~, which is always "nearing completion." Page by page listings appear in the Table of Contents. The posts by month (in order) appear as part of the "Blog Archive" to your right. Also to your right are "labels" which are being populated as the original posts are revised.

Introduction:

As originally compiled, this Collection presents a glimpse of the late 19th century through the lens of an early 21st century observer. At its core is the original trade card scrapbook as prepared by a 19th century Civil War widow to occupy her children. The pages and cards are presented in the order they were originally prepared in 1885 by Emma Jane (Bailey) Arnold.

Visit the  index ~ for further details about the Collection, including the original index as prepared by Earl J. Arnold in the late 1950's.

Although following a book-like format and providing typical book navigational aids, the blog author anticipates that you will enter and leave as your interests dictate rather than reading from the "beginning" all the way through to page 194. Each post tells a unique story on its own. The complete work, however, should be of interest to those who are attempting to understand American society in the late 19th century as well as those sturdy souls who are trying to make some sense of contemporary America.

Scholars in American history, marketing, women's studies, fashion, sociology and many other fields will find materials of interest in these pages. The trade cards lead to stories of fortunes made and lost, then made again. Racial and ethnic prejudice is portrayed. Poisons are presented as cure-alls for all sorts of ailments--some even as universal remedies. Corporate mergers and the consequences of corporate relocation are revealed. Overall the Arnold Collection demonstrates the power of advertising to create demand, alter styles and transmit culture.

The Arnold Collection is yours to enjoy on many levels. Go ahead! Daydream a little! Add your comments. Wander afield and forget why it was you originally discovered the Collection in the first place. After all, getting lost is a good way of finding things. (Your contemporary narrator is an expert on getting lost.)

The scrapbook images are in the public domain. You may copy them, reproduce them and generally use them in any manner you choose. Please acknowledge the Arnold Collection as your source.

Speaking of detective work, please comment below if you can find anything about Brown's Grocery House. One of Hartford's transformations apparently wiped it out. Thanks!

Happy inspirations!

-Jeffrey Arnold Diver
Ithaca NY
7 March 2016 (updated 21 January 2019)



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The author of this blog has attempted to correctly apply terms and conditions to Content. These pages and associated images are being made available exclusively for use in non-commercial and non-profit study, scholarship, research, or teaching . Researchers are responsible for using these materials in accordance with Title 17 of the United States Code and any other applicable statutes. All trademarks, service marks, trade names, trade dress, product names and logos appearing on this blog are the property of their respective owners.. In the event that any Content infringes your rights or Content is not properly identified or acknowledged please email me. Thanks! 


This site includes historical materials that may contain negative stereotypes or language reflecting the culture or language of a particular period or place. These items are presented as part of the historical record, and do not represent or in any way reflect the personal views of the author of this blog, his ancestors, or his family.


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