Subject: 1880s

This billhead from Ackerman, Block & Co. in San Francisco, dated April 20, 1883, details a transaction with S. Chielovich & Co. for various household and mercantile goods. Ackerman, Block & Co. is identified as importers of "Crockery, Glassware, Plated Ware, Cutlery, Lamps, Kerosene Goods, House Furnishing Goods, Clocks, Etc." The billhead lists numerous items such as punch tumblers, sherries, med & ales, honey mitchels, bar tumblers, bars, thins, fancies, cut caraffes, Derby liqueures, cordials, bittertubes, pedral paid pears, singes, buggy bar rd chgs, car kerosene, eng bottled, and Chaguagh glasses, with their respective quantities and prices. The total amount for the transaction is 185.5960. The document features ornate Victorian-style lettering for the business names and a notice at the top stating, "OUR GOODS BEING PACKED BY EXPERIENCED PACKERS, NO CLAIMS FOR BREAKAGE CAN BE MADE." 3.

This billhead from D. Crehange & Co., Wholesale Clothiers in Syracuse, New York, dated May 25, 1882, details a transaction with Mr. G. E. Brooks. The invoice includes the purchase of 1 pair of pants for $7.50, and 6 boys' suits for $36.00, along with additional boys' suits totaling $13.50, for a grand total of $57.00. A handwritten note indicates that 3 pieces were sent in exchange for items Mr. Brooks sent. The billhead features ornate Victorian-style lettering for the company name, a "BOUGHT OF" banner, decorative star embellishments, and states that extra-sized garments are a specialty. It also includes a clause about damage claims within five days of receipt. 3.

This billhead from Henry Fuhrman, a jobber in Dry Goods, Notions, Boots, Shoes, and Gents' Furnishing Goods, records a transaction with Mr. John Stibal on March 8, 1882, in Fremont, Nebraska. The transaction includes the purchase of 12 pairs of grain shoes at 85 cents each for a total of $10.20, and 12 pairs of women's shoes at $1.00 each for a total of $12.00, bringing the grand total to $22.20. The terms of the sale were 90 days, and a note indicates "Back order." The billhead features an ornate Victorian-style design, including an illustration of a multi-story commercial building, likely the "Fuhrman Block," on the left side. The header also states, "All claims must be made within 5 days after receipt of goods, and all bills paid by draft on Chicago or New York."

This billhead for Hyman Brothers, Importers and Wholesale Grocers, documents a transaction where goods were bought by Wadhams & Elliott. The item is dated September 11, 1885, and originates from Hyman Brothers' San Francisco office located at 216 and 218 California Street. The billhead features ornate Victorian-style script for the "Hyman Brothers" name and "IMPORTERS AND WHOLESALE GROCERS," along with a prominent "Bought of" stamp. It also lists additional branch offices in New York (102 Chambers St.), Honolulu, H.I., and Nevada City, Cal., indicating the extensive reach of the business.

1.

A sepia-toned cabinet photograph depicting an unknown man and woman, likely a couple, posed in a studio setting. The man, with a mustache, wears a suit and bow tie, while the woman wears a light-colored dress with lace details. The photograph was taken by Levy in Pueblo, Colorado, circa 1880s. The quality of the photograph is noted as being poorly composed, suggesting the photographer may have been a traveler or had a brief career. The reverse side of the cabinet card is embossed with "PVY PUEBLO, COLO" in an ornate style, typical of the period. **3.

This postal card features a personal message from "Charlie" to "Dear Lizzie" (Mrs. C. S. Norris) written on the reverse side of an A. Shuman & Co. business card. Charlie discusses being busy with stocktaking and accounting at the store for two days, finding it "rather tedious," and mentions that Mr. Chipman has hay fever and has gone to the mountains. He concludes by saying he is feeling "very nicely." The card features a printed header for "A. Shuman & Co., Wholesale Clothiers, Boston." The front of the postal card displays a "United States Postal Card" design with a one-cent stamp and a profile portrait, common for the period. The handwritten message and recipient's address are in an elegant, ornate script typical of the late Victorian era. A postmark from Boston, Massachusetts, dated August 8, 1888, is visible. 3.

This trade card advertises Louis Cohen, a merchant tailor and dealer in gents' furnishing goods, located at 106 Cambridge St., East Cambridge. The front features an illustration of a child in a hat and overalls, stirring a pot over an open fire, depicted in blue and brown ink, with the business name and address framed in a decorative border. The verso of the card details a "Guess the Number of Beans in the Jar" contest offering "$115.00 IN PRIZES," including a $75.00 Gold Watch, a $30.00 Suit of Clothes, and a $10.00 Pair of Pants. The contest was to be opened and beans counted on July 30th, 1884. **3.

A colorful trade card advertising Shipper & Schwartz, The Tailors. The front features a chromolithographic illustration of two children playing cards at a small table. The company name, 'SHIPPER & SCHWARTZ, THE TAILORS,' is printed at the top, and their address, '733 MARKET ST., OPP. DUPONT,' is at the bottom. The card serves as an advertisement for their tailoring business in San Francisco, utilizing a decorative image common in late 19th-century advertising. 3.

This trade card, two out of three, advertises R. Bornstein, a clothier located at 473 and 681 Broad Street in Newark, New Jersey. The card features a Scottish boy playing a violin. The card is from the 1880s. The back of the card is blank.

This trade card advertises R. Goldvogel, a jeweler located at 357 Grand Street, New York, NY. The front of the card features an illustration of a man and a woman sleeping on a train. The man is wearing a hat and a coat, while the woman is wearing a dress. The back of the card is blank. The trade card is dated 1882.