Subject: Chicago, Illinois

A billhead for B. Aaron & Son, General Commission Merchants, located at 118 South Water Street, Chicago, detailing a transaction with J. John Lallen & Co. on January 20, 189?. The billhead lists handwritten items such as "Caleq," "Ball Am," and "Box" with associated prices, totaling $13.75. B. Aaron & Son specialized in dressed poultry, also dealing in butter, eggs, game, and fruits. The item features a prominent lithographic illustration of a multi-story building, depicting the company's storefront with "Wholesale Commission," "Butter & Eggs," "Poultry & Game," and "Fruits" advertised on its facade. The business name "B. Aaron & Son" is rendered in ornate Victorian-style lettering. 3.

Billhead from E. J. LEHMANN, a jobber and dealer in bankrupt stocks and job lots of fancy dry goods, notions, jewelry, toys, novelties, and more. Located at 198 State St., 61, 63, 65 & 67 Adams Sts., Chicago, Illinois. Dated March 15, 1873. The bill shows a purchase made by D. D. Davis Archer for various items such as “Shaw Brushes,” “Mazel Dishs,” “Thimbles,” and “Looking Glasses.” The billhead has a printed header and contains handwritten details about the purchase. The amount due is written in both numbers and words as “$9.96.”

Invoice from E. Rothschild & Bros., manufacturers and jobbers of clothing and woolens, located at 203 & 205 Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois. Dated October 24, 1894. The bill is for goods sold to L. Hearst. The billhead is printed in black and purple on blue paper. It features an illustration of a building and includes the phrase “Terms Net Cash” printed on the bottom. The billhead shows a handwritten note from E. Rothschild & Bros., indicating the recipient of the purchase. The billhead includes details of the business address and a statement of business terms. The billhead is printed on a distinctive blue paper.

Letter from F. Silberman & Bros., dealers in wool, hides, furs, pelts, and other commodities, located at 212 & 214 Michigan Street, Chicago, Illinois. Dated June 27, 1884. The letter is written to Furr Alpaca Co. and discusses a transaction of some type of wool. The letterhead features a decorative border and the company name in an ornate Victorian-style font.

Billhead from Greensfelder, Rosenthal & Co., manufacturers and jobbers of boots and shoes, located at 105 & 107 Wabash Avenue, Chicago, Illinois. Dated August 30, 1881. The bill is addressed to Dworak & Beckman in Oakdale, Nebraska, and includes an itemized list of the transaction. The billhead is a standard business form with standard business headings and terms of service, including discounts. The document shows the sale of two lots of footwear, likely boots or shoes. The billhead displays a company logo with ornate lettering and decorative elements including a framed header section.

An undated billhead from H. Wolf & Co., importers and jobbers of general merchandise, located at 246-252 E. Madison St., Chicago, Illinois. The billhead includes the business name in an ornate, bold font, a cartoon wolf, the company's established date (1872), and a section for the buyer to fill out the details of the transaction.

Invoice from Ketcham Rothschild & Co., a furniture company located at 154 & 156 West Madison St., Chicago, Illinois. Dated June 25, 1884. The invoice lists two items purchased by George R. Seatt, likely furniture, including a “lounge” and a “cafe”. The billhead displays the company name in ornate lettering with a decorative header. It also lists the names of the owners (I.C. Ketcham, W.S. Rothschild, and J.K. Peterson). The billhead has a printed header, ornate lettering, and clear details of the business address and transaction.

Invoice from Kirchhoff & Neubarth, Wholesale Dealers in Kentucky Whiskies, Wines, Cognac, Gin, etc., located at No. 59 & 61 Lake Street, Cor. State St., Chicago, Illinois. Dated August 24, 1888. The bill details the purchase of various wines and liquors by R. C. Halliday of Dillon, Montana. The billhead has an ornate, Victorian-style lettering for the business name. The left side of the bill features a scroll graphic with text advertising the Black Rose brand of red wines. The billhead is printed by the Chicago Bank Note Co.

Billhead from LOUIS REINACH, a wholesale dealer in toys, fancy goods, and notions located at 146 CLARK STREET, near Cor. Madison, Chicago, Illinois. Dated December 6, 1877. The billhead lists a purchase of toys, possibly a 'doller set.' The bill is written in cursive. The billhead features an ornate, all-caps business name. The header lists a variety of items the business sells.

Invoice from Metzler, Rothschild & Co., importers of pipes and smokers’ articles and manufacturers of fine cigars, located at 62 Lake Street, Corner of State, Chicago, Illinois. Dated June 10, 1886. The bill lists a number of items purchased, likely smoking supplies, by W. J. Quan. The billhead features a company logo, a depiction of a building with ornate Victorian-style lettering. It also features a decorative border and an ornate header section.

A two-page billhead, with a printed header, from Nathan & Straus, Wholesale Liquor Dealers, located at 103 State Street, Chicago, IL. The bill lists an itemized account for J.D. Russell, likely a customer, in Billings, Montana. The invoice includes dates, quantities of goods, prices, and an overall total of $103.91. The billhead also notes a payment of $100. The billhead includes a column for the date of transaction, a column for the quantity of goods purchased, a column for the price, a column for the total amount paid, and a column for the date of payment.

Invoice from Schlesinger and Mayer, dealers in dry goods, carpets, and boys' clothing, located at State and Madison Streets, Chicago. Dated June 27, 1888. The billhead lists four purchases, including items identified as “Hose,” “Robe,” “Chem,” and “Vest,” with prices listed for each. The total bill is 5.19. The billhead features a handwritten signature, a company stamp, and a printed header with bold text. It also has a small print section on the bottom that reads “TERMS CASH.”

Billhead for Selz, Schwab & Co., manufacturers of “Good Shoes,” with seven factories, located in Chicago, Illinois. Dated April 4, 1908. The bill lists a sale of shoes to L.J. Hopkins in Tionesta, Pennsylvania. The billhead includes a detailed breakdown of shoe sizes and types, prices, and an itemized total. The billhead features several images, including one of a factory and a drawing of a shoe sole.

Billhead from Shoyer & Company, a dealer in job lots of dry goods, notions, etc., located at 204 & 206 East Madison Street, Chicago, Illinois. The billhead is dated December 28, 1877, and notes that all goods are sold for prompt cash without discount. The billhead is printed in black ink on a pale green paper and features ornate lettering and a detailed description of the business's goods and services.

Billhead from Star Pipe Works, located at 164 East Randolph Street, Chicago, Illinois. Dated September 6, 1898. The billhead is a handwritten note, returning cobs to a person in Kansas. The billhead also contains a company logo.

Invoice from Stein, Hirsh & Co., manufacturers of starch, albumens, glycerine, dextrin, lactin and grape sugar, located at 500 to 520 Archer Ave., Chicago, Illinois. Dated January 24, 1878. The bill includes an itemized list of the transaction, including a quantity of “Bone Boild Medal Starch.” The billhead is printed on fine paper. The bill is marked with a “paid” stamp. The billhead prominently features an ornate Victorian-style company logo in the form of two framed, gold medallions depicting allegorical scenes.

Billhead from STEIN, HIRSH & CO., manufacturers of starch, gum dextrin, blood and egg albumen. Dated May 31, 1893. The bill lists an item purchased, likely starch, by C. W. Jacobs. The billhead has a printed header, ornate lettering, and clear details of the business address and transaction.

Billhead from The American Varnish Company, located in Chicago, Illinois, dated October 12, 1885. The billhead lists a transaction, likely for varnish, with a buyer named D. W. Morris. The billhead includes a printed header, ornate lettering, and an illustration of the company's factory, which is located on the harbor in Chicago, Illinois.

Billhead from Merker Bros., located at 88 State Street, Chicago, Illinois. The billhead is dated December 18, 1877. It is part of the O collection and located in Ms. Coll. 1410, OOS, Box 2, Folder 23.

This broadside advertises the Phoenix Wire Broom and Brush Works, M. C. Isaacs & Co., proprietors and sole manufacturers of "Isaac's Patent Celebrated Locomotive Steel Wire Snow and Track Brooms." The item features detailed illustrations of two broom models (No. 2 and No. 3) with patent dates (Aug. 8, 1876), and a depiction of the brooms mounted on railroad tracks. A warning against patent infringers is overprinted diagonally in red text, noting that M. C. Isaacs & Co. was granted an exclusive right to manufacture these brooms and would prosecute infringers.

A printed handbill advertising a song recital by Max Heinrich, assisted by Jules Jordan, to be held at Blackstone Hall in Chicago on Thursday, December 3, 1885. The handbill notes that the recital will take place only if enough subscriptions are received by November 25th. Subscriptions were set at $1.00.

Copper Civil War store card token issued by Freedman & Goodkind, a dry goods and millinery store located at 171 Lake Street in Chicago, Illinois. The token depicts a head of Liberty and is dated 1861. According to the Fuld catalog (150V.2A), it has a rarity rating of R3. The token's description indicates that it is made of copper.

Collection of bond certificates issued to Congregation Beth El, located at the northeast corner of Palmer Square and Sawyer Avenue. The certificates indicate a potential default in January 1930, during the Great Depression. Coupons remain uncashed since 1932. Several signatures are present on the documents. The documents indicate a value of $500 and a 6% interest rate.

An advertising envelope for Cook & Seixas, manufacturers and wholesale dealers in boots and shoes, located at 211 & 213 Madison Street, Chicago, Illinois. The envelope, circa 1885, features a lithograph of the store front on the back. Addressed to Paul J. Coolidge in Boston, Massachusetts.

This document pertains to $1000 in 6% gold bonds, potentially indicating a default in January 1930 during the Great Depression. The document mentions addresses 2445 to 2451 West Division Street, indicating a total of $40,000 in bonds. Signatures are present, and a possible connection to synagogue bonds is suggested. The material is part of a larger collection of financial records.

Book containing five sermons delivered by Rabbi Isaac S. Moses of Kehillath Anshe Mayriv in Chicago during the High Holy Days of 1892. The first four sermons are in English, and the final sermon is in German. The book comprises 57 pages and features a modern binding. Published in Chicago in 1892.

Postcard invitation to a social event hosted by the Temple Emanuel Women's Auxiliary. The invitation is dated November 13, 1910. The postcard mentions Moses Meyer and Abe Stern.

Collection of tokens issued by L. Boche Check Manufacturer, located at 166 Randolph Street, Chicago, Illinois. The tokens were in circulation from the late 1870s to 1915. One token features the name I. Cohen and has a value of 5 cents.

This trade card for Greensfelder, Florsheim & Co. advertises their school shoes, stating "EVERY PAIR WARRANTED" on the front and "CELEBRATED SCHOOL SHOES" on the verso. The colorful illustration on the front depicts two children, a boy and a girl, interacting with a dog near a wooden fence adorned with roses, suggesting a charming, pastoral setting. The children are dressed in period clothing, with the boy carrying a satchel and the girl holding a book. The verso provides additional brand information and a directive to "SEE THAT EVERY PAIR HAS OUR LABEL." The design features period-typical typography for the business name. 3.

This trade card advertises A. Kahn's Cheap Store in Chicago, Illinois. The front of the card features a woman in a long, flowing dress. She is likely the proprietor, or a representative, of the business. The back of the card is filled with advertising text for the store. The text indicates that the store is located at the corner of 275 and 277 Larrabee Street and Rees Street, or in the 5 Points area of Chicago.

This trade card advertises Florsheim Bros., shoe merchants in Chicago, Illinois. [Florsheim Bros. are known for their high-quality leather shoes.] The front of the card displays an image of a woman with a brown hat adorned with a colorful band and a large white flower. She is likely wearing a dress. The back of the card provides a full advertisement listing locations where Florsheim Bros. shoes can be purchased.

This trade card, likely dating from around 1885, advertises Florsheim Bros., shoe merchants located in the McVicker's Theatre Building on Madison Street in Chicago, Illinois. The card features an image of a woman in a black dress and hat adorned with red flowers. She is holding a bottle of Button's Raven Gloss shoe dressing. The back of the card includes a full advertisement, listing cities where Florsheim Bros. products could be purchased.

This trade card advertises H. Wolf & Co., a mail-order clothing business in Chicago, Illinois. The card features a sample of a shirt, with a piece missing, made of muslin. The card also lists the business address: 246, 248, 250, and 252 E. Madison St. The back of the card has a price list and size chart. The card is dated 1872. This trade card is one of two in the same record. The second card is a large, rectangular, vertical card and the card shown is the second card in the record, smaller, rectangular, horizontal card, with the name of the business on the top center.

This trade card advertises Jos. Suess & Co., Enterprise Boot & Shoe Store, located at 1009 West Lake Street, Chicago, Illinois. The front of the card depicts a young girl holding a large egg and doves. The back of the card is blank.

This trade card advertises Loeb & Co. in Chicago, Illinois. It features a winter scene with a farmhouse, a rose and a bud in the foreground, and a row of trees. There is no additional description or information on the back of the card.

This trade card advertises Loftis Bros. & Co., jewelers located at 918 Market Street in Chicago, Illinois. The front of the card features an illustration of two girls talking to a farmer. The back of the card provides a full advertisement for the business and states that it was established in 1858.

This is one of two trade cards for Mandel Brothers European Novelties of Chicago, Illinois. The card measures 4.25 inches by 6.25 inches and is in the Victorian style. It features an excellent portrait of U.S. President Grover Cleveland and his wife. The back of the card is fully devoted to advertising the store. The address listed on the card is 117 to 123 State Street.

This trade card advertises Morgenthau Bros. & Co., a Chicago-based dry goods retailer located at 163 State Street. The front of the card features a child wearing a colorful Turkish-style dress, holding a stamp. The child appears to be in the middle of an elaborate, ornamented doorway. The back of the card features an advertisement for the company's gloves and mittens. Prices are listed for various sizes and styles.

This is one of three trade cards for Morgenthau Bros. & Co., a business located in Chicago, Illinois. The card features an illustration depicting two girls and a baby. One girl runs away from the scene, while the other marches forward, carrying the baby. The illustration is likely associated with Christmas as it depicts two girls and a baby. The background features a floral pattern. This is one of three cards in the collection; the others are likely similar in size and design but feature different illustrations.

This trade card advertises Morgenthau Bros. & Co. located at the corner of State and Monroe Streets in Chicago. The front of the card depicts children on a beach, writing in the sand with a stick. The illustration is rendered in a stylized, almost cartoon-like manner. The back of the card advertises ties, fichues, collars, and cuffs. [Morgenthau Bros. & Co. was founded in 1885 by brothers Siegmund Morgenthau and Hermann Morgenthau, who came to Chicago from Germany in the 1860s. They opened a clothing store on State Street, and expanded their business in the 1880s to include wholesale and retail trade of dress accessories.]

This trade card advertises Ph. Kohn, a grocer located at 632 Larrabee Street, corner of Centre, in Chicago, Illinois. The front of the card features a caricature of a group of Black people posing for a photograph under a large, brightly colored cloud. The image is humorous and satirical, using caricatures to depict Black people in a stereotypical manner. This is a common trope in American trade cards from this era, with both overtly racist and seemingly innocuous images portraying a dehumanized and comedic view of Black people. The card has a full advertisement on the back, which is not visible in the image.

This trade card advertises Rosenback & Levy, the Palais Royal Exclusive Glove Depot located at 159 State Street, Chicago, Illinois. The front of the card features a woman dressed in 18th century clothing, likely meant to represent a fashionable and sophisticated customer. She is wearing a stylish hat and gloves, highlighting the shop's focus on gloves. The back of the card features a full advertisement showcasing a variety of gloves with corresponding prices, indicating a wide selection for customers.

This trade card advertises Selz, Schwab & Co., a clothing store in Chicago, Illinois. The front of the card features a single, large illustration of a young woman with a glamorous look. She is wearing a gold and blue dress and a large, plumed hat, which is trimmed with gold. She is holding a single rose in her hand, and she wears earrings and a necklace.

This trade card advertises Strauss Bros., clothiers located in Chicago, Illinois. The front of the card features a large, elaborate illustration of a young man in a suit and top hat, holding a cane. The man is surrounded by a beautiful, ornate border, with a design resembling an oval or an intricate flower. The background is a light tan color. The date 1902 appears on the bottom right side of the card. The back of the card contains a calendar in an unusual shape. [Strauss Bros. was established in 1877 and was a successful business.]

Trade Card - CHILD SLIDING DOWN THE RAIL; BACK...FULL AD....CORNER BLUE ISLAND AVE. & 14TH STREET, Chicago, Illinois....... The business was established in 1872 by brothers August Yondorf and Charles Yondorf. They were German-Jewish immigrants who arrived in the United States from Bavaria during the 1850s. Initially opening a single store, their enterprise expanded successfully. By 1887, they operated multiple retail clothing storefronts across Chicago's West and North sides. In 1887, the brothers constructed the Yondorf Block and Hall, a historic Victorian Gothic/Romanesque Revival building located at 758 W. North Avenue in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood. The ground floor served as retail space for their business, while the upper levels functioned as a grand public meeting hall, hosting neighborhood immigrant social organizations, ethnic clubs, and theater companies. It was designated a Chicago Landmark in 2001 . The owners were highly prominent members of Chicago's early Jewish community. Both brothers were active, early members of the historic Sinai Congregation on Chicago's South Side, one of the most influential Reform Jewish congregations in the United States. August Yondorf was closely associated with and supported the Chicago Hebrew Institute on West Taylor Street, a vital Jewish community center dedicated to assisting newly arrived Jewish immigrants. Meanwhile, Charles Yondorf maintained elite social ties within the German-Jewish upper class, holding memberships at the Standard Club (a premier Jewish civic club in downtown Chicago) and the Ravisloe Country Club.

Trade card advertising Mandel Bro's, a dry goods and clothing store. The card depicts a boy in a hat and striped jacket. The text on the card indicates that they sell silks, cloaks, suits, and fur-lined garments. Published circa 1885 in Chicago, Illinois.

Trade card depicting a man writing at a desk surrounded by papers. The address 163 State Street is prominently displayed. The card includes a note indicating that orders should be forwarded by May 1st, 1882. The image suggests a mercantile business. The card is part of a larger collection (Arc.MS.56, Volume 24, Page 23) and dates from circa 1885.

Trade card depicting a woman with a wig. The address 355 State Street is visible on the card. The card is circa 1885. The card is part of the collection 'E' located in Arc.MS.56, Box 20, Folder 7. The card's subject matter relates to mercantile activities.