Historical Poster Images Subseries, circa 1873-1914 and undated

Scope and content:

Large-format photographs and negatives of posters, billboards, theatre and circus signs and other advertising-related images of goods, services and entertainment events that date from the late 19th-early 20th century. Dates for individual images have been supplied where known, but not every image could be precisely dated. The images are all on modern safety film and negative stock, which suggests that the photographs might have been taken taken during the 1930s-1940s at the earliest, but a more accurate dating of the photographs themselves cannot be determined. Many of the posters bear the logos of various incarnations of the Strobridge Lithographing Company. In addition, some of the photographs have handwritten notes on the back that indicate that those images may have originated with the Chicago Historical Society, while others bear the stamp of the "Outdoor Advertising Association of America Library." Anecdotal evidence further suggests that these photographs were once part of, or copies of, a historical advertisement archive maintained by OAI, but that suggestion cannot be verified. Organized into three groups--Photographs, Negatives (photographs available), and Negatives (photographs not available)--and therein alphabetically by subject category, item name, or title.

Many images in this subseries may be in the public domain. However, it is the researcher's responsibility to comply with all copyright and trademark laws.

For related materials see the Strobridge Lithographing Company Advertisements collection and the Outdoor Advertising Association of America (OAAA) Archives.

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