The Olden Time Series, Vol. 4: Quaint and Curious Advertisements Gleanings Chiefly from Old Newspapers of Boston and Salem, Massachusetts

Excerpt

CURIOUS ADVERTISEMENTS.

Among the mass of advertisements that have appeared from time to time in newspapers are to be found some which are very quaint and curious. Such are not, in all cases, intended by the writers to be so; but they sound so, especially to those persons who have an ear for strange or humorous things. Sometimes, indeed, it is the intention of the writers to attract particular notice by the wording of the advertisement. Oftentimes the matter may have been dictated by illiterate persons. Frequently the nature of the subject is itself sufficient to excite our humorous feelings. But whatever may be the object of the advertiser, these productions are often amusing and interesting enough to be reproduced for the benefit of those who cannot conveniently read the originals.

In 1767 "the Prince of the Power of the Air reigned with almost uncontrouled Restraint," according to a book published.

THIS DAY PUBLISHED,
An ADDRESS to
Persons of FASHION,
Concerning frequenting of
Plays, Balls, Assemblies, Card-Tables, &c.
In which is introduced the Character of
LUCINDA.
Printed & Sold by W. McAlpine, in Marlboro'-Å¿treet.

A Pamphlet worthy the ſerious Attention of every Chriſtian, eſpecially at a Time when Vice and Immorality ſeems to have an Aſcendency over Religion, and the Prince of the Power of the Air reigns with almoſt an uncontrouled Reſtraint.

Boston Gazette, May 21, 1767.

In the year 1759 competition in trade had not reached the proportions that it has since assumed, for the "ill-natured opposition" which two women met with according to the "Boston Gazette" of August 13, that year, was probably nothing more or less than the treatment of some competitor in the same line,—perhaps a man mean enough to undersell. Such things have frequently occurred in our day,—some mammoth establishment cutting prices purposely, to drive some poor woman out of business whose sole dependence is in a small shop selling cotton, pins, needles, etc., barely making a living at it. "Rule or ruin" is the motto of too many in these days; and such men are called "smart," and if they get rich are fairly worshipped for their enterprise.

Sarah Todd and Mary Purcell

Hereby inform the Publick that (notwithſtanding the ill-natur'd Oppoſition they have met with, though not from the Landlord, who has fulfill'd his Engagement to them) they have remov'd their Shop from oppoſite the Old-Brick Meeting-Houſe in Cornhill to the Houſe lately occupied by Mrs. Elizabeth Campbell, next Door to Deacon Boutineau's in Cornhill, Boſton, where they hope their Friends and others will favour them with their Cuſtom, and whom they engage to ſupply with the following Articles at the loweſt Rate that any fair Trader can afford them for Caſh. VIZ.

India Taffities, Grograms, Persians, black and colour'd Sattins, Silk, Callamancoe, Tammie, and Horse Hair quilted Petticoats, a Variety of the newest fashion'd Prussian Cloaks and Hatts, with figur'd Silk and Trimming for ditto, 6-4 and yard-wide Muslin, Long Lawn, Cambrick, clear and flower'd Lawns, Cyprus, Gauze, Tandem Holland, Damask Table Cloths, India Ginghams, white Callico, Cap Lace, black Bone Lace, and Trolly ditto, white and colour'd Blond Lace, Stone sett in Silver Shoe Buckles, Sleeve Buttons, Stock Tape, Sattin Jockeys with Feathers for Boys, brocaded silk, black Sattin and Russel Shoes, black Sattin Bonnetts and Hatts, Pastboard Stomachers, Cotton, Thread and Worsted Mens and Womens Hose, a great Variety of Ribbons, Necklaces and Earings, black and white Silk Mitts, Kid and Lamb Gloves and Mitts, French ditto, Cotton, Cambrick and Scotch Threads, with a great Variety of Millenary Goods, too many to enumerate....