Part 1
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_THE OLDEN-TIME SERIES._
16mo. Per vol., 50 cents.
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There appears to be, from year to year, a growing popular taste for quaint and curious reminiscences of "Ye Olden Time," and to meet this, Mr. Henry M. Brooks has prepared a series of interesting handbooks. The materials have been gleaned chiefly from old newspapers of Boston and Salem, sources not easily accessible, and while not professing to be history, the volumes contain much material for history, so combined and presented as to be both amusing and instructive. The titles of some of the volumes indicate their scope and their promise of entertainment:--
CURIOSITIES OF THE OLD LOTTERY. DAYS OF THE SPINNING-WHEEL. SOME STRANGE AND CURIOUS PUNISHMENTS. QUAINT AND CURIOUS ADVERTISEMENTS. LITERARY CURIOSITIES. NEW-ENGLAND SUNDAY, ETC.
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"It has been the good fortune of the writer to be allowed a peep at the manuscript for this series, and he can assure the lovers of the historical and the quaint in literature that something both valuable and pleasant is in store for them. In the specialties treated of in these books Mr. Brooks has been for many years a careful collector and student, and it is gratifying to learn that the material is to be committed to book form."--_Salem Gazette._
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_For sale by all Booksellers. Sent, post-paid, upon receipt of price. Catalogues of our books mailed free._
TICKNOR & CO., BOSTON.
THE OLDEN TIME SERIES
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QUAINT AND CURIOUS ADVERTISEMENTS
_ADVERTISEMENTS._
_Advertisements are sometimes very amusing. They give insights into the manners of the times no less interesting than authentic. Suppose the ancients had possessed a press, and that a volume of a Roman_ Post _or_ Chronicle _had been dug up at Herculaneum, with what curiosity should we not contemplate the millinery of the Roman ladies, or, "Wanted, a Gladiator to fight the last new lion;" or, "Next Ides of November will be published the new poem of Quintus Horatius Flaccus"!_--LEIGH HUNT.
THE OLDEN TIME SERIES.
GLEANINGS CHIEFLY FROM OLD NEWSPAPERS OF BOSTON AND SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS
SELECTED AND ARRANGED, WITH BRIEF COMMENTS
BY
HENRY M. BROOKS
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Quaint and Curious Advertisements
"Old and new make the warp and woof of every moment. There is no thread that is not a twist of these two strands. By necessity, by proclivity, and by delight, we all quote."--EMERSON
BOSTON
TICKNOR AND COMPANY
1886
_Copyright, 1886,_
BY TICKNOR AND COMPANY.
_All rights reserved._
University Press:
JOHN WILSON AND SON, CAMBRIDGE.
INDEX OF NAMES.
PAGE
ABRAHAM, NATHANIEL 30 Adams, John 73 Allen, Jolley 40 Allen, Thomas 27 Amberson, William 105 Amory, John & Thomas, & Co. 126 Amory, Jonathan & John 29 Andrews, William, jr. 140 Appleton, John 46 Aspinwalle, G. & T. 91
BAILS, JAMES 137 Baker, John 21 Baker, Mr. 8 Ball, John 12 Barclay, Andrew 38 Barnard, Thomas, D.D. 45, 48 Barnum, P.T. 120 Bartlett, Keziah 136, 137 Bartlett, W.P. 59 Bathrick, Samuel 141 Bell, Robert 54 Belcher & Armstrong 91 Belknap, Jeremy, D.D. 44 Bernard, Governor Francis 14, 15 Billings, Mary 18, 19 Blake, Increase 11 Blanchard & Hancock 35 Bois, John 17 Bolles, E.C., D.D. 117 Boutineau, Deacon 3 Bowen, Mr. 55, 68, 92 Bowes, Nicholas 24 Bowles, William Augustus 104 Boyer, Daniel 31 Bray, George 11, 12 Brazer, Samuel 98, 99 Brewer, Jonathan 106 Brewer, Thomas 67 Briggs, Enos 70, 72, 73, 75 Brooks, Sarah 61 Brown, Charles 127 Brown, Mr. 120 Brown, William 82 Buffum, James R. 145 Bulfinch, Jeremiah 136 Burnham, Nathan 140
CABOT, FRANCIS 48 Cabot, Joseph 9, 10 Caines, Thomas 137 Callender, Joseph 35 Campbell, Elizabeth 3 Carleton, Osgood 54, 55 Cato 100 Chapman, Moses 119 Chase & Speakman 40 Chase, T. 40 Chase, Thomas 17 Choate, Thomas 140 Chesterfield, Lord 23 Clark, Dr. 20 Clark, W. Gaylord 7 Coffin, Ebenezer 34 Copley, John S. 69 Courtney, Elizabeth 8 Courtney, Mr. 9 Craigie, Andrew 25 Crandel, Mr. 121 Crombie, Mr. 145 Crosby, John 42 Curwen, George R. 117 Curwen, Samuel 45 Cushing & Appleton 78, 124
DABNEY, NATHANIEL 48 Daland, Benjamin 112 Dalgleish, Andrew 48 Dana, Rev. Samuel 50, 51 Daniell, Jesse 137 Davis, Caleb 17 Davis, Israel 127 Derby, E.H. 74 Derby, Richard, jr. 49 Dodd, Rev. Dr. William 23, 24 Dodge, John T., jr. 142 Don Vincent, Folch, St. Col. 104 Dorr, Harbottle 44 Dow, Enoch 89 Draper, Mr. 97 Duncan, Robert 32 Dupee, Isaac 25
EDES & GILL 13, 17, 19, 33 Elliot, Robert 105 Ellson, Mr. 17 Emerson, Bulkeley 17 Erving, Mr. 63
FAIRFIELD, WILLIAM 106 Felt, George W. 88 Flagg, Josiah, jr. 58 Franklin, Benjamin 115 Franklin, Mr. 121 Franklin, Samuel 38 Franklin, William Temple 116 Freeman, Philip 28 Forrest, Edwin 149 Foster, Hopestill 97 Foster, Susannah 27 Fowle, Daniel 17 Fowle, J. 50
GARDNER, SAMUEL 9, 10 Gay, Martin 44 Gray & Carter 139 Gray, Hon. William 74, 138 Gibson, Deacon 11 Gilbert, Mr. 67 Gillespie, Andrew 17 Glover, Jonathan 50 Goldthwaite, Ezekiel 6 Goodale, Nathan 48 Goodhue, William 54 Green & Russell 19 Greenleaf, J. 124, 125 Greenough, David S. 52 Greenwood, Isaac 107, 108 Greenwood, Isaac, jr. 53 Gridley, Richard 70 Griswold, Ezra 83
HACKET, COLONEL 73 Hamilton, Alexander 65 Hardy, Charles 82 Hawthorne, Nathaniel 112 Hendry, Widow 12 Hepburn, Thomas 57 Hewes, Daniel 109 Hewes, Shubael 20 Hodgdon, Colonel 91 Holden, Nathaniel J. 117 Holker, John 143 Holman, Samuel 46 Holyoke, Dr. E.A. 45, 48 Hook, E. & G., & Hastings 148 Hook, Elias 148 Hopkins, Daniel, D.D. 45 Hunt, Thomas F. 117 Hunt, William 30, 100 Hutchinson, Governor Thomas 46, 48, 49 Hudson & Goodwin 80
IRWIN, JOHN 105 Ives, John M. 125, 149
JACKSON, MARY & SON 42 Jenks, John 72 Johnston & Co., Nicholas 104 Jones, Daniel 36 Jones, Thomas 102 Jordis, Frederick 61, 62
KEITH, JOHN H. 75, 76 King, Major 131, 132 Kingsbury, Ezekiel, jr. 97 Kneeland, S. 44 Knox, Henry 24
LANG, Mr. 88 Lang, William 46 Leech, Asa 86 Leverett, Thomas 24 Lewis, Thomas 143 Lindal, Timothy 29 Loring, John 27 Lowell, Rev. Charles 143 Lynde, Chief Justice Benjamin 45 Lynde, Madam 45
MCALPINE, W. 2 McDaniel, B.F. 117 Mansfield, J. 3d. 64 Marshall, Captain 31 Mason, James 36 Mason, Jonathan 37 Matthews, John L. 103 Matthis, Edmond 106, 107 Mein & Flemming 42 Metcalf, Joseph 85 Moore, Rosanna 39 Morgan, Theodore 119 Morris, Robert 102 Morris, York 102 Morse, Edward S. 118 Mylod, Samuel 83
NAZRO, Mr. 149 Newell, Joseph 136 Newhall, J. & I. 99 Northey, William 46 Nutting, John 48
OLIVER, ANDREW 15 Oliver, Daniel 77 Osgood, Nathaniel 101 Otis, Samuel Allyne 45
PACKARD, ALPHEUS S. 118 Paddock, Adino 34 Paddock, Captain 40 Paff, Mr. 92 Paget, Henry 19 Palfrey, William 31, 32 Palmer, Joseph & Co. 35 Parker, Daniel 26 Payson, Jonathan 12, 13 Peale, Charles W. 116 Peck, Thomas Handasyd 28 Peck, William Augustus 10 Peters, Hugh 81 Peters, John 81 Phillips, Deacon 34 Phillips, Margaret 137 Pickman, Benjamin 45 Pickman, C. Gayton 48 Pickman, William 48 Pinchbeck, Mr. 86 Pollard, A. 123 Pousland, T.D. 142 Preble, Captain 75 Prentice, John 49, 50 Prince, Samuel 130 Procter, Martha 83 Purcell, Mary 3, 4 Putnam, Ebenezer 48 Putnam, Frederick W. 118 Pynchon, William 48
RANDALL, JOSEPH 23 Randall, Susannah 23 Remond, C. Lenox 151 Remond, John 129, 150, 151, 152, 153 Rengill, Emanuel 104 Revere, Paul 20, 77 Rice, Lemuel 76 Richards, Giles & Co. 43 Richardson, F.P. 117 Robinson, J. 79 Robinson, John 117, 118 Rogers, James 106 Ropes, Judge Nathaniel 46 Rose, Samuel 21 Russell, Benjamin 34, 35 Rust, John 89
SALISBURY, AMBROSE 150 Sancho 90 Sargent, Ignatius 91 Sargent, Winthrop 90, 91 Scott, Captain 35 Silhouette, M. 119 Skillings, Captain 32 Smith, Samuel 15, 16 Sparhawk, N. 48 Stetson, Prince 138 Stevenson, John & Thomas 29 Stewart, Mr. 121 Stickney, M.A. 117 Stone, John 101 Street & Grose 133 Sylvester, Richard 41 Symmes, John 32
TALLEYRAND 71 Tannebill, A. 105 Thaxter, Samuel 43 Thomas, Isaiah, jr. 84, 85 Tisdall, Thomas 80, 81 Todd, Sarah 3, 4 Townley, John 33 Trask, Jonathan 97 Tromelle & Girard 144 Tucker & Thayer 65 Tucker, Mr. 145 Turner, John 48 Turner, Mr. 18 Tyler, Joseph 98 Tyler, Thomas 25
URQUHART, DAVID 91
WALLACE, GEORGE 105 Waters, H.F. 117 Watt, Captain 38 Wheatland, Henry 118 Whipple, Henry 103 Whitaker, Nathaniel, D.D. 45 Whitwell, William 26 Wilkins, J. jr. 105 Williams, Jonathan 36 Williams, Mr. 17 Williams, Thomas 73 Woodbury, Josiah 22
QUAINT
AND
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'-street.
*** 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.
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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. --> The said_ Todd _and_ Purcell _having spare Room in said House, can accommodate young Ladies with Board and Lodging at a reasonable Rate._
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In 1760 the town clerk of Boston issued a notice to the public in reference to persons forestalling the market by falsely representing to farmers and others that the small-pox was prevalent in the town, which had so frightened the market-men that they were glad to sell outside the town and at lower prices than they otherwise would have done.
Boston, February 13, 1760.
WHEREAS sundry evil minded Persons in some of the neighbouring Towns, to discourage the Market-People coming into this Town with their Provisions, and that they may have an Opportunity to purchase at low Rates, and sell them here at an exorbitant Price, have industriously reported that the Small-Pox for some Time past has been in this Town, and now prevails here:
THESE are to Inform the Public, that for near two Years past, there has been only one Person taken down in this Town with the Small-Pox, which is upwards of a Month past, who upon discovery of it was immediately removed to the Hospital, and there died, and no other Person has had it, or any Symptoms of it since.--That Yesterday there was a general Visitation of the Town by the Justices of the Peace, Selectmen and Overseers of the Poor, and upon their Report last Evening of the State and Circumstances of the Inhabitants, I hereby Certify that there is not an Infectious Distemper of any Sort, known to be in Town.--AND as the above false Reports have been Propagated to the great Prejudice of this Town by those who employ themselves in Engrossing Provisions and Forestalling the Market, (many of whom are known to the Selectmen:) They are hereby particularly Notified, That unless they desist from such wicked and abusive Practices, they will be prosecuted on the Act of the Province, for making and publishing such Lyes and false Reports.----By Order of the Selectmen,
Ezekiel Goldthwait, Town Clerk.
Many Country-People have imagined by seeing Silks hanging on Poles, that the Small-Pox is in such Houses; but their Surmises are entirely groundless, they being hung out at the Silk Dyers for drying.
_Boston Gazette._
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In 1760 the Committee of Tradesmen advise voters to "put on Sabbath Day Clothes" and "wash their Hands and Faces" before going to town meeting the next day. They also speak of the "New and Grand Corcas," meaning probably caucus. This is from the "Boston Gazette," May 12.
THE Committee of Tradesmen hereby advise their Constituents and others to set apart a decent Portion of Time (at least one Hour) previous to the Opening of the Town-Meeting To-Morrow to shift themselves and put on their Sabbath Day Clothes, also to wash their Hands and Faces, that they may appear neat and cleanly; Inasmuch as it hath been reported to said Committee of Tradesmen that Votes are to be GIVEN AWAY by the delicate Hands of the _New and Grand Corcas_; and they would have no Offence given to Turk or Jew, much less to Gentlemen who attend upon so _charitable_ a design.--Nothing of the _least Significancy_ was transacted at a late Meeting of the said new and grand Corcas to require any further Attention of said Committee.
_Boston Gazette_, May 12, 1760.
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