This vintage trade card advertises a major fine-thread company. Their product was effective in holding their color in the wash. In the advertising copy seen on the reverse of the card, the company insults users of their competitor’s product. The copy states “Intelligent people do not wash their clothes in acid baths”. This originally Scottish firm was established by a weaver named James Coats (1774-1857) and his brother, Patrick. The company specialized in making cotton yarns. Later, he added silk yarn to the company’s products. James Coats retired in 1830 and was succeeded by his four sons. The company began to expand their market by selling internationally. In 1866, the firm opened a mill in Pawtucket, Rhode Island where they produced a variety of threads. In the 1880’s J & P Coats opened more mills in the United States and their trade cards became popular. During the twentieth century, the company continued to expand around the world via acquisitions and mergers. Interestingly, embroidery threads are still being produced under the trade name of J & P Coats. It is important to note that this trade card’s advertising copy is unacceptably racist. The heading in front of the card states “We Never Fade”. Below this caption are pictures of a couple of black birds (crows?) as well as a picture of a black child. Obviously, the message is that the company’s black thread holds it’s color just as much as a black bird or a black child hold their own color. Understandably, such racist advertising would not pass muster today. SOLD
This vintage snapshot features a group of students holding their books and wearing name tags. At least two of the young men are wearing sweaters with an emblem stating “Textile”. Is textile the name of their school? Rhode Island is, and was, known for its textile industry. Do the students attend Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) in Providence? The school is a private art and design college and offers a major in Textiles. The school has been in existence since 1877. In the background of the photograph is a Taxi business sign revealing that the location of the photo is Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Writing on the reverse of the photo declares that the photograph was taken in the fall of 1938. The boys are unintentionally making a fashion statement. Note their rolled up pants legs. This fashion strategy even applies to the students wearing sport jackets. The boy on the far right has the same affliction that I experience. He too, can’t keep his shirt tucked in. The reverse of the photo reports that the young man in the center of the photo is named Armand Blanchard. This snapshot photograph is in very good condition (see scans).
THE CABINET CARD GALLERY 