Merchandise for the Millions: American Trade Catalogs
Start date: Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Event is ongoing: Until Thursday, January 31, 2008
SMU's DeGolyer Library announces a new exhibit, featuring hundreds of American trade catalogs, most from the period 1865-1965.
The exhibit is arranged by general subject, such as agriculture, machinery, kitchen appliances, fashion, gardening, transportation, bookselling, and patent medicines. Highlighted are catalogs from such well-known firms as JCPenney, Neiman Marcus, and The Horchow Collection, as well as unique items, such as the only known copy of a catalog for the Lomo Alto Stock Farm (Dallas, Texas, 1890).
American trade catalogs are useful in a variety of fields, business history and economic history, primarily, but also cultural history more broadly. Many are stunning examples of graphic design and are important in printing and advertising history. For example, before Peruna became SMU’s mascot, it was a popular patent medicine at the turn of the last century. No matter the ailment, Peruna “will cure you!”
DeGolyer Library is open 8:30 a.m. -5 p.m., Monday-Friday. For more information, call 214-768-3231 or visit the library's website.
Information from the venue’s website
