"Exchange Lithograph Ticket" for Admission to the Walter L. Main Circus, circa 1898

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Artifact Overview

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, circus advance men, called "lithographers," promoted the show by posting advertisements in merchants' stores or pasting colorful posters on fences, buildings, and barns. In exchange, local businessmen, merchants and farmers would receive free passes to the circus. Lithographers for the Walter L. Main's Shows issued this ticket to those who helped publicize the soon-to-arrive attraction.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Admission ticket

Date Made

circa 1898

Subject Date

circa 1898

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

2004.67.10

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Given by Fred R. Frisbie in Memory of his Grandfather, Ceil V. Frisbie.

Material

Paper (Fiber product)

Technique

Lithography

Color

Multicolored

Dimensions

Height: 2.5 in
Width: 4.25 in

Inscriptions

on front: GOOD ONLY WHEN SIGNED BY JESS WORLEN / WALTER L. MAIN'S GRANDEST AND BEST SHOWS ON EARTH / EXCHANGE LITHOGRAPH TICKET. ADMIT ONE. . .EMPIRE SHOW PRINTING CO., CHICAGO
"Exchange Lithograph Ticket" for Admission to the Walter L. Main Circus, circa 1898