"Lithographer's Ticket" for Admission to the Walter L. Main Circus, circa 1898

01

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

2004.67.11

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

Printing (Process)

Color

Multicolored

Dimensions

Height: 2.375 in
Width: 4.5 in

Inscriptions

on front: LITHOGRAPHER'S TICKET / WALTER L. MAIN'S GRANDEST AND BEST SHOWS ON EARTH / ACCOUNT OF LITHOGRAPHING. / ADMIT ONE / WALTER COOPER Agent
"Lithographer's Ticket" for Admission to the Walter L. Main Circus, circa 1898