Household Goods and Services in the Late 19th Century
Household goods and services in the late 19th Century were often advertised to women for use daily or while entertaining. Purchases, especially by the wealthy and elite, were often indicators of taste and status. Many items purchased for daily use were also bought with entertaining in mind as most families did not have multiple sets of things such as tableware.
Silver-Plated Tableware
From the October 1879 issue of Demorest's Family Magazine, this ad by Reed & Barton features an image of a fine silver-plated fork and advertises additional tableware pieces. The innovative use of multiple fonts would make the ad appealing to customers looking for fancy tableware for everyday use and for entertaining.
Furniture & Decorations
This ad by Degraaf & Taylor in the October 1880 issue of Demorest's Family Magazine is for the award-winning Centennial Parlor Bed and accompanying furniture. Advertising 30 years of experience in cabinetry and upholstery work, directions are given to their storefront indicating they are across from Macy's. This reference to the first Macy's department store on 6th Avenue in NYC indicates its landmark status when it first opened in 1880.
Masury's Pure Linseed Oil Colors
This ad for house paint using linseed oil was featured in the September 1895 issue of Demorest's Family Magazine. Claiming to be the best, cheapest, and durable, the color of one’s house represented their taste daily to neighbors and visitors. The fact that they were made from linseed oil may also be useful information for historians and anthropologists attempting to date layers of paint.
Royal Baking Powder
This ad for Royal Baking Powder is featured in the April 1882 issue of Demorest's Family Magazine. The ad uses words like, "purity, strength and wholesomeness" which reflect the values of the time. By using these keywords in their ad, they appealed to people who sought those values. Baking was a common everyday activity, and this baking powder brand was so popular that it still exists today.
