Description:

[African American] 19th C. Salt River Ticket & Temperance Restaurant Ad

A group of two mid-1800s promotional materials, related to or incorporating Black representation. The first item is an original, 19th century Salt River Ticket, measuring 3.25" x 2", no place, undated [Ca. 1850s]. A bright green card reading "The Steamer !!! Black Republican !!! Will leave This Day (via Kansas)…You are respectfully invited to accompany the party Free. Reinforcements will be sent up in November next." Featuring an image of a steamboat. This piece of political ephemera is based on the figure of speech "To Row Up Salt River" which was popular from the 1830s to the 1870s. It implied a slow, gradual death and became widely used in reference to political parties and candidates. There are a number of theories on its origin, but one simple idea is that pirates of the day diverted vessels up salt rivers to loot cargo and rob passengers. A salt river is a small, tidal river. It does not lead anywhere in particular, especially if you are going in the wrong (up) direction! So... to spread opinion of a political candidate, this term appeared in print on broadsides and handbills, and to appeal to those who enjoyed river travel, on cards made to look like steamship passes. These were particularly popular in Philadelphia and sometimes the caricatures and humor were quite subtle. This Salt River Ticket advertises travel aboard the Steamer "Black Republican" leaving for Kansas. With uneven edges. Minor toning and soiling throughout. One side is slightly faded.

The second item is an advertisement for a pro-temperance establishment, measuring 5" x 1.25", New York, n.d. An unusual advertisement card, on one side promoting "McElree's Temperance Restaurant & Lunch Room". The other side promotes "McElree's Centennial Mead" for 5¢ a glass, claiming "Healthful and Cooling pleases ALL NATIONALITIES and tastes…" Both sides are illustrated with silhouette images of multiple men of differing cultures (not always portrayed in the most flattering light). The Temperance movement began in the early 1800s and was primarily led by women. The Civil War caused a temporary halt to temperance efforts, but the movement recommenced in the 1870s. Light edge wear. Mounting residue on verso.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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June 30, 2021 10:30 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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