Beauty, Health, and Complexion

Tuscarora Advertising Company, Coshocton, OH, 1895. First Edition. Softcover. Poor. This unusual book is made more interesting by its publisher than its contents. Its contents are interesting as well, as it gives old remedies for many ailments as well as beauty and complexion advice. As for the publisher, many experts agree that the true birthplace of promotional products was Coshocton, OH in the 1880's when Jasper Freemont Meek wanted to keep his printing presses operational during publications of his weekly newspaper "The Coshocton Age". His first promotional item was a burlap book bag for schoolchildren that said "Buy Cantwell Shoes" (a local shoe store), and the Tuscarora Advertising Co was born. This expanded into other items, and ended up in a race for sales with local rival Standard Advertising Co. This quickly evolved into other products such as rulers, marble bags, horse blankets, and others. Tuscarora continued to specialize in paper, leather, calendars, and celluloid, while Standard went more toward signs. This particular book is a very early example of promotional advertising, printed in 1895 for West Side Druggists (J. R. King & Co) of Huntsville, TX. According to the back cover: "Do the PRESCRIPTION BUSINESS because they have the FRESHEST and PUREST DRUGS in the city. Take your Prescriptions there if you want them filled right. Prices are no higher than elsewhere. They are agents for the newly adopted School Books. Second door from the Post office". This book measures 7" x 5", and is very fragile. There are several chips out of the cover, but the cover photo is intact. Chips are also missing on the spine. There is also quite a bit of soiling on the cover. Pages are browned, but there are only minor tears that do not reach the text. There are also several newspaper clippings and handwritten items laid in between the pages...items of interest to the original owner. Items from the Tuscarora Advertising Company are extremely hard to find, and this is an interesting early example. Size: 12mo - over 6¾" - 7¾" tall. Quantity Available: 1. Shipped Weight: 1 - 2 pounds. Category: Medicine & Health; Pictures of this item not already displayed here available upon request. Inventory No: 100782. .