1919 -- 100 Years Ago in Local Advertisements

Beautiful Ohio

Lyrics by Ballard McDonald (1918). Popular version by Henry Burr (1919).

Drifting with the current down a moonlit stream,
While above the Heavens in their glory gleam,
And the stars on high
Twinkle in the sky,
Seeming in a paradise of love divine,
Dreaming of a pair of eyes that looked in mine.
Beautiful Ohio, in dreams again I see
Visons of what used to be.

During this year, the 200^th birthday of Lucasville, I feel it is appropriate to look back and review our local history. What were folks thinking about and doing 100 years ago when Lucasville was commemorating its Centennial? Instead of looking into a history book for a general overview, let's get specific and up close.

I found some very interesting advertisements in two editions of the Portsmouth Times. Here are some of those ads that reveal a very different version of an area than that of today. They all come from two dates – Sunday, May 11, 1919 and Sunday, October 12, 1919. I hope you enjoy them as I did upon discovery.

Automobiles

One of the first cars that were accessible to the masses was the 1908 Model T, an American car manufactured by the Ford Motor Company. It quickly became prized for its low cost, durability, versatility, and ease of maintenance. More than 15 million Model Ts were built in Detroit and Highland Park, Michigan.

Assembly-line production allowed the price of the touring car version to be lowered from $850 in 1908 to less than $300 in 1925. The engine was simple and efficient, with all four cylinders cast in a single block and the cylinder head detachable for easy access and repair. The engine generated 20 horsepower and propelled the car to modest top speeds of 40–45 miles per hour.

TIMES AD: “Ford – the universal car. “The Universal Motor Company. Ninth and Chillicothe Streets. 804 Chillicothe Street. Phone 62.

1919 Ford Model T

Now, are you ready for some ads for autos of the time that one might purchase. These ads feature many lesser-known manufacturers, and I venture to say, a few surprises :

TIMES AD: “1920 Hupmobile Auburns on display. The feeling of satisfaction has reached its climax in the Comfort Car.” Johnson Bros. 804 Chillicothe Street. Phone 101.

Hupmobile

Historical Note – Robert C. Hupp was an engineer who worked with Ransom Eli Olds and Henry Ford before setting up his own car company in November 1909.

TIMES AD: “Allen. Where the Allen excels – on good looks and performance, Allen is superior. Allen has the clean-cut, bevel-edge, streamline sought by buyers of much higher priced cars. The Allen has more power and a quicker 'pick-up' than the engine of any other comparable automobile.” Allen Sales Company, Simon and Barry agents, 1638 Gallia Street. Phone 680.

Historical Note – The Allen was an American automobile, built at Fostoria, Ohio between 1913 and 1921. The 1920 Allen 43 was a handsome craft, featuring bevel-sided touring coachwork and a high-shouldered radiator. Unfortunately, sales of this vehicle were not enough to avert the company's bankruptcy, which followed in 1921. Willys acquired what little was left.

TIMES AD: “It is here! The new Velie Six. With high cowl body design, distinctive radiator and hood, border fenders, octagonal lamps.” Superior Motors. Gay and Gallia Streets.

Historical Note – Velie was a brass era American automobile make produced by the Velie Motors Corporation in Moline, Illinois from 1908 to 1928. The company was founded by and named for Willard Velie, a maternal grandson of John Deere.

TIMES AD: “New Mitchell Sixes. The Victory Model – New in 100 ways. Mitchell Sixes have long been famed for saving oil and fuel. We save you much on operating costs – Add 75% to endurance. The new crank shaft is twice balanced on two new types of balancing machines. A thermostat controls the temperature of liquids, air and gas. The water, until heated, does not reach the radiator. Five passenger touring car $1475 f.o.b. from factory.” Windel Motor Car Company 914-916 Fourth Street Phone 426.

Historical Note – Mitchell-Lewis Motor Company was founded in 1900 in Racine, Wisconsin as a motorcycle maker spin-off from the wagon maker Mitchell & Lewis Company Ltd. The company began manufacturing automobiles in 1903. The wagon business and auto companies were combined into Mitchell-Lewis Motor Co. in 1910. The Mitchell car brand produced automobiles from 1903 to 1923.

TIMES AD: “Dort – the quality goes clear through. Careful records have been kept as to the precise expense of maintaining a Dort in daily service. They show the average cost per mile of travel to be remarkably low.” David Stahler, Agent. 514-516 Second Street.

1919 Dort

TIMES AD: “There's a Republic truck to fit your business. Whether you are a manufacturer, contractor, farmer – or whatever your line, you will find a Republic truck to fit all the requirements of your particular hauling problem. Seven models – three-fourths ton to 5 ton. Every Republic has the eternal gear drive that delivers from 12%-26% more more of the motor power to the wheels than any other form of drive. Universal Motor Company. Ninth and Chillicothe Streets.

Historical Note – The Republic Motor Truck Company was a manufacturer of commercial trucks circa 1913 - 1929, in Alma, Michigan. By 1918, it was recognized as the largest exclusive truck manufacturer in the world, and the maker of one out of every nine trucks on the roads in the United States. It was one of the major suppliers of "Liberty trucks" used by the American troops during World War I.

How about some tires for that ride. Well, vulcanizing is available to refurbish precious, expensive automobile tires. There's a company in Portsmouth that specializes in the “art.”

TIMES AD: “Where vulcanizing, treading, and rebuilding tires is a superlative art. Our plant, as it is equipped now, can be utilized in building new tires.” The Home Vulcanizing Company. Sixth and Gay Streets. Phone 500.

Clothing stores abound in Portsmouth in 1919 – the Whens Store, Schmidt and Son, the Atlas Company, Joseph Brown, Geo. W. Ahrend, Bragdon Dry Goods, Martings, the Hans Store, A. Brunner and Son, and more. It is very popular time for hats – both men and women frequently wore them. Don't forget the shoes. Shopping in the area must have been a vibrant activity.

TIMES AD: “The real millinery event of the season starts Saturday, May 10. 200 Gage hats – New, classy, stylish, every hat worth $7.50-$10.00. $4.95. Gage hats are the premier hats of the world.” Mrs. Anne Rice. 1005 Gallia Street.

TIMES AD: “Sable marmot coats, 50 inches length, $149.50 and up. Wolf scarfs, all shades, $29.50 and up. Silk velvet hats, $5.98 to $14.98.” Liberty Clothing Company. 408 Chillicothe Street. Phone 1493.

TIMES AD: “Excelsior Shoes. Notice to mill workers: We have a spendid mill shoe, especially adapted for Hot Mills. No. 1 Welt with Crome sole, no nails. These shoes are well worth $6.00. While they last at $3.95. Open every evening until 7:30, Saturday 10:00.” Munion's Shoe Store. 1508 Gallia Street. Phone 1155-Y.

The Excelsior Shoe Company five story building extended

 along Gallia street from Findlay to John streets.

“What is there to do?” is most often a question meant to elicit answers about available entertainment. I believe you may be surprised to discover some of the ads that address this question. Not only is the sky the limit, but films and record players are making a huge splash in 1919. Let's start with something I would not think would be that popular here at the time – flying.

TIMES AD: “Take a trip in the clouds. Safe planes, skilled aviators. At William Johnson Farm, on the West Side, one mile from new Scioto Bridge. Flights will begin at 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday – October 14, 15, 16. All evening. Straight pleasure flights $15.00. Stunt flights $25.00. Service Aviation Training and Transportation Company, Wabash, Indiania.

TIMES AD: “Portsmouth will be bombarded by the air next Tuesday morning, October 14, by the National Cash Register Company's airship “Cruiser of the Clouds.” Each lucky bomb attached to a number will entitles the finder to the following absolutely free:

“Bomb Number One – One complete overhaul and repair job free.

Bomb Number Two – One full year's supplies for any size or style of register free.

Bomb Number Three – $5.00 gold piece free.

Bomb Number Four – Handsome bouquet of American Beauty roses free.

“Lieutenant C.M. Brunmeth, Retired of the Royal Flying Corp., will do the bombing using the same methods he used on the Western Front bombing the enemy.” The National Cash Register Company, J.C. Yancey, Sales Agent.

TIMES AD: “The new Edison – The phonograph with a soul. A musical ideal that cost three million dollars. Would you spend three million dollars to get music? Thomas A. Edison did. He gave it to all the world. The story of the perfection of the new Edison is like the story of the wizard's other successes.” Summers and Son. 848 Gallia Street.

Victrola 

TIMES AD: “A portable Victrola adds joy to your outings. Let music increase your outdoor pleasures – in the woods or fields; at the mountains or shore. The Victrola is ready to entertain you any time, anywhere; and it is always at your command for dancing too. Easy to carry from place to place. Also easy to possess. We arrange terms to suit your convenience. Call us and let us give you a demonstration.” Kay-Graham Company. 1035 Gallia Street. Phone 1086.

Historical Note – The Victor Talking Machine Company was an American record company and phonograph manufacturer headquartered in Camden, New Jersey. The company was founded by engineer Eldridge R. Johnson, who had previously made gramophones to play Emile Berliner's disc records. After a series of legal wranglings between Berliner, Johnson and their former business partners, the two joined to form the Consolidated Talking Machine Co. in order to combine the patents for the record with Johnson's patents improving its fidelity. Victor Talking Machine Co. was incorporated officially in 1901 shortly before agreeing to allow Columbia Records use of its disc record patent.

TIMES AD: “The Pathe. The perfect phonograph – the crowning triumph of Pathe Freres of motion picture fame. $5.00 cash delivers this Pathe. No needles to change. Guaranteed for life. $95 Pathephone, Easy payments. Levi's Furniture. 1007-1009 Gallia Street.

TIMES AD: “Pathe Phonograph Records. On sale now. Hear them at the Pathe shop.” Levi's Furniture. 1007-1009 Gallia Street.

Historical Note – The Pathé record business was founded by brothers Charles and Émile Pathé, then owners of a successful bistro in Paris. In the mid-1890s they began selling Edison and Columbia phonographs and accompanying cylinder records. Shortly thereafter, the brothers designed and sold their own phonographs. These incorporated elements of other brands.

TIMES AD: “Columbia Phonographs and Records. No store in the city is better prepared to care for your Columbia wants – either Graphonolas or records. 6,500 records to choose from. Every late Columbia record here – Come and we'll play your favorite for you. Our booths are always at your service. The Distel Furniture Company. 7^th and Chillicothe Streets.

Historical Note – At first, like nearly all other early record players, all Grafonolas were driven by a spring motor that the user had to wind up with a crank before playing a record or two. In 1915, Columbia began to introduce electric-motor-driven models, as a majority of urban areas had been wired to electrical grids. The electrified Grafonolas supported both alternating and direct currents from 110 to 220 volts. Electrified Grafonolas never gained the popularity enjoyed by the spring-motor-driven versions due to substantially higher prices and lack of electrical service in rural areas.

TIMES AD: “Adolph Zukor presents Elsie Ferguson in Under the Greewood Tree. “From society belle to gipsy girl.” Film at the Columbia.

TIMES AD: “Anita Stewart in Her Kingdom of Dreams. The romance of marriage of convenience. A picturization of Louise Provost's powerful novel published in the People's Home Journal. Seven reels of exquisite screen drama. Film at the Lyric.

Are you looking for a drink? Well, you may try some buttermilk. 1919 is during Prohibition in the United States (a nationwide constitutional ban on the production, importation, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages from 1920 to 1933). In early 1933, Congress adopted a resolution proposing a 21st Amendment to the Constitution that would repeal the 18^th Amendment. Can you imagine the speakeasies the served and the lucrative moonshine business during the ban?

TIMES AD: “14 more days then everybody drinks Lactone buttermilk.”

“It's the drink without tax.

And we're stating the facts

When we say that it's wholesome and pure.

“If you try it today,

There's no doubt you will say

This stuff has me goin' for sure.

“Pure as the sun's rays. Physicians recommend it – everybody drinks it. Why don't you? 5 cents at the fountain – any quantity in bulk. Freund's Pharmacy. Gallia and Offnere.

TIMES AD: “Two and three-fourths percent beer produces 100 percent crimes. Prohibition slogan: 'The long word “yes” on the long ballot; the short word “no” on the short ballot.'” J.B. Hawk, Secretary and Manager. Scioto Dry Federation.

And, keep 'em down on the farm. The local paper assisted farmers with new developments in products and services. I wonder how many were using that mash for something other than chicken feed?

TIMES AD: “The average hen forms about 210 yolks per year, but only lays as many eggs as she gets protein to form the whites, usually about 80, the rest of the yolks being reabsorbed into her system. Whole and cracked grains such as the Scratch feeds only about ten percent protein where Lay or Bust Dry Mash contains eighteen percent protein enabling the hen eating it to lay 240 eggs a year. Your money back if not satisfied.” Coburn Brothers. Phone 745 for a free trial.

It was 1919. 100 years ago. World War I had just ended. With peace, everything felt new again. The year signified a momentous shift in the political climate and social culture of the United States. The 19th Amendment ensuring women’s right to vote was finally passed. Fashion was changing as quickly as the socio-political climate. From high collar shirtwaist blouses and ankle length skirts worn over constricting chest-to-thigh corsets, women began wearing calf-length dresses, with lower necklines and shorter sleeves.

But, life for most people had its serious downsides. Soldiers who had just returned from the Great War discovered there were few jobs for them, and most of those jobs were at wages insufficient to support families. This led to numerous strikes.

Other unrest occurred. Reacting to horrible repression, black Americans struck back at white abuses in a series of violent racial conflicts that rocked both urban and rural communities.

And, the U.S. Attorney General pushed back against a perceived “Red Scare” of communist agitators, leading to mass imprisonments and deportations that reflected more a growing sense of anti-immigrant prejudice than any actual danger.

It seems some things never change. We still struggle with poverty, racial inequality, and anti-immigrant prejudice. We make strides and still suffer pitfalls. What affected the citizens of the small village of Lucasville the most? Maybe it was the daily grind and the goings on of the vibrant environment in which they lived. I know one thing. Ads from our local paper paint an interesting yet much different picture of the time than I ever derived from brief paragraphs in historical texts.

How Ya Gonna Keep'em Down On The Farm

Arthur Fields, 1919

Reuben, Reuben, I've been thinking

Said his wifey dear

Now that all is peaceful and calm

The boys will soon be back on the farm

Mister Reuben started winking and slowly rubbed his chin

He pulled his chair up close to mother

And he asked her with a grin [

Chorus (sung twice after each verse):]

How ya gonna keep 'em down on the farm

After they've seen Paree'

How ya gonna keep 'em away from Broadway

Jazzin around and paintin' the town

How ya gonna keep 'em away from harm, that's a mystery

They'll never want to see a rake or plow

And who the deuce can parleyvous a cow?

How ya gonna keep 'em down on the farm After they've seen Paree'

Rueben, Rueben, you're mistaken

Said his wifey dear

Once a farmer, always a jay

And farmers always stick to the hay

Mother Reuben, I'm not fakin

Tho you may think it strange

But wine and women play the mischief

With a boy who's loose with change

Watch the video, click: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYflT3h6lCQ