Rosie's Ramblings

July 2, 2001

Hello Out There,

I have already accomplished one of my goals for the summer. I have inventoried my needle books. I was stunned to realize that my collection has grown to around 500. Though there are collecting dry spells, I continue to accumulate new needle books and more importantly my wish list seems to have no end. I don’t really want to have every needle book made….I enjoy the anticipation as much as the acquisition.

This month I have added an introductory article to my advertising needle book page. Premium needle books were natural extensions of early trade card promotions. Trade cards gave businesses a way to make their product or service appeal to consumers. Needle books gave them a way to entice women directly. Go here to read more about it.

Since advertising seems to be the theme this month, I’ve added some more in that category. All of these needle books are extra small – roughly 2 by 3 inches. The first advertises 101, “The Bottle of Miracles”. It has 101 different uses that include everything from whitening clothes to curing dandruff. A lovely little girl illustrates the cover for Mrs. McCormick’s Beauty Cream available in 25 or 50-cent sizes. Doesn’t that seem a little steep for back then? The next example is compliments of Thomas J. Connelly, Democratic candidate for county treasurer in 1924. The cover girl is a beautiful, but melancholy sailor. A teenager with bobbed hair and tennis racket introduces us to Delco-Light farm electricity. The blurb says “Let the sunshine of Delco-Light Shine in Your Home”. It claims that electricity saves energy and contributes to the happiness of all. There is some truth in advertising.

I do hope you enjoy this month’s featured books. As always I would like to say thanks. It’s letters from you that make this effort worthwhile.

Love,

Rosie

e-mail: rosierider@yahoo.com

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