Alan Mays' photos with the keyword: awards

An early nineteenth-century reward of merit . The "Elizabeth Bradley" who received this reward of merit may be the same "Betsy Bradley" listed on a Diligence Ticket from the same time period. Reward of Merit This certifies that Elizabeth Bradl[ey] is a good scholar and merits much praise from her instructor Albert Caswell, Caldwell, March 18, 1826.

A reward of merit dating to the early nineteenth century. According to Patricia Fenn and Alfred P. Malpa's book about Rewards of Merit (1994), pp. 205-6, Henry Dodd and James Stevenson, Jr., were in business together as printers in Salem, New York, from 1814 to 1831. The "Betsy Bradley" listed on this Diligence Ticket may be the same "Elizabeth Bradley" who received a Reward of Merit for a Good Scholar, 1826 . Diligence Ticket To Betsy Bradley for diligence in study, is this certificate given. E. Durham, Ins. Dodd & Stevenson, Printers, Salem.

A nineteenth-century reward of merit. Bank of Merit 20 Shares of Stock to the Holder God offers reward, my Teacher does the same--they both encourage me. I tried, and success crowned my efforts. Harry Lightcap, Pupil. Benjamin Rich, Teacher. 20. XX.

"Reward of Merit presented to Oliver K. Ott, by William C. Weiss, teacher. An honorable testimony of approbation for industry, punctuality, & good conduct." Probably the same Oliver K. Ott (1860-1944) who's listed on Find A Grave.

"Reward of Merit for Correct Deportment. To Martha E. D. Logan. From Mary E. Miller."

Although I haven't uncovered any specific information regarding Thomas Edison's Uncle Sam automaton at the Columbian Exposition in 1893, I suspect that it wasn't too far removed from the inventor's unsuccessful talking doll, which appeared in 1890. For info on this, see Gaby Wood, Edison's Eve: A Magical History of the Quest for Mechanical Life (Knopf, 2002); Edison’s First, Less Scary Talking Doll Recording , a posting on The History Blog; a page dealing with the Edison Talking Doll - 1890 ; and, finally, a short segment on Edison's Talking Doll (with a demo of the doll!) that aired on Discovery's Oddities show. Uncle Sam The wonderful Edison talking automaton at World's Fair, delivering 40,000 speeches during the Exhibition, about Highest Award, Gold Medal, Hub Gore. Hub Gore Makers, Elastic for Shoes. Hub Gore A. Trade Mark. Highest Gold Medal Awarded. Elastic for Shoes, Highest Award to Hub Gore Makers. Columbian Exposition.

R. H. Buttorff (1849-1934), a photographer in York, Pennsylvania, used an advertising trade card showing Christopher Columbus (below, front of card) to promote his "special highly finished 'Columbian' photographs" in 1893. The "Certificate of Reward" (above, back of card) that he offered to teachers for distribution to students was similar to the rewards of merit they were already familiar with. In addition to the usual student recognition for "deportment and standing in studies," however, this reward certificate doubled as a coupon redeemable for a half-price deal on cabinet photographs. Unfortunately for us, however, the expiration date was March 1, 1894.

This advertising trade card showing Christopher Columbus (above) was intended to appeal to students. R. H. Buttorff (1849-1934), a photographer in York, Pennsylvania, gave cards like this to teachers, who could then reward students for good behavior by filling out the " Certificate of Reward " (below) that was printed on the back of the card. The certificate also offered a discount on special "Columbian" cabinet photographs that students could purchase at Buttorff's studio.

"Reward of Merit for Punctuality, Industry, and Good Conduct presented to Mary Geller by Virginia Fair, teacher." With an illustration of a U.S. Civil War soldier in the middle panel.

A prime example of Victorian Gaslight Style , this sausage label uses bold colors, unique typefaces, flowing banners, shadowing, and superimposition to produce an intricate multi-layered, three-dimensional effect. "Real German Sausages. Prepared by Irvine & Stevenson, St. George Preserving Works, Dunedin. Guaranteed perfectly pure of the finest materials and free from all sinews and indigestible matter. Sixty awards. Prepared by an approved German expert. A perfect food. A real delicacy. May be eaten hot or cold. Prepared only by Irvine & Stevenson, St. George Preserving Works, Dunedin, N.Z. Mills, Dick & Co."

Reward of Merit Presented to Charles Burns, by Maria S. Hale. Come let us haste to the schoolroom away, Nor tarry a moment of time on the way, For when lessons are learn'd & our tasks are done, We may sport on the green till the set of the sun.

"Quality Courts United, Inc. Free guide, 1950. Travel first class." Cover illustration from a small booklet listing the motels affliiated with Quality Courts United.