Alan Mays' photos with the keyword: caricatures

This vinegar valentine is a postcard that was addressed to H. W. Booser, 13th Street, Harrisburg, Pa. The card was postmarked first in Lewisberry, Pa., and then a second time in Harrisburg, Pa., on Feb. 14, 1908. Although the postcard was sent anonymously with no message or signature, it's possible that the recipient recognized the sender by the postmark or through the handwriting of the address. As it turns out, Harry W. Booser lived at 121 N. 13th Street in Harrisburg, and he worked as a salesman, so the vinegary humor of the card was apparently directed at him. The Salesman His motto is still do or die And he nags you until you must buy. His line is complete And his nerve hard to beat But sometimes he goes on the fly. Signs, etc., in illustration: Office. This is our busy day. Samples. This way out. 85% discount to jobbers. Expense account.

A lemony postcard from 1906 that was connected to the "23 skidoo" fad that was popular at the time (notice the "23" on the hat or whatever it is that's on top of the lemon's head). To find out what lemons meant in the early twentieth century and how they were connected to 23 skidoo, see Skidoo 23 Is Now 37 . For more postcards, see my 23 Skidoo and Lemons Too album. The Lemon Oh, something that's yellow and egg-shape, not round! You buy by the dozen, in crates they are found; Oh, something that's handed out freely each day, "For yours" this portrait now comes to say.

"Advice to the Lovelorn. If he is bashful, I would advise you to give him plenty of encouragement. Put your arms around me–so! Oo-oo, I don't like ter! August Hutaf. P.C.K. 1908." One in a series of humorous "Advice to the Lovelorn" postcards by illustrator August Hutaf (1874-1942). For more of his work, see Advice to Vacationists–Take the Children with You (below) and my other Hutaf postcards .

"How is this for high? Farmers' National Bank, Pittsburgh, Pa." A postcard addressed on the other side to Blair Echard, R.R. No. 2, Duncansville, Pa., and postmarked Jan. 23, 1912. Handwritten message: "Dear Buz, We are stepping high in Pittsburgh, as you can see in this card. It is pretty cold here. Hope you are going to school every day and learning something too. Elmer." For other Pittsburgh postcards with similar illustrations, see Out for a Stroll in the Park and This Beats Walking (below).

"Potato Chips, 1¢, Packed for Interstate Biscuit Co., Bronx, New York. Net weight one-quarter ounce or over. Before eating. After eating." For a similar item, see I Eat at the Royal Coffee Shoppe / I Don't :

"Mrs. P. C. Williams, rooms for tourists, bath, free garage, 1211 Allegheny St., Hollidaysburg, Pa. Kozy and komfortable. Rooms for tourists. Drive in."

"Atlantic City Hot Wiener Lunch, 6th & Broad Streets, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Telephone Bell 9221. Save this blotter for your check book. Going to the dogs. Coney Island lunch counter." For a similar blotter/business card, see Swails Restaurant, Best Coffee in the City, Harrisburg, Pa.

"Dear Sir, I have sent you by express, prepaid, several sample boxes of my 15, 10, and 25 cent cigars. You will also find matches and a cutter in the package. Should they please you, just drop us a postal and we will send you more samples. Your obliging servant, A. Stogie, Cigar Maker. April 1st"

An insulting " vinegar valentine " for schoolteachers. Schoolmistress You teach each little elf More than you know yourself; And talk like a petticoat college; To spank the little boys Is the greatest of your joys; 'Tis thus you preside at the seat of knowledge. For another example of a vinegar valentine, see Wretched Typo the Printer .

An insulting " vinegar valentine " aimed at printers. Printer Lead-colored claws, tobacco-stained jaws, Wretched Typo, you cram up your stick, Drunk today to your sorrow, half sober tomorrow, And then swear you're a regular "brick." Your foreman condemns how you count up your "ems," How you "sub" it at half-price he likes, But the editor only, at his desk groaning lonely, Damns you and your interminable "strikes." For another example of a vinegar valentine, see You Teach Each Little Elf More Than You Know Yourself .

"Out for a stroll in the park. Entrance to Highland Park, Pittsburgh, Pa."

"They are on the way now. Harrisburg, Pa., ________. Dear ________. We are pleased to inform you that we are forwarding today--____ letters ____packages. And we have noted your change of address on our records. J. A. Johnson, manager. The Harrisburger, Harrisburg's newest hotel, Harrisburg, Pa. U.S.M. Doc Rankin."

Cousins of Alfred E. Neuman perhaps?

A vinegar valentine postcard dating to the time when "typewriter" (rather than typist) was commonly used to refer to the person doing the typing as well as to the machine itself. Typewriter About grammar and spelling Just nothing you know, And the letters you type Are a scandalous show!

"This beats walking. Monongahela Incline, Pittsburgh, Pa."

"Swails Restaurant, R. O. Swails, prop. Before you try the rest, try the best. Strictly home cooked food. Best coffee in the city. 1913 Derry St., Harrisburg, Pa. Bell 3-9042. Open day and night. Never closed." For a similar blotter/business card, see Atlantic City Hot Wiener Lunch, Harrisburg, Pa.

"Caution. Dear Miss: The accompanying Chromo is a good illustration 'done in ile' of the gent who escorted you home last Sunday evening, as he appeared at three in the morning while ascending to his room. The Society for the 'Invention of Cruelty to Animals' wishes me to caution you against keeping him up so late again!"

"I am C. Y. Young, who the devil are you?" These two "devil cards" date to 1877.