Alan Mays' photos with the keyword: certificates

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.

A Howe U.S. Standard Scales weight card from the Pennsylvania State Agricultural Fair held in Philadelphia in 1879. For another early weight card, see Certificate of Weight, Electrical Advertising Scale Co., Pittsburgh, Pa. The Improved Howe U.S. Standard Scales No. 213 Market St., Philadelphia, Pa. Mrs. L. Y. Whitehead Weight 158½ lbs. Sep. 16th, 1879 State Fair

The Sunday school of the Third Moravian Church of Philadelphia used share certificates like this to raise funds for the purchase of a church bell. The sale of all 2,500 shares at 10 cents each would have raised $250, and perhaps that would have covered the cost of a bell in the 1870s, which is when these certificates were issued. For another nineteenth-century fundraising strategy that involved buying bricks rather than shares, see The Owner of This Card Has Purchased One Brick in the People's Church, Boston, Mass., ca. 1880 (below). Third Moravian Church Sunday School, Harrowgate, Philadelphia. 2,500 shares. 10 cents each. This is to certify that John Diehne is entitled to one shares in the bell of the Third Moravian Church at Harrogate, Philadelphia. Chas. Thieley, president. J. Lietz, secretary, Senseman & Son, Printers, 416 Callowhill Street, Philadelphia.

For a similar membership card parody published as a postcard, see Independent Order of Hot Air Dispensers Membership Card (below). Buzzer's Hot Air Club and Grand Order of Windjammers This is to certify that Mr. ________ has been elected member of Buzzer's Hot Air Club and is allowed to expound his hot air at any time with police protection. A. Airmerchant. president.

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.

"Certificate of Weight. Finger points to your exact weight: 109. Date this and keep for reference: ________. The Electrical Advertising Scale Company. Office: 97 Fourth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa." Printed on the back of the card: "If thou do the contrary to that which someone will shortly whisper in thine ear, thou will have good fortune."