Alan Mays' photos with the keyword: parlors

"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 .

Handwritten note on the back of this real photo postcard: "Austin, Lomah, & Jonas, a musical blow-out."

For more information, see The Ghost Card, or the Skeleton on the Wall (below). For the back of the card, see Whip and Fan Flirtations (below).

A novelty card with instructions for experiencing a ghostly afterimage of a "skeleton on the wall." For a vertical view of the skeleton, see a rotated version of the card (below). The other side contains a list of Whip and Fan Flirtations (below). For other cards that use the afterimage effect, see Hank Keene's Magic Picture and Lasting Impressions . The Ghost Card, or the Skeleton on the Wall Directions . Select a small black spot on a white wall, or white sheet—a spot that you can find again at once; let this spot be in a deep shadow . Then holding the card in the hand gaze intently on the eye of the skeleton, while the light falls brightly on the card. Keep the eyes on this one spot without moving or winking for two minutes; then suddenly look at the spot on the wall for two minutes. Keep the eye very steady in both cases, you will then see distinctly the same skeleton on the wall. For a parlor entertainment this is one of the grandest things ever witnessed.

"To all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 1884. 1885. Compliments of A. K. Hoffmeier, manufacturer and dealer in fine medium and common furniture, No. 26 East King St., Lancaster, Pa."

"This card good for one free ice cream cone, Scooperman Ice Cream Parlor, 185 N. Second St., Highspire, Pa. 17034. One card per visit. Expires: Nov. 30, 1985." Alas, Scooperman closed many years ago!

The 1893 edition of Boyd's Directory of Harrisburg and Steelton , p. 29, lists a "Hope Steam Fire Engine Co., No 2," in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, with an address on "2d [Street] bet[ween] State and North," and I believe that this is the same "Hope Fire Co. No. 2" described here, with a fire house located at "Second and North Streets." Although the fire company itself no longer exists, the "Hope Station" building is now the Fire House Restaurant . "Bazaar and fair, Hope Fire Co. No. 2, March 18 to 25 inclusive. We cordially invite you, your family, and friends to attend this bazaar and fair, which will be held in the parlor of fire house, Second and North Streets. Something doing every minute. Donations of cakes and candies will be appreciated. Admission free, everyone welcome. Raysor, printer."