Dreaming of Corned Beef

This girl could be dreaming of a white Christmas, but instead, she's dreaming of corned beef.  The trade card was produced sometime in the 1870s. There was a famous company by the name of Libby, McNeill & Libby, which specialized in canned meat. They are now known as just Libby, and they still produce canned meats (think Vienna sausages.)

The back of the card is also interesting.  It provides a space for a receipt for goods bought at George Mason, dealer in teas, coffees, & fine groceries in Paterson New Jersey. Here's the back of the card:

 

Business in Binghamton #3

This is a trade card and a puzzle card from about 1890. It's not very pretty, but that seems appropriate, considering it's advertising evaporated pie preparations.

According to the instructions, you are supposed to find a number of things hidden in the picture. While the card is not very pretty, the list of things you are supposed to look for is just bizarre:

Find - Phrenologist at the seaside - Brigand on the mountain - Punch and Judy show - Tramp splitting wood - Cat playing fiddle - Citizen stepping on electric wire - Washington shot at by an Indian - Clown riding on elephant's trunk - Indian club swinger - Jersey mosquito chasing stranger - Nigger riding mule - McCarthy and his mare and Lady jumping through ring of fire.

Merry Christmas to Brother Walter

I have so many cards to Walter from his siblings. I wonder if he wrote back to them or adored them as much as they did him.

The message to Mr. Walter Till reads:

To Bro Walter from Sister + Brother Susan + Frank. Why don't you ever write again. loads of love for  merry XMas + a Happy New Year.