Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Object of the Day, Caption Contest: Another Weird Trade Card from The Beehive Stores




Remember this?

It’s a trade card advertising for a Philadelphia-based store of the 1880s. It’s weird. I like it. I was happy to have found that card amongst a lot of ephemera which I’d purchased.

So, what were the odds that I’d buy another lot of cards with another bizarre chromolithograph from the same store? Well, pretty good, I guess, since here’s another one.



Click image to enjoy their handsome faces up close.



PARTRIDGE & RICHARDSON’S 
BEE HIVE STORES 
DRESS TRIMMINGS,

17, 19 & 21 North 8th St., Phila.



Again, innocent enough. But, the image…it’s…

Well, you tell me.

Let’s have a caption contest. Responses in the comments section, please.



20 comments:

April said...

Hasbro was shocked that their Little Rascals Death Mask Series sat on the shelves.

Joseph Crisalli said...

Except for the coveted Stymie.

Matt said...

Little Perceval was lonely until he and Bosco joined the Goethe club.

Joseph Crisalli said...

Where each member was issued a bow tie.

Sam P said...

Sadly, pastel bow ties weren't enough to cure their depression.

Joseph Crisalli said...

But it didn't hurt.

Dashwood said...

This is a brilliantly subtle portrait. If one examines it closely, one perceives that the young dandy is squeezing the back foot of his dog between his fingers (See? Right next too his ring?) The well-trained dog - not to lose his aplomb - doesn't flinch but his pain is reflected in his eyes.

The viewer must then, as in so much Great Art, wonder forever who or what, below the frame, is similarly squeezing the tootsie (at least I hope it's the tootsie) of the young man.

Joseph Crisalli said...

It's, I think, the bees from tne Bee Hive Store.

Carolyn said...

Those two need a nap.

Joseph Crisalli said...

I think more than a nap is needed.

Darcy said...

Partridge and Richardson's Beehive Store Presents
Fashion Tips for 1893
This year's big fashion "must" is the overly tight bow tie .
We want every one to try it. Your eyes will bulge just as if you were suffering from thyroid disease.
Get the LOOK. Buy your trimmings here. It will work, for the whole family even your pets
Ruffles are "out" Bow ties and Bulging eyes are "in."

Joseph Crisalli said...

Now...make it work!

Very well done, Darcy!

Angelo said...

He ain't right.

Joseph Crisalli said...

Astute observation, Angelo.

Gene said...

They both look like they're drunk. I wonder what the Bee Hive Stores are selling to minors and dogs.

Joseph Crisalli said...

You don't want to know.

Book Gurl said...

The sarsaparilla tonic came too late.

Joseph Crisalli said...

It always does.

Shawn said...

After viewing "What the Butler Saw" in the penny-arcade mutoscope, Perceval and his dog, Bosco, were never the same....

Joseph Crisalli said...

He would, many years later, sadly, become Joan Crawford's fourteenth boyfriend. Bosco, that is.