Advertisements

Consists of some of the earliest examples from the late 19th century of paper dolls used to sell products and services. Businesses used the reverse side of the doll to print pertinent information relating to their products or services, location of the company, and brand messages. Clothing companies first used dolls in women's magazines and then later in clothing catalogues to promote ready to wear apparel and sewing patterns. Businesses involved in the food and beverage, personal care, patent medicine, household goods, and sporting goods trades also used paper dolls to sell products. Brand loyalty was created by offering different sets with each purchase. Some of the earliest American companies to use paper dolls as advertisements include Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company (A&P), Behr-Manning Company, Campbell's Soup Company, Coco-Cola Company, General Electric Company, and Quaker Oats Company. In addition, there is information about antique advertisements. Materials are arranged in alphabetical order by the name of the company.