The billboard (July-Dec 1896)

BittBOARD Advertising. DILL Posters DEP;tnTMENT -^ A CLOSE ASSOCIATION. Can an association of bill posters by simple decree do away with all possibil- ity of opposition? We nnhesitatingly state that it can not. Mr. Stahlbrodt's association has tried it for the past five years or more, and during that time it has not eliminated a single case of oppo- sition. We repeat it, not one single case. This should be proof enough for his blindest devotees, but there are many— many more potent and powerful reasons, which if considered dispassionately and calmly, will convince the most skeptical and obtuse that opposition is entirely a local issue, and one which if touched upon at all by an association, must be handled with the greatest care and dis- cretion, or it will inevitably react and bring general discredit upon the organi- zation. Associations (we use the plural advis- eiily, for there have been several) which have endeavored to annihilate existing firms and prevent the establishment of new plants, have always been operated upon the so-called "close association" plan; that is, they admit to membership only one member from any one town or city. Advertisers and middlemen are then notified that they most patronize members of the association only. It so happens, however, that advertis- ers are very mtich like bill posters, in that they are human, and therefore prone to err. At any rate, if the opposition has some particularly fine locations or offers inducements in the way of lower rates, the advertiser frequently gives him all, or at least the greater portion of his business. Sometimes he does so solely because-he has been told that he must not; sometimes it may be because the as- ' sociation member is a snrly and disconr- teous boor, while his opponent is a good fellow. The result is much the same in .any event, the paper is placed as the ad- vertiser chooses. The next move on the part of the asso- ciation is an attempt to force or compel the advertiser to go counter to his judg- ment. He is notified that he must pa- tronize such bill posters as the associa- tion names, and cease to do business in the manner which has seemed to him most expedient and wise. If he still remains obdurate, it some- times happens, as in the case of the Iiiggett & Myers Company and the Cal- ifornia. Kg Syrup Company, that the boycott (that dastardly, despicable and un American measure) is actually in- voked. And what is the result? Failure! al- ways and inevitably failure! For while. there are "some bill posters, who will ob^ a boycott order &om motives of principle, there are others who are unal- terably opposed to it on principle, and a large percentage who ignore the order from a total lack of principle." This has always been the history of boycotts, and it always will be. They have been used effectively as threats in rare instances, but in actu^ practice they have always failed. Even granting, merely for the sake of argument, that one could be successfully instituted and conducted, what would the outcome be? Surely, if the adver- tiser (against whom it was directed) had any spirit whatever, if he possessed 'a single spark of manhood, he would never patronize a bill poster again. Other mediums—and their name is legion— though not to be compared with the boards, would thenceforth claim all of his datronage. It will be seen, therefore, that the "dose association" not only fails of its end, but is entirely impractical and in- imicable to the best interests of the bill jioster. It can not protect its members without antagonizing the advertiser, and it can not antagonize the advertiser with- out hurting the bill-posting business. It naturally follows, furthermore, that the bill poster who joins an association with the idea that he] thereby secures im- munity from opposition, is the dupe of a designing and unscrupulous miscreant who promises protection that he can not give. When Stahlbrodt was forming the As- sorted BUI Posters' Association, this inducement was his chief stock in trade, and bill posters everywhere eagerly ex- changed their cash for his green goods certificates and fancied security. In many instances it was aU they ever got, for the Associated Bill Posters' Asso- ciation has never benefited any one ex- cept Edward A. Stahlbrodt He is in New York. He must be fairly well es- tablished, for it seems that be has al- ready commenced to "grind" in the mat- ter of prices, and he wotild never dare commence cutting unless he was assured of his position. He can never achieve the real object of his ambition', the exclusive control of all middlemen's privileges. Even the connivance and support of designing Sam Pratt and the blind devotion of his deluded adherents can not secure that for him, and it is a blessing to bill post- ers that it so, for they could not possibly have delivered themselves into the power of a more merciless and mercenary task- master. Michigan will have six members at the 1. B. P. A. convention, all pledged for I/eonard. THE AD-SMITH'S IDEA AP- PLIED TO POSTERS. BY iUM \V. HOKE. The ad-suiith is a comparatively new institution, but tlie best of him has come to staj'. Some years ago newspaper ad- vertising was as dreary as ordinary trade- journal advertising is to-day. The ads said nothing, and they said that nothing so repeatedly that if any one ever read them the advertiser was unable to find it out The ad-smith has come with a hurrah and has changed much of this, and as a result much of the newspaper advertising pays, and pays extremely well. Seigel, Cooper & Co.. of Chicago, and Bloomingdale Bros., of New York, and Wanamaker, of Philadelphia, use a dif- ferent advertisement every time they in- sert an advertisement in a newspaper; and every ad brings back its cost several times over within forty-eight hours, and the portions of tlie ads that do not pay are known very early in the day, and the reasons are carefully looked for. The ordinary one horse dealer at once exclaims: "Oh, yes, these department stores have everything, and can sell a lot of things below cost to draw a crowd!" Well, I-will leave the department storek then, because life is too short to convince some people that they make a profit on every article they sell, and let's look at Refers, Peet & Co. They have a thor- oughly legitimate clothing store, and they use a small ad, and a new one every day; afld they know before bedtime every night whether that day's ad paid or not The Columbia Bicycle is a good adver- tiser, and no one ever accused Colonel Pope of seUing at a loss; the Columbia newspaper advertising is seldom re- peated. I don't remember of seeing the same ad twice this year, unless in differ- ing publications. Is it practicable to adopt these plans in bill posting? Will the returns justify the expense of getting up a new poster every week, or twice a week, or every other day? Old nevpspaper advertisers claimed that they could not afford to pay five hundred, one thousand, or five thou- sand a year for new ads, to say nothing of the added expense of putting the new ads in type, but they don't now. It would cost a great deal of money to get up a new poster every week or oftener, and the bill posters would want extra pay for the extra work. But if it has July 1896. paid so extraordinarily in newspapers, why shouldn't it with posters? If I had a million and wanted another, I think I'd try it. Sir. Campbell's paper, the so-called "official organ," but which in reality is merely the mouthpiece of Stahlbrodt, Campbell & Co. comes out later "each succeeding month. It would not sur- prise a few of the knowing ones if it failed to appear entirely at no distant date, for despite the brave show of pros- perity which it makes, it is only a bluff. It is whispered that the advertisers, who make its existence possible, are tired that the Riverside Show Printing Com pany of Milwaukee is tired; that the A. B. P A. is tired ; that Campbell is tired— in fact everybody connected with it is tired except McManus, and even he in spite of his snap also gets tired occasion- ally, especially when Campbeljletsout a few bellows in the editorial sanctum. The meeting of the Inter-State Bill Posters' Protective Association, which takes place at Chicago, 111., on- July 21- 23 next, promises to be the largest gath- ering of bill posters that has ever oc- curred in the history of the craft. No one who is not in. close touch with the mbvement can form any idea of the zeal and intense earnestness which pervades the new organization. Over one hun- dred members have voluntarily pledged themselves to attend. When printing houses can afford to keep traveling solicitors on the road at great expense the year round, it is pass- ing strange that the bill poster can not profitably solicit his local trade. He has no expense in the matter of railroad fares; no hotel bills, none of the thou- sand and one incidental expenses that the traveling solicitor is under, and he does have the same commission and the added inducement of the profit on the bill posting. Retailers are not only will- ing to use posters, they are anxious. This, combined with the fact that the pictorial posters now issued by the lead- ing poster printers are so apt and strik- ing, makes the task an easy and inviting one. Harry Munson will be elected presi- dent of the Inter-State, and Clarence E. Runey will be re-elected secretary. "No commissions for Stahlbrodt" is the slogan of a large and ever-growing faction of the Inter-State Association. PhiL V. Oliver's Pet. A sample of the kind they have in Findlay, Ohio. —a July, 1896, LiAVVN rETE _ 61VEN BY .^= TFfE "rbUNS LADIES J? The Inter-State convention at Chicago, July 21-23, will be a thoroughly repre- sentative gathering. Mr. Green, of Seibc & Green, San Francisco; Messrs. Atwood & Ames, of Providence, R. I.; W. R. Bumitt, of Ardmore, I. T.; Albert Weber, of New Orleans; P. G. Stout, of St. Louis; Spaulding & Gordon, of Boise City, Ida.—in fact the East, West, North and South will all be fully represented. The bill posters from the smaller towns will be out in force and will be made welcome. Poster printers, advertising agents and prominent advertisers will also be present in large numbers. All is not harmony in the ranks of the gang which controls the A. B. P. A. Campbell has warmed up to Gude, and Stahlbrodt views the cordiality thus re- established with marked disfavor. It is also said that Carroll does not love Stahl- brodt like he used to. J. M. Dishon, of Terre Haute, uses a neat business card, printed in four colors. It represents a three-sheet board. BILLBOARD ADVERTISING. L. E. Tieman, the only bill poster at Belleville, 111., is an enthusiastic member of the Inter State Bill Poster's Associa- tion, and this organization owes much of its growth and prosperity to his indefa- tigable efforts. The tornado at St Louis played hob with the Huiest Stout Sign Company boards, but they have them all np again and in better condition than ever. There will be two conventions in July —that is to say two conventions of bill posters. One of them may or may not be fairly attended, the other is certain to be very largely attended. This latter will meet at Chicago July 2r. Bir.1. Sticker— "I'll just stick a three-sheet of the leg show on dis board now de Festival is over. We clip the follomng from Art in Advertising, which since we entered the field has inaugurated a very creditable department devoted to billboards, painted bnlletins and mural sig^ns. That term "hoardtng^ used by the English to designate their bulletins and billboards is a very convenient word, and we do not see why it is not adopted here. It is comprehensive and expressive; more comprehensive, we think, than any term in use here. We often find our- selves somewhat at a loss for a word to express in a fully comprehensive way just what this word • "hoardings" comprises. "Billboard" doesn't always fill the bill, because that im- plies paper and does not include painted signs. "Bulletin-board" applies, more especially, as we understand it, to single stands, and is not properly used in that connection either. "Fence" is not appropriate; our spaces for dis- play are not always fences, and the term is not technical. Then we have .■'boards,•• "stands," . and all the rest, but they do not cover the ground as "hoardings" does. For our part, we say, let ns adopt the word "hoardings.*' We shall in these columns. The same journal also announces that R. C. Campbell is a candidate for re- election as president of the A. B. P. A. In this connection, it observes, "consid- erable opposition exists in certain quar tets, and is growing." Art in Advertis- ing is quite correct. Mr. Campbell's boom has about as much chance as a snowball in hades. B11.1. Sticker— "Hully Gee ! Dey didn't give me any middle sheet. I'll jest stick de top and bottom sheets and chase back forde other. Jake J. Disch, the bustling bill poster at Kenosha, has Star Plug, Pabst Tonic, Schilling & Co.'s "American" Lady Cor- set, Crescent Bicycles, and a host of other paper on his boards for this month. He has just added several new stands to his already large list of good locations, besides a number of three and one sheet boards. The report that he had gone out of the business is not true. He will keep on hustling just the same as he has in the past seven years. Tom by intemicine strife and disseti- tion, loaded down with indebtedness, stripped of Canada, Minnesota, Wiscon- sin, niinois and Kentucky, the once splendid organization, the Associated Bill Posters' Association is in a most piti- able plight This is what gang rule has done for it, and this is what Geo. Leonard and the Liberals will have to undo. Their task is not an easy one, for they will be seriously handicapped by the apathy and indifference of the members in the smaller towns. These have been duped so often in the past by the false and alluring promises and inducements of the gang that they view with distrust any and all persons or plans that have to do with the A. B. P. A. in any manner whatever. The public responds to posters as stire- ly and quickly as the report of a gun fol- lows the discharge of a bullet. Col. ALBERT WEBER. On page 5 we present an excellent por- trait of Col. Albert Weber, the well- known city bill poster and distributor of New Orleans. He was bom in that city on July 9, 1852, and is the son of Sylves- ter and Catharine M. Weber. His par- ents were bom in Alsace, Germany, and were married in that place. They came to the United Statesiin 1842, locating in New Orleans, where Mr. Weber estab- lished himself in the grocery business. He built up a good and profitable trade, which continued up to the time of his death, in 1854. Albert Weber in his youth was of a wild disposition and could not brook the restraint of life at school. He soon gave up school life and ran a-way, thus de- priving himself of the advantages of a good education. Despite his general dis- inclination to attend school he was of a very studious disposition, .and' sought every opportunity to store his brain with useful knowledge. At eight years of age he was selling newspapers on the streets and earning a livelihood for himself, and at that time he obtained considerable at- tention by reason of his unusual bright- ness and shrewd business ability. When but twelve years of age he engaged in bill posting and the distributing of ad- vertisements, being at that time the youngest person in America engaged in that line. This justly gained for him a national reputation, and he became fa- mous from the Atlantic to the Pacific. He is conceded to be the most expert in this country; he is an accomplished linguist, and speaks English, German and French with great fluency; he is a great believer in secret and fraternal or- ganizations, and is a prominent member THE. ©REft-r Q30TCHIE DANG& '^*^=«v O.DCJllMffil i^iu i'vSS"flppcfl|j Rkv. O. B. Caref-cl —"Gracious me ! -what a sacrilege. It must he hidden from view at once. Oh dear! here comes Sister Smith, she must not see it." < Proceeds to stand before it). of fraternal societies; he is Past-Dictator of Columbia Lodge No. 2546, K. of H.; Past-Archon of Crescent Conclave, Order of Heptosophs Seven Wise; member Alpha Home Lodge No. 72, F. & A. M^; meinber Kenilworth Lodg^ No. 59,: K. of H., and Orleans division No. i. Famous Battle Ax's Cross, K. of P.; member Crescent Lodge No. 22, -4.. O. U W.; also member Order Fmanuel No. 2, and mem- ber Famous Continental Guards, Com- pany A; Past-President Patriotic Order Sons of America, Washington Camp No. 5, which he made banner of America; Past-Commander Crescent Commandery No. 9. U. S. K. of H., and Colonel Weber was appointed Adjutant-General on staff of Gen. S. H. Henry, of Louisiana, and also a member of Socidale Servants Ben- nificiani Mutual Spanish and American Association, one ot the finest organiza- tions in. New Orleans. Mr. Weber took excellent care of his widowed mother up to the time of her death, three years ago, when he joined the ranks of the benedicts. FROM NEW YORK CITY. New York. June 24th, 1896. Editor Bii,z.BOARD Advertising, Cincinnati, O. _ Dear Sir—Oji arriving at my office this morn- ing, after an absence ol two weeks, I found your communications of June 7 and 17 awaiting my personal attention. 1 feel very much hon. ored by having my name favorably mentioned as a candidate for the office of president of the Inter-State Bill Posters' Protective Association, and being indorsed by such reliable andweU- known bill posters as Stive & Green, of San Francisco, Cal., p. P. Schaefer. of Chicago, 111., and Clarence E. Runey, of Waukegan, ill. i feel more than gratified, and furthermore hope to meet these gentlemen at the convention in July, when I wiU be able to thank them person- ally. I should very much like to accept the presi dency of the Inter-State Association, « my health would allow, but my physician has given me positive orders to take no active part in bus- iness for the present, and in thU regard I am trying to obey his orders as much as business will permit. Whoever accepU the office of president ought to give the association considerable Ume and attention, and use Ws utmost endeavors to make the. Inter-State Association the only relUble bill posters'association in the TTnited States, giving entire satisfaction to the advertisers, and thereby assuring the advertiser, without doubt - that by using the billboaids for pnUictty, will give qnicfcer, cheaper and better results than in aU the other modes of advertising combined. With the co-operation of the broad-minded and well-knoirn Board of Directors, this, no doubt, can be done, and I win further state that the Inter-SUte Association has been a large lac- tor during the past year in securing the confi- dence of the advertisers, by giving good, hon- est and satisfactory service, and it speaks well for the energy of iu members in bringing about this result in so short a time. "' Whoever is honored with the election as pres- ident of the Association—which, no doubt. wlU be worthy of his election-will receive my ear- nest support and coK>peration in the East. - I will take great pleasure in attending the convenUon. should nothing Jiappen Xa prevent in the meantime, and then hope to meet the largest gathering of reliable bill posters that ever attended a bill posters convention. In closing. 1 wish to .hank Biu.board Ad- vertises for the stand they have Uken in protecting the rights ot the advertiser and bill poster in endeavoring to secure good, honest service and satisfactory resulU, thereby being a mutual benefit to both. Again thanking the members of the Inter-State Association for courtesies extended and with best wishes, I beg to remain. Yours truly, H. MlTNsojr, 42 Duane Street, and 228 East I2sth Street. O. B. Carefoi. —"I most try to look uncon- cerned and she may not notice it." Sister Smith— (To herself.) "Merciful pow- ers, the minister intcxicated, and a teraperence lecturer. Who could have.believed it r*