Billboard advertising (Jan-June 1899)

:-'J * tHE6aXBOA3fe6 8-tl I Danville, Ind. Editor "The Billboard:" Enclosed please And postal order tor $1, which pays my subscription to August next. The Christmas number alone was worth the amount. It is certalny the 'ne plusultra" of all the holiday publications 1 have seen. I also enclose you copy for an "ad" for the January and March issues. When the serv- ice is completed send me my bill. This is a small town of only 3,000 inhabi- tants, but I am striving hard to make it win, and believe I will yet succeed. My boards now carry over 500 sheets of paper, and I am doing considerable distributing and tacking. My prices, I believe, are as reasonable as are consistent with good, honest service. I charge four cents per sheet for posting, thirty days display, listed and protected, and $2 per thousand for distributing circulars, and $2 SO per thousand for samples. I carry the sack and do all my distributing in person, "knobing" circulars and placing samples in the houses. I have now on the boards Battle Ax, Dra- goon, Anchor and Drummond Plug Tobacco; Duke's Mixture, Dr. Prices's Medicines, ■ Buck's -Stoves, Siimond's Regulator, Sak's Clothing, and Canadian Jubilee Singers. I have recently made distributions for Dr. Miles Company, Hall's Catarrh Cure, Peruna almanacs. Dr. Burkhart, Hagee's Cod Liver Oil, Kondon's Catarrh Jelly and Family Story Paper. I hope to still further increase this branch of my business by Joining the association in the spring. My prospects for spring bill posting are the best I have ever had at this time of the year. In fact, they are so good that I intend to build about 600 feet of new boards as soon as the weather begins to open up. With the compliments of the season, and wishing "The Billboard" renewed, additional and continual success, I am, yours for busi- ness, JAMES V. COOK. Cadillace, Mich. Editor "The Billboard:'* I know and have known for a good while that an ad in "The Billboard" would pay large returns, but as much through neglect as anything I have not sent it in sooner. I do not want to "jolly'" you any, but you do get up the best paper for us posters that I ever received. I do not see how you could make it much better, but each following num- ber is still better, than the last. If we (us posters, you know) had a few more like you and some others I could name to push our business, we would have to enlarge our plants all around. May you live long-and prosper, and may no evil assail you. I know that advertising pays by the follow- ing circumstances: George Leonard, of Grand Rapids, has, or had been, pounding me on the back for a long time to go to our Michi- gan Bill Fosters conventions, but I thought I could not get away, as it was my "busy time." But last spring I dropped everything and went to Detroit with our President. 1 not only had a bully good time, but I had the conceit taken out of me completely. Al- though I was never very onceited about bill posting, for I was too old (40 years old) when I commenced, yet I thought I knew something about it. But after I had been to the convention and heard some of those old posters talk (George W. Stevenson, of Jackson; Davidson, of Bay City, etc.), I made up my mind I did not know much of anything about bill posting. I also got new ideas of how to push bill posting and dis- tributing, and I know I have been paid a good many times Tor the money and time spent while at the convention. I have built over four hundred feet of new boards since I was in Detroit, and have bad the same full all the time. I have more paper coming, and know It was the result of knowing how to push my business. Cadillac is 98 miles north of Grand Rapids, and has a population of 7.30U. We have four double band saw mills that run the year round. We have broom-handle factories, basket, stave and heading factories, planing mills, machine shops, flouring mills and other industries that are in constant opera- tion and at good wages. There Is not an idle man in town except those who do not want work, and when I am asked what kind of a town Cadillac is, 1 tell them we have everything that is good and bad, and they can take their choice. We have some very fine trout streams in this vicinity, and any one that will come here in the trout season, that belongs to "The Billboard," I will see has a good catch, and a good time also. I am-cracked a little, or a good deal, on the trout question, and if I could see and talk with you, I expert I should tire you out, the same as I have done now, I guess. So Just please excuse this rambling and disconnected letter. Very truly yours, C I. SPENCER. Lebanon, Ind. Editor "The Billboardt" Tour Christmas Edition of "The Elllboard" came to hand some days ago. an<" must say that truly it shows great skill and workman- ship, and reflects credit npon its publishers. I think "The Billboard" the ONE GREAT organ of bill posting in the United States. It has been of great benefit to our firm, and I can heartily recommend it to any bill post- er who wishes to be first class and up to date. Our business for the past six months has been good, but we look for much* Improve- ment during the coming year. We are at present building new boards, and will be bet- ter prepared to do our share of the bill post- ing in this section of the country. We have about perfected arrangements for the control of plants In Thorntown, Hazel- rigg, Whitestown, Zionsvllle and Colfax. By fo dolm; we will have one of the best sec- tions of the county to draw from; reaching In all over 10,000 people, not including the surrounding county. We are at present posting Horse Shoe Plug, Dragoon Plug, Scalping Knife, Sledge Mix- ture, Dr. Pierce, G. M. D. Tilford's Carolina' Cigar, besides local work. We also do dis- tributing. 1 wish to have your opinion on a matter which has caused me great concern lately. The Lebanon Bill Posting Co., which is do- ing business in this cty, or were, rather, do not own or control a board in the city. While they do not do much work, they are contin- ually covering our paper and causing us lio end of trouble. They are members of the In- diana State Association. We have written to Mr. Dobbins, secretary of the Association, but have had no reply from him. From the above you can proba- bly get some idea. Any plan or proposition from you would be greatly appreciated. Thanking you for past favors, we remain, yours respectfully, BALDWIN & CO., Per Stacy Darnell, Mgr. P. S.—What we desire to do is to enter the Association. Los Angeles, Cal. Editor "The Billboard:" I received an application a month ago from the Dr. Snoop Medicine Co. of Racine, Wis., desiring me to hang advertising on door knobs, with rubber bands, for $1.50 per thou- sand. I of course declined, pointing out that this could not possibly be done for the money in this climate. I have just received another application, and have reason to believe that another agency here has been employed lor the impossible work. I write therefore to. ask you in Justice to ventilate'-this matter. Perhaps, for all we know, hundreds of poor devils are being vic- timized, who have, in their abject need, vol- unteered to do the impossible. I enclose a copy of my reply to their last application. Yours truly, L. A. D. & A. CO., E. N. Rydall, Manager., Dr. Shoop Family Medicine Co.: Gentlemen—We have your favor of recent date, asking for estimate on work suggested. The placing of books on door knobs can not be done at the price you suggest. This is the land of the fig and olive. Each house has its Eden 50x120, and no man can go to each door and do the work for anything like the price you suggest. Only a fraud—some poor, lying wretch—will agree to do this, for necessity will "agree" to anything. In this connection I shall place a commu- nication before "The Billboard" and other . papers of the profession and have this whole thing investigated. It seems to us, that knowing what you know, you have some ob- ject in inviting fraud, or -wronging the indi- gent. Yours respectfully, E. H. RYDALL, Mgr. L. A. D. & A. Co. Clarksburg, W. Va. Editor "The Billboard:" Having been engaged until recently in bill posting, I beg to announce that I have re- tired from same, and will devote my time and attention to distributing and sign tack- ing, and will distribute all towns in West' Virginia of any consequence. I am open to an offer with some good, re- liable bill posting Arm, and am thoroughly capable of doing any kind of work. I can give best of references as to my reliability. This is a splendid chance for some one who ' needs a good solicitor on local work, or for- eign. My retiring from business Is another ex- ample of the small-town bill posters diffi- culty to live. I have been engaged in busi- ness for myself for over a year, gave good service, and never had a complaint. I am out not only my labor, but the expense of . erecting boards, and am over $200 behind, cash paid out of my own pocket. Is it any wonder the small-town bill posters get dis- couraged? Where, oh, -where," are the solici- tors with their numerous requests' for rates, facilities, and the great amountof work they have? Why do they call themselves solici- tors, and give us the "«o by?" They are con- tinually crying for better service, and when it is theirs for the. asking, why don't they, take advantage of it?; Why? Simply b?causa instead of their trying to better the service, they do not care. It is the poor bill posters' "shekels" they are after, and unless you ■' have a "stand in" with these most high and mighty (nit) lords of creation, you are "out in the cold." That's all. I do not wish to tire any one with a long kick about my troubles, so if there are any bill posters who are prosperous enough to give a "poor devil" a job, let them write me. Thanking you for past favors, I am, yours very respectfully, W. E. DAVID. Bowling Green, Ohio. Editor "The Billboard" We take the liberty of using the columns of "The Billboard" to let the bill posters and yourselves know what we are doing. We are just completing'a contract for the California Fig Syrup Co. for this county of 27 4x4 stands: 500 I sheets and 2.000 snipes: 5.000 folders and 50 tin signs 24x36; another with the American Tobacco Co. for 70-8 sheets stands. We are doing Duke's Mixture for this coun- tv also. We have completed contracts for 25-12 sheet stands for Friedlick & Co.: 250 sheets for Straus Bros, (local); 25-12 sheets and 50-2 sheets for the Drummond Tobacco Co.; 5,000 pieces for the Riess Clothing Co. (local); 1,100 pieces for the Shoup Remedy Company. We have slso done the work here for the Royal Remedies Co. of Dayton, Ohio: Ham- lin's Wizard Oil Co.. of Chicago, and are posting for the Valentine Theater Co., of To- ledo. We have had 4-32 sheet stands from them. We have posted for the Grand Opera House of Bowling Green, "How Hopper Got Slde-Tracked:" Morton's Comedians and the Canadian Jubilee Singers. We have on the boards at the present time Jerome Helrome, tb/'Wonderful Boy Violin- ist, and more to f Jlow. We will send yon photo of our double deck neit week. She il u uaisy. We will have four more before the end ot the niouih. "Tne Billboard" is the best advertising medium outside of the bill boards that there js in the country. Hoping this is not taking up too much of your time, and wishing you all the success iu luo world, we beg to remain, yours most respect- fully, THE AMERICAN CO. Newark, Ohio. Editor "The Billboard:" Tne distributing business is increasing greatly here. Advertisers are beginning to i»ud out who will l euuer them proper service. 1 have other distributing agents here to compete with in price, but not iu service. My late iu ihe future will be strictly ONE i uluc'. $2.00 per 1,000. I hire uo boys. I have aistrinutcu tor tne following Dr. Chase, of r-uiladelphia, 5,W0; Keudou Mig. Co., 5,000; C. I. Hood Co., 4.000; Dr. Burk- - haidt, 5.OU0; Dr. Henry Kane, of New York, 5,0u0; Dade and Sheridan Headache Powders, ■j.uoo; Dr. Miles, o.OUO; Lyaia E. Pinkhain, D.Uoo; Chaniberlins, 2,000; aul local work, 12,000. ±*aines Celery Compound was distributed the very poorest 1 ever saw; two or three in u yard. Quaker Oats made a big display here, and the distributing was well ooue. Lion Conee was sauiplea and had good work ou the bill boards, also Battle, Star and Duke's Mixture tobaccos. You may publish tne above report for the interest of distribu- tors, if you will. Yours very truly, E. O. BURROUGHS. Oakland, Cal. Editor "The Billboard:" Please grant me a few words in your next issue. Business has been fairly good with i«e 'during October, November and Decem- ber. I have finished putting out work for the Pinkham Meaiciue uo. in ban Francisco, Oakland, Alameda, Berkeley, Golden Gate, 'I'emiscal, Fruitvale, Melrose, Elmhurst, San Leaudro, Haywards, fUdmont, Pleasanton, Livermore, Niles, Irvington, Centerville, \varm Springs, Mission, San Jose, Newark, Alvarado anu San .Lorenzo. Inis is the third lot of advertising matter I have put out for this firm. I get under the sack myself, with the help of one man in the cities. In the towns 1 hit the roads alone. -I do not sublet my work to any one, so it takes me some time to put out 100,000 booklets. .It is not so much as to quickness as it is to good returns I wish to make. * I also dia work iu Oakland for Dr. C. I. Shoop.' I distributed 10,000 of his books and , made seventeen window displays. This Is my ; second season with nim. 1-ast season I' did four distributings and made twenty window •• displays. I also received a letter from Shoop, saying he got good returns from my service. Yours very respectfully, . W. B. PORTER. Red Bank, N. J. Editor "The Billboard:" We would have written you long ago, but our Mr. Summersett has been very ill, but is " ' now improving. Since we joined the LA. of D., business has been belter wiln us. We have inquiries -from all over the country, and believe that the I. A. of D. has-helped us a great deal. ' We have, distributed new books for Dr. Kilmer & Co:; Binghamton, N. Y\; 2,200 fold- „■ ers for California Fig Syrup Co., and have several shipments from others now on the way here for distribution. I. A. of D. mem- bers . can. get' work in preference to others. For example; read the following: • "Office of C. I. Hood & Co., Lowell, Mass, November 11, 1898. "Mr. L. O. Summersett, Red Bank, N. J.: "Dear Sir—We would inquire if you can attend to-the distribution of o'ur 'advertising matter in Red Bank and suburbs. We send you herewith a copy of our printed directions, which show just how we wish the work to be done, and which are-to be exactly followed each time. We also send, you contract, which we Wish-you to sigh and return as soon as possible, if, you will accept the position. We send you herewith receipt for It lot that was . recently shipped to our former .man. We wish you to get the papers and distribute' at • once. Hoping to hear from you soon, we re- main, very'truly yours, . :' -, '" .*"' ■! •' M - '' ■: "O. I.'HOaD & CO."i:«! We have written to Dr., Miles several times without any. j-tply. but we will get his work", too, as soon, as we can convince him that we do' the -best distributing in this section. -" ' Long-may be the life of "The Billboard" and its proprietors. We are, very truly yours, - - - ■ EVANS & SUMMERSETT ADV. CO. Eldan, Iowa. Editor "The Billboard" Enclosed you will-find a Blip properly filled out with my name and address, to be in- serted in "The Billboard." I think this Is the best advertising a bill poster could possibly get for the money. I have a small bill posting plant here, and am working up both the bill posting and dis- tributing business. I have on my boards at the present time sixty sheets Battle Ax and forty sheets of Duke's Mixture, and have Just cloned a con- tract with the Drummond Branch of the American Tobacco Co. for 4-12 sheet stands for a three months' showing. I also have contracts with the Dr. Miles Medical Co. and the J. W. Brant Co.. of Albion. Mich., for distributing. I have Just received a shipment from Dr. Miles. Bill posting and distributing have never been worked here, except what I have done in the last year, and I am now Just beginning to realize a little out of the work that I have been doing. Early in the coming year I will be prepared to give advertisers all the space they want for bill posting, and to attend to all the distributing that comes my way. This is a thriving little railroad center of about 2.500 population, and a good town lo advertise in. I am a paper hanger and paint- er by trade, and work the bill posting and distributing in connection with my trade. I can give ample security to all advertisers wishing to do business with me. 1 think "The Billboard" is a splendid pa- per for all bill posters and distributors, and do not see how any of them can afford to bo without it. In fact, it is a splendid paper for any one interested In out-door advertising. This letter is notwritten expressly for pub- lication, but it you desire to publish it, you have my concent. Wishing "The Billboard" and all of the bill posters and distributors a Merry ChristmaB and a Happy New Year, 1 will close. Respectfully yours, WILSON G. TAYLOR. Worcester, Mass. Editor "The Billboard:" This season, without exception, has been the best we have ever had iu the bill posting business, and that covers a period of over thirty years. We are running our boards to their full capacity. in the past eight weeks we have had the following listed paper on our boards, part of which is now being protected: Pearllne, Gale l»oi uc-n Condensed Milk, Battle Ax Tobacco, E. A. Sumner Coal, ljuaker Oats, Sulder's Catsup. Chas. Baker & Co., Hecner'a Buck- wheat, Old Valley Whisky, Red Indian To- bacco, Lion Cott'ee, Beusdop's Coco, Mt. Ver- non Whisky, Pettijohn, Acorn Range; the listed work alone representing over 800 stands, and listed for from 30 to 90 days. We have also been overrun with unlisted work, besides billing from two to four com- panies at the theater each week. We have built several new boards this sea- son, and shall continue to do so until the demand is supplied. We now have one hundred and fifty large, finely located boards covering all the main thoroughfares and steam and street car lints. Our distributing is also increasing, as we employ men only for the work. Respectfully. FISKE BROS. "~~ Indianapolis, Ind. Mr. Wiliam Fur-k, Ander .., *uu. Dear Sir—Your work on Battle Ax and Duke's Mixture bill posting has been perfect- ly satisfactory to us in every respect; ex- ceptionally so, and It is a pleasure to tell you so. Respectfully, HENRY A. HERSEY. East Tawas, Mich. Editor "The Billboard:" The beautiful Christmas number of "The Billboard" is surely a welcome guest.I have heretofore considered that nothing in it has escaped my observation, but my little eight- year-old daughter has just called my atten- tion to the profile, or outline, of a lady wear- ing a long cloak, on the outside of the cover. ; In order to readily discern it, turn the paper sideways and you will see her standing, the • lower end of the paste brush being at her ; shoulder. She is clothed in light blue, and ' when the paper is upright she is on her face at the feet of "Santa Claus," the bill poster. 1 wonder whether there is not any connec- tion in this with the women of the W. C. T. U. at Detroit and Mr. Walker. Is it symboll- , cal of the bill posters' victory over those who can see evil in a picture on public walls, but think nude statuary just the thing? I am just completing another large bill board, 4 sheets high and 160 feet long. This gives me the best billing in the county. I ; have one board (four passenger tralnB daily ' pass within 100 feet) 250 feet long. All my distributing is warranted to be hand to band service. Very respectfully, H. C. BRISTOL. White Hall, 111. Editor "The Billboard" This is a small town, but by. "hustling" for work and doing it in a businesslike manner . after I do get it, I have built up quite a pay- ing business. I do "commercial work only," and do as good, or better, than I agree to. I now have more sheets on my boards than there are houses in White Hall. Thr December number of "The Billboard" Is a D-a-n-d-y. Wishing you success and a Merry. Christ- mas and a Happy New Year. I remain, yours very truly. ROBERT LUTHER. N. II.—I was married to Mrs. E. J. Hayden on Thanksgiving Day. Anderson, Ind. Editor "The Billboard" . Inclosed find letter of. recommendation • which I wish you would publish In the next ; Issue of "The Billboard." Kindly return the ! letter to me after you are through with It. Very truly yours. W. FUNK, Liberty, Ind. Editor "The Billboard" I shall avail myself of your liberal offer for advertising. Your paper Is my best friend, and 1 can not understand bow I ever get along without It so long. 1 am hu re that the bill poster who said in your last issue that "turn about was fair play," voiced my sentiments exactly. All advertisers demand prompt work and returns of lists;- but I am sorry to say that some of them do not hoed the good old rule'about do- ing unto others as you would have others do unto you. I often have to wait two and three months for my money, and I can not buy bread and butter on some other man's good credit. Your "dead head list" fills a long.felt want. My town Is rather small, but business has been better this year than evor. It Is so diffi- cult, however, to get locations to erect boards of any size that I want to get Into a better town. My whole heart Is In the business, and I do not like to bo held in check . by something over which I have no control. Yours truly, JAS. A. WILSON. Charleston, W. Va. Editor "The Blllbnnrd" I rco In this month's Ibbuo (December) of "The nillhnard" that L. H. Ramsey claims hn haB bought my bill board plant. Such ru- mors are false. I still own and control all bill boards In thla city, and am doing busi- ness at the old stand. Wishing you, one and all, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, I am, yours truly, B. H. CABWXTHBN. im BILLBOASB ? ..... .„, ■ . -Fohtlac, Mich. Editor "The Billboard" - ; ;. Your ..December number arrived, and I could say, "Three cheers for 'The Bill- boaid.' " It is ahead of any magazine in ex- istence, and every distributor should feel proud of it and the interest it takes in tliem. Since writing to you before, I have been pretty busy. 1 have Just finished a job for the Sterling Remedy Co.,-of. Chicago; al o for K. E. Ducklen Co., Doilds' Kidney Pill , and 1 have more local work than 1 can attend lb. 1 am out before seven, anil work as laiiK as 1 can see. We had Home work done here by the Quaker Oats Co. 1 will say that work was done all M*.tit. Tht y were dressed like Quaktjs. Dr. Shnbp had some work done here by the drug store, and the circulars were thrown i i the snow and no rubber bands used. 1 hope he will soon learn how to advertise. 1 do not believe in inside disli ibutiug. Some one was out here distributing I.lon Coffee, and they would go to a house, ring the bell, and if no one came to the door, miss the house. 1 saw five houses missed, one- after another. Now we will say that there is a woman baking, and the door bell rings. She is interrupted to go to the door, to find only an advertisement. The chances are ten to one she will not take It. but be likely to throw it at you.' 1 most always take samples to a side door and place them on the door knob, or else high in the jamb of the door. Then they all are ture to go In the house, and no houses are missed. I do not believe in ringing door bells. It would not work iu this town. The nicest way is to walk up quick to the door ana secure your bill and go about your business. I never have had any trouble in my sixteen years' experience, and 1 have good reEUlls. Wishing you a Happy Christmas and a Happy New Your. I remain, very truly yours, S.J. BURGESS. Bowling Green, Ohio. Editor "The Billboard" I will send you photo of our two-story bill board on January 1. being GOO feet long. We are at present placing 25.000 pieces for Dr. Morgan, and 35-12 and 5w-2 sheets for P. J. Sorg. During the past month we have posted 768 sheets for the Valentine Theater of To- ledo; 325 sheets for the Grand Opera House, Bowling Green: 25-12 and 50-2 p.ueets for Horse Shoe. 5-20 and S-S sheets for Duke's Mixture, and have distributed 11.000 pieces for Dr. Shoup. and 15.000 pieces for J. W. Brant, of Albion, Mich. We have nearly 1,200 running feet of bill boards, and we are double decked for want of room. Please look out for photo. Yours very respectfully, THE AMERICAN CO. P. S.—We have Just made contract with People's Theater, ot Toledo, for 172 sheets per month. Emlenton. Pa. Editor "The Billboard" 1 drop you a few lines to let vou know that business in Emlenton is good, and that I am Kept busy every day. I distiibuted a few hand bills last Monday, advertising Wet- more's Jelatiue. and as I chanced to be in II. H. Porlerfield's store, 1 heard the head clerk say that during that day they had sold more or that Jelatine than they had for the last year. As I passed the hand bills out I would call out. "A Great Demonstration at Porterfleld's Store. During business hours a lady representative of \\ etmore's Jelatine Co., of Chicago, will demonstrate the vari- ous uses of their Jelatine." This way of hand distributing Is a very good way. It attracts people to their doors, your hallooing arouses their attention and curiosity, and you can hand them a bill or sample package. After reading or examining it, they will make up their, minds to try the article advertised. House to house distributing does pay. fo says Mr. Portcrfleld, after seeing the results Iroin the Job just mentioned. Yours. W. L. PIERCE. South McAIc8tcr, Ind. Ter. Editor "The Billboard:" 1 have had all I can possibly do since Oc- tober 1st. and a goodly part of the time have had an extra man. I have on hand 1.100 Duke's Mixture, and posting, distributing and tacking for Simon's Liver Regulator. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I am, yours truly. J. A. MADDOX. CIrcieville, Ohio. Editor "The Billboard" "The Billboard." arrived all O. K.. and we think the Christmas number. ISSS. ellipses all your previous editions. H Is simply "out of sight." Wishing "The Billboard" success, we beg to remain, yours truly, BAUGHMAN BROTHERS. „ J , _. Birmingham, Ala. Editor "The lllllboard" The C. 1. Hood Co., of Lowell, Mass., are having pamphlets distributed in this city. I do not know who Is doing the work; but I do know that It Is being done recklesslv and dis- honestly, from six to ton pnmphlcts bring thrown In each yard. No wonder advertisers complain that they get no benefit from dis- tributing. They never will until they learn to give their work to responsible people. The members of the I. A. of D. guarantee the service'of its members, but many advuitls, ra are so shortsighted that they lose a dollar In order to save a nickel. We have the Indorsement of Nabera. Mor- row & Simigc, or this city, "Largest I .rug House In Alabama;" also the William* Drug and Chemical Co., of this city, and It do'js seem very unbusinesslike, to say the leant, for such houses as Hoods to have their work done by Irresponsible people. No- only Hood does this, but many other tlriux you would think would use bettor Judgment, knowing that honest distributing of adv. rllsing mat- ter will bring good return*. Hut It la throw- ing money away, ami duiii* an injury to those wbo do honest and lulelllbent work, to advertise so. Many advertisers will say it is no use to advertise in this way (distributing), liul I can prove that It does pay when it is done right. I can give any one the names of uruggisas In this .city who will them that their tales.,ot an article are largely iiicreiited when 1 diairinute matter advertising that article. Now, I "am not trying to get a free ad. with this. I send this to y<,u as the ofii. ial organ ol the I. A. of D., with a desire to let the ad- veitiseis know what is to their interest as well as to the imerest of the I. A. of D. You tail publibh much, or little or none, of what I have written, as you see fit. but I think a few words iu your paper to Hood and some other advertisers would rebound to the bene- lit-of advertisers and distributors at large. Very truly ycurs, S. McMUItRY. Williamsport, Pa. Editor "The Billboard:" Since writing you last month rail only say "the same old s,tory, progress," as all my men have been at it night and day. My coun- try wagon came home yesterday and will re- main under cover until spiing. Every foct of my country billings are now filled with the Drummond Tobacco twelve and two- sheets. 'Ihty are billed as heavy as any circus, and the paper will remain up until next ttpriug. The-y have billed this section the heaviest of any commercial firm I re- member of. I have just closed another contract -with this same firm for a twelve-months' cky billing. Liggett & Myers paper will remain upon all my boards lor at least thirty days more. The New Y'ork Journal and Herald both usee space with us last month. I have just received, through A. J. Gude, a large billing of Pitti-John eight and six- teen-sheets. to take the place of Quaker Oats. I have my four men distributing from early morning until late at night for our local merchants. Besides, they are hanging cal- endais tor no less than ten nrms, and I am daily making new contracts for our people, as well as the largest outside firms. The past six months nave been the best I have ever had. Yours for success. GEORGE H. BUBB. Iron River. Wis. Editor "The Billboard:" Business is somewhat better here. We have been doing most all local work for the past three months. I distributed for Dr. Shoop iiy Medical Co. about a week ago, with the prospect of two or three large contracts from other firms. The December number of "The Billboard" is a work of art, and deserves a large circu- lation. Wishing you success and a Merry Christ- mas to you and the fraternity, we remain. Very truly yours. AKER & KENNEDY". Shenandoah, Pa. EdLor "The Billboard:"' I am today iu receipt of your letter of the Sth inst.. in regard to the bill posters' direc- tory. Now. I have this to say. 1 think the idea a good one, and am strictly in favor of it. 1 also wish to compliment you on the man- ner in which you are conducting "The Bill- board." I know that I have received at least $100 worth of work the past year, which I would never have been able to get, because 1 would not have known that the firms weie doing any work, if I had not had "The Bill- board." Ibave had my boards filled all season with good paying paper, and contracts pending for more. I have done work for Beeman's Gum Co.,. American Tobacco Co., Star Tobacco Co. and many others. 1 also wish to say to the peo- ple who are roasting Mrs. Mulvihill, of Omaha, that I find the lady lives up to hir contracts a great'deal better than some oth- ers whom 1 could mention. Mrs. Mulvihill sent us quite a large amount of paper the past season, and wc think she is all right. But enough of this. , Allow me to compliment you on your De- cember isssue of "Billboard." It is very fine, indeed, and chock full of good things. Trusting that this will reach you in good season, I remain. Yours respectfully, C. L. HOOVER. Vienna, IU. Editor "The Billboard:" I thought it would not be out of line to let you know what I am doing this month. 1 have* done work for Peruna Drug Co., Arm and Hammer Brand of Soda; posted bills for Battle Ax, Duke's Mixture: some local work, and the Mammoth New Y'ork Minstrel Troupe, tra\eliug in their own spe- cial car. I am expecting more work soon. I can give the bisl service- in town, and adjoining towns, and all over the country. This is good paying territory for any firm in whk-h to-have their work placed; so please seud on your work, and it will have prompt atten- tion. First come, first served. "The Ltillboaid" is all O. K. I have read It through lime and again, and long for the nexi number. Wi.-hing you n Merry Christmas and a Hat-py New Year, I remain Yours, P. A. JOHNSON. Alpena. Mich., December 9. 1S9S. Alpena. Mich. De-c. 9. 1S9S. Editor V.'Tho Billboard." the bill Posters' FrlenrJ' 1 wish you would please print this letter In your January number to let the advertisers and bill posters know what low, contemptible people there - are - in the world, all because a man wont allow them to rob him in daylight by paying them 1I'>V1- per cent commission for sending work to a bill poster. 1 am one that don't pay lti«: per cent commission, and, as a good American citizen, I have the right to refuse any such commission, because I get all the work 1 cau attend to without givlug any commission, and I also receive three times the amount of work fromVtheadvei User ■ himself. For instance, this will show you the .proof. I received from P.; J. Sorg: (Spear Head Tobacco) 278 .sheets of paper to be posted in Alpena, which 1 did, and the Amer- ican Advertising and Bill Posting Company of Chicago wanted me to post 17^ sheets of Lion Cott'ee paper. This I refused to accept under any condition, owing to the large com- mission which they ask. Next comes E. C. Keyes, with the American Tobacco Company, of New York City, with 554 sheets of Dukes Mixture and 2G0 sheets of Battle Ax Plug Tobacco, which makes a total of 814 sheets of paper, and he wants no commission. My boards are- constantly filled with just such people. They are all gentlemen and appre- ciate my service to the queen's taste. Mr. Keyes is a gentleman to deal with, also an expert to attend to advertising, as he only pays you for what is on your boards when it is cheeked. This is a letter I received from Mr. Keyes as soon as he heard of the would- be bill posters' friend, the Bill Poster Display Advertising. They claim they are your friend until they get the use they want out of you: Mr. R. Nolan: Dear Sir—I take great pleasure in saying to you that the work which you did for us on Battle Ax Plub and Duke's Mixture was very satisfactory, indeed. Your boards are In better condition than any I have seen, and the manner in which ;you put up the paper convinced me that you took a pride in your work. I hope to be able to give you more work in the near future. Yours truly, E. C. KEYES. With American Tob. Co., N. Y. City. Next is the California Fig Syrup Co., the friend to every honest bill poster: Chicago, 111., Dec. 3, 1SS8. Mr. R. Xclan, Alpena; Mich.: uear fair—..uiie^in the oiuce of the R. J. GMjiaug to. to-oay l picked up a copy ot the December issue oi "bill poster Display Au- \ertising," and, among other cities men- tioned, i see they list Alpena as being open tor a first-class bill poster. 1 have always tnought there was a reliable bill poster iu tnat city, as I have personally inspected work done by yourself and always touno it light up to date. 1 presume your refusal to joiu the A. B. P. A. accounts tor their organ endeavoi ing to belittle the serv ice you ren- der. 1 don't believe any advertiser that has done business with you will complain of the service, and you can always depend on our l-uoisenient of your work as long as you give us such service as you have in the past. wishing you an abundance of business and success, 1 am, yours very truly, D. R. TALBERT, Agt. Cal. Fig Syrup Co. This is a firm that a man has to be gilt eCfet item tne top of his ntau to tht soies or uis ittt, iu order to do business wiJl them. .imu to uo the city work anu the country loutes as 1 do for mem; their endorsement is as goon as united states bonds, and there is i.o uttter expel ienced agent in the: United £>tates to-day than D.. R. Talbert, as he can make less paper cover niore territory and get ,..,e,ir rsiitiis tnau any medicine mm iu the country. He can also 'make more irienos. anu ah bill posters are always pleased to see Liul. Now, in regard to commissions, these gen- tlemen in New York (Mrl Stahlbrodt and Mr. lioughtaling) know that your pi ice is 5 cents per sheet for 30 days' showing, and still inty.-'w ill ask you to post for 3 cents, think- ing that you know no better, because you live in the Jack Pines, but they know enough to take 16^« per cent, without your consent, and it is all they care for. They don't care what .. i..d eif a man you are, nor where you put the paper as long as they get their commis- sion, and they make you wait until they get ready to pay you. If you write them a letter and tell them that you want your money and that you won't receive any more work irom them at such enormous commission, they will simply advertise you and your city, that it is open for a first-class bill poster, thinking you will send them a : $10 bill and piomise them that you will neveV write such a letter again to them, and that they can have any commission they ask for. Mr. Campbell, of Chicago, is more of a gentleman. He will pay you 7 cents per sheet and he will show you in figures how it leaves you 6 cents clear profit after their 16% per cent, commission is taken out. but I had to refuse his work the same as 1 have all others, as I treat everybody alike. 1 am willing to allow any man 10 per cent., and. that is enough for any man for writing a letter and also to help him look big in the world, as that is all those big fellows use bill posters for these days—to make the advertisers be- lieve they control the entire world. But you bet they don't control Alpena, as I have a fence all around it, with a gate, and every- body has got to have a pass-word to get in. Now, first we paid 10 per cent., then next the-y raised it to 12% per cent., now they have it 16%. Next they will keep the entire jack pot, providing you will pay the freight on the paper and guarantee to stay on the boards for thirty days. They might thank u for it. but they don't. This is what bill posting is coming to if il is not stopped. I hope that no bill poster will be offended at this letter, as I speak as I have reason to. I am not a member of the A." B. P. A. I am not a subscriber to the "Bill Poster-Display Advertising." and worse than all. 1 don't be- long to the New Y'ork Gang. This lS'.wb,Y those people have no love for me, as I know too much for them. That is why those people want a new bill poster in Alpena. They pre- fer a man who doesn't know everything, so that he will-obey their orders. IT WILL PAY Von to put Rochester, X. Y., on vour dis- tributing list. £>eud vour matter to J.EDW.STROYER 114- Weld Street, To get results. He is a member of the I. A. of D. I atn receiving letters daily from all the large advertising firms who have read that horrible paper called "The Display Advertis- i.K." anu they insist upon me publishing the letters they send me, which I will do if "The Billboard" will give me space. Now, in regard to an opposition bill poster in Alpena; 1: have one, and he is a dandy, as he is better at singing and dancing with the late popular song called "Lulu" than he is at swinging the brush, as he posts paper with a whisk-broom, and you have to have a land looker to find his four bill boards, as that is all he owns, and they are out In the swamps. I don't think many people will go out to read what is put on them. He is also the opera-house manager, and what paper he posts to-day. he hao to cover the next day. tit he gets any.) cull mote aLove gentlemen who say that Alpena wants a bill poster will try and lead an innocent man to invest his money in a eity where he couldn't find a place to put a one-sheet board on. I have letters in my possession from Mr. Campbell, received from nun Oct. 2S, lb9S, stating that R. Nolan has always given his advertising first-class sat- ciion, and also letters from Mr. Hough- talmg anQ biauiuitui, ot tne same nature This shows you what kind of queer people there are in the world. They will write you one thing in a letter and advertise another thing m their would-be paper. But when , ui.dcrtake to harm R. Nolan, the honest £ i po !f, er ^ distributor, who treats every- body alike and guarantees satisfaction or no pay they simply have a large number of ad- vertisers jump on their necks. Now, if these *.i.ilemen who have been so kind as to try and do me an i„juiy oy making me out aa an unreliable bill poster, should answer this „„™5'- wlU Si ve y<m some facts In regard to commissions and other pointers that you are not aware of. I remain, yours truly R. NOLAN*, The A?piL, C Mich." P ° Ster aDd <1ISt '«»"°' 1" Editor of "The Billboard:" MaC ° D * M °- Business has been very satisfactory fo: the past year, and I will try and make it more so if printers' ink and space in "Thl BilZart^ will accomplish same. I have posted inpast .?H. t &~ fi ^ i aays as *°"°ws: SO sheets Geo. W. ^o,'ia* Ci pr Paper, 69 sheets Lion Coffee. ?A!S. he< £ s "* atrlca l Paper and 600 sheets local work. We are posting 170 sheets '^i/i a Bird to-day. We have contracts for twelve months. This has forced me to build new boards Am building 12 twelve-sheets in city and 20 eight-sheets: also. 10 twelve- sheets on country routes and U eight-sheets on same. Wishing you a Merry Xmas. I will beg to remain, fours very truly, j FRED C. PARKER. Editor of "The Billboard:" Da y ton . °- 1 wiite you the loliowing. trusting you will publish tne same. An alleged distribuui,^ nrm has just staiiea iu Un, city, and judg- ing irom the way they have started it. It woula be wise tor advertisers and every hon- est man to shun them and give them a wide berth. I am not the only distributor in Day- ton; there are outers.- out 1 natter myself I am the most successful. 1 do not expect to control the distributing business in Day- ton, and do not care who is In the business or who starts in the same, as long as they compete honestly and do not try any under- hand methods to obtain Information, etc The firm mentioned above are Messrs. Pom- eroy & Slomen; the former is-a cut-rate ticket broker, and has been turned down by railroad officials and others concerned, for crooked business. Sloman called at my home while I was out attending to some distrib- uting and informed my wife that he repre- sented a large tobacco house and had a lot of distributing and sign-tacking for me to do • S?^n^, a M ea of", ip rices - etc - on the work. Stating Mr. Steinbrenner. of Cincinnati, had sent him to me, of course my wife told him all she could, but did not know exactly what my prices were, and she told him to coma back at noon and he could see me. But in- stead of coming himself he sent a young man who knew me. and he asked me if I had a list to give him for this man. and as he acted rather queer, I told him 1 would like to have a talk with this agent myself: for him to call at six in the evening. But he failed to call. This was on a Monday, and the following iriday he called again in the evening when I was out and had with him (I afterward learned) his partner, Pomeroy. and they went on to tell the vast amount of work they had for her husband, etc.. etc., giving her a nice little jolly," you know, and asked her If she could not find a list. He then had nerve enough to insist that my wife open my desk. He wanted to look over my correspondence and see my contracts and what firms I did work for, but as I keep my desk locked and carry the key, he was foiled. When my wife informed me of the matter, I thought It rather strange that a representative of an advertising firm would act that way. and as I received a letter from our worthy Secre- tary, Mr. Steinbrenner. to be on my guard, as a new firm had started. I became sus- picious, and did a little detective work, and discovered that the representative of this large tobacco firm was none other than Pom- eroy & Sloman. seeking information, and using the dirtiest, meanest and most con- temptible way to obtain it. Such lying, scheming rascals do not deserve the patron- age of any honest man or firm. And a man who has not brain enough to originate his own methods, ought to carry the hod or some other such work. I would not hesitate to give any honest man pointers in regard to distributing, if he came out in bis true colors. Any one can go in the distributing business, but it is only the honest and con- scientious that-succeed. Thinking it my duty to expose these people and their methods in their start, so that advertisers can guess their finish. I am not trying to "knock" this firm through jealousy, but can furnish proof that all I said is true. Yours sincerely. JAMES B. McCONNQN,