Literary newspaper ads

Sunday, 27 December 2009 05:00

December 28, 1870. Nineteenth century newspaper advertisers sometimes took off on brief flights of literary fancy, with the sales pitch coming, like a stinger, at the tail end of their prose. This ad, in small, packed type, appeared in the Victoria Standard.

New Year.—The wheel of time rolls with unerring precision, heedless of human hopes and fears, which serve but as passing landmarks to a course which man cannot impede. First comes Spring, in the greenness and buoyancy of youth; vernal vestures are succeeded by the blossoming garb of summer which in turn gives way to the mellow ripeness of nature Autumn. Next comes hoary Winter with inclement mien, causing us to guard against his blustering attack, and icy chills. Foremost to battle the frigid visitant is A.B. Gray, who, anticipating the requirements of the present season, has lately received large additions to his stock of Dry Goods, comprising the latest Winter materials, also, a varied selection of fancy small-wares, suitable for the holidays.