The Olden Time Series, Vol. 4: Quaint and Curious Advertisements | Page 3

so, especially to those persons who have an ear for strange
or humorous things. Sometimes, indeed, it is the intention of the writers
to attract particular notice by the wording of the advertisement.
Oftentimes the matter may have been dictated by illiterate persons.
Frequently the nature of the subject is itself sufficient to excite our
humorous feelings. But whatever may be the object of the advertiser,
these productions are often amusing and interesting enough to be
reproduced for the benefit of those who cannot conveniently read the
originals.
In 1767 "the Prince of the Power of the Air reigned with almost
uncontrouled Restraint," according to a book published.
THIS DAY PUBLISHED, An ADDRESS to PERSONS of FASHION,
Concerning frequenting of PLAYS, BALLS, ASSEMBLIES,
CARD-TABLES, &c. In which is introduced the Character of
LUCINDA. Printed & Sold by W. McAlpine, in Marlboro'-street.
*** A Pamphlet worthy the serious Attention of every Christian,
especially at a Time when Vice and Immorality seems to have an
Ascendency over Religion, and the Prince of the Power of the Air
reigns with almost an uncontrouled Restraint.
Boston Gazette, May 21, 1767.
* * * * *
In the year 1759 competition in trade had not reached the proportions
that it has since assumed, for the "ill-natured opposition" which two
women met with according to the "Boston Gazette" of August 13, that
year, was probably nothing more or less than the treatment of some
competitor in the same line,--perhaps a man mean enough to undersell.
Such things have frequently occurred in our day,--some mammoth

establishment cutting prices purposely, to drive some poor woman out
of business whose sole dependence is in a small shop selling cotton,
pins, needles, etc., barely making a living at it. "Rule or ruin" is the
motto of too many in these days; and such men are called "smart," and
if they get rich are fairly worshipped for their enterprise.
Sarah Todd and Mary Purcell
Hereby inform the Publick that (notwithstanding the ill-natur'd
Opposition they have met with, though not from the Landlord, who has
fulfill'd his Engagement to them) they have remov'd their Shop from
opposite the Old-Brick Meeting-House in Cornhill to the House lately
occupied by Mrs. Elizabeth Campbell, next Door to Deacon
Boutineau's in Cornhill, Boston, where they hope their Friends and
others will favour them with their Custom, and whom they engage to
supply with the following Articles at the lowest Rate that any fair
Trader can afford them for Cash. VIZ.
India Taffities, Grograms, Persians, black and colour'd Sattins, Silk,
Callamancoe, Tammie, and Horse Hair quilted Petticoats, a Variety of
the newest fashion'd Prussian Cloaks and Hatts, with figur'd Silk and
Trimming for ditto, 6-4 and yard-wide Muslin, Long Lawn, Cambrick,
clear and flower'd Lawns, Cyprus, Gauze, Tandem Holland, Damask
Table Cloths, India Ginghams, white Callico, Cap Lace, black Bone
Lace, and Trolly ditto, white and colour'd Blond Lace, Stone sett in
Silver Shoe Buckles, Sleeve Buttons, Stock Tape, Sattin Jockeys with
Feathers for Boys, brocaded silk, black Sattin and Russel Shoes, black
Sattin Bonnetts and Hatts, Pastboard Stomachers, Cotton, Thread and
Worsted Mens and Womens Hose, a great Variety of Ribbons,
Necklaces and Earings, black and white Silk Mitts, Kid and Lamb
Gloves and Mitts, French ditto, Cotton, Cambrick and Scotch Threads,
with a great Variety of Millenary Goods, too many to enumerate. -->
The said Todd and Purcell having spare Room in said House, can
accommodate young Ladies with Board and Lodging at a reasonable
Rate.
* * * * *

In 1760 the town clerk of Boston issued a notice to the public in
reference to persons forestalling the market by falsely representing to
farmers and others that the small-pox was prevalent in the town, which
had so frightened the market-men that they were glad to sell outside the
town and at lower prices than they otherwise would have done.
Boston, February 13, 1760.
WHEREAS sundry evil minded Persons in some of the neighbouring
Towns, to discourage the Market-People coming into this Town with
their Provisions, and that they may have an Opportunity to purchase at
low Rates, and sell them here at an exorbitant Price, have industriously
reported that the Small-Pox for some Time past has been in this Town,
and now prevails here:
THESE are to Inform the Public, that for near two Years past, there has
been only one Person taken down in this Town with the Small-Pox,
which is upwards of a Month past, who upon discovery of it was
immediately removed to the Hospital, and there died, and no other
Person has had it, or any Symptoms of it since.--That Yesterday there
was a general Visitation of the Town by the Justices of the Peace,
Selectmen and Overseers of the Poor, and upon their Report last
Evening of the State and