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

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.
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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.
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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 Circumstances of the Inhabitants, I hereby Certify that there is not an Infectious Distemper of any Sort, known to be in Town.--AND as the above false Reports have been Propagated to the great Prejudice of this Town by those who employ themselves in Engrossing Provisions and Forestalling the Market, (many of whom are known to the Selectmen:) They are hereby particularly Notified, That unless they desist from such wicked and abusive Practices, they will be prosecuted on the Act of the Province,