New Year's Traditions: The Philadelphia Mummers Parade

The Philadelphia Mummers Parade 1909 (Courtesy of Library of Congress)

 

 

The Mummers parade is held each New Year’s Day in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is believed to be the oldest folk festival in the US. The word “mummer” is derived from Momus, the Greek god of ridicule. The origins of the parade were inspired by Old World customs brought by the various groups who settled in Philadelphia, including the folk plays of the British Isles called Mummers’ Plays and the Swedish and Finnish custom of visiting neighbors after Christmas. The parade began as early as the 1870s, but it was not officially sponsored by the city for a number of years. The first official parade occurred in 1901, and it has grown into a unique and exciting tradition. 

 

Images from the Mummers Parade 1917 (from The Philadelphia Evening Ledger, 01/01/1917)

Many Philadelphians welcome friends and family on New Year’s Day to watch the parade (in person or on TV), and to eat and drink together. Staying warm is a priority; alcohol flows freely, and big pots of soup are often made to feed hungry guests who may be walking back and forth to the parade or visiting other friends and neighbors. Traditional soups include beef vegetable soup and Pepper Pot, made with beef tripe, vegetables, and black pepper.   

Edward Chevers, Musical Director, Lobster Club
(from The Philadelphia Evening Ledger, 01/01/1915)

Mummer's Parade 2011 (Photo by Carol M. Highsmith, courtesy of Library of Congress)

Most Mummers clubs are based in South Philadelphia, but a number of Mummers today (and their fans) live in other parts of Philadelphia and the local suburbs. Mummers are ordinary people, not professional entertainers, but they put a lot of love and dedication into creating elaborate costumes, routines and movable scenery each year, and feel a strong commitment to their community. 

Mummer's Parade 2011 (Photo by Carol M. Highsmith, courtesy of Library of Congress)

The famous “Mummers’ Strut”, is performed traditionally during the parade, and at many local weddings. Often Mummers carry an umbrella or parasol while doing the Strut.  

Charles Dumont, Lobster Club Captain Who Won Prize For Fancy Costume
(from The Philadelphia Evening Ledger, 01/01/1915)

Costumes are brightly colored, and decorated extravagantly with sequins and feathers; face paint is often worn. Traditionally the Mummers, their wives and friends made the costumes, but many of them are now made by professional costumers. Gold colored shoes are often worn, in reference to the parade’s unofficial theme song, “Oh Dem Golden Slippers” by James A. Bland. 

Click here to watch parade goers strut to "Golden Slippers" by the Quaker City String Band 2009 

Another favorite Mummers tune is “I’m Looking Over a Four Leaf Clover, written by Mort Dixon with music by Harry M. Woods.

Click here to watch the Mummers Strut, to the Tune of "I'm Looking Over A Four Leaf Clover" 

Mummer's Parade 2011 (Photo by Carol M. Highsmith, courtesy of Library of Congress)

Women were not allowed to be Mummers until the 1970s, but some men have historically dressed in women’s clothes during the parade. In recent years, this has mainly been done by the humorous Wench Brigades, who clearly look like men in costume. But early 20^th century pictures, such as the ones below which appeared in The Philadelphia Evening Ledger on January 1, 1915, show men at the parade wearing fashionable dresses and shoes, more like modern female impersonators.

Charles Bell, Famous for His Ballet Girl Impersonation

E.W Dillon of Lobster Club

Clubs today compete in one of five categories called Divisions (Comics, Wench Brigades, Fancies, String Bands and Fancy Brigades).

• The Comics dress as humorous characters or clowns, wearing colorful costumes and often carrying decorated parasols. They may be individual or group performers and children are often involved in this Division. Comics dance to prerecorded music and sometimes use floats. Often they reference politics and popular culture.
• The Wench Brigades are now their own Division but began as an offshoot of the Comics. Men dress humorously in women’s clothing, traditionally wearing dresses, bloomers and bonnets over long braided wigs. They often carry parasols and wear “golden slippers”.
• The Fancy Division focuses on elaborate costumes and floats called frame suits, and participants are judged on costume and presentation. Traditional themes are used and categories include King Clown, King Jockey, Handsome Trim, Handsome Costume and Fancy Trio.
• Mummers String Bands have a unique sound, combining excellent musicianship and elaborate costumes. The instruments that make up a string band are saxophones, banjos, accordions, violins, bass violins, drums and glockenspiel; no brass instruments are allowed. Each string band selects an annual theme, with an elaborate performance that includes precision drilling and choreography.
• The Fancy Brigades evolved from the Fancy Division. They perform inside, and present a choreographed four and a half minute themed performance with elaborate costumes, sets and props, and dancing reminiscent of a Broadway or Las Vegas Show.

Costumes at The Mummers Museum, Philadelphia, PA (Photo by Carol M. Highsmith, Library of Congress)

Visit www.phillymummers.com to find out more. The Mummers Museum website www.mummersmuseum.com also contains many photos and information about the Mummers past and present. Individual clubs also have their own websites

 

Youngest New Year Mummer in Parade Today--"Buddy" Backich 3 yrs. old, Mascot of the Lobster Club
(from The Philadelphia Evening Ledger, 01/01/1915)

Many modern traditions at the holiday season have ancient origins and symbolism. At the winter solstice, in the darkest and coldest days of the year, people have always craved light, warmth and fellowship. From the European pagan Yule and the Roman Saturnalia to the Jewish Hanukkah and the Christian and (often secular) Christmas, these celebrations have helped people to pass the long nights, connect to one another, and offer hope for the future and the spiritual triumph of light over darkness. Of course, for people living in the Southern hemisphere, the holidays fall in summer, instead of winter.  

Mummer's Parade 2011 (Photo by Carol M. Highsmith, courtesy of Library of Congress)

  

During Saturnalia, the ancient Roman festival in honor of the deity Saturn, which was held in December, there were religious observances and well as public and private festivals. Schools and courts were closed and special clothes were worn. There was feasting, drinking and gift-giving and a general carnival-like atmosphere. Roman social norms were temporarily overturned. For example, gambling was permitted and slaves were waited upon by their masters.

The Philadelphia Mummers Parade 1909 (Courtesy of Library of Congress)

Many later European and American holiday customs grew from the spirit and traditions of the ancient festival of Saturnalia, as well as from Christian religious inspiration. The following article from 1914 gives an overview of some of the origins of what came to be known as “mummery” in Britain and Ireland, part of the historical roots of the  Philadelphia Mummers and other American New Year’s traditions.

Float from the Mummers Parade 1915
(from The Philadelphia Evening Ledger, 01/01/1915)

Happy New Year Customs— Celebrations of the Mummers in Olden Days in England

In England the mummers performed plays, spoke dialogues and impersonated famous people, especially kings and warriors. Songs were sung both by the mummers and their entertainers. Here is one:

To shorten winter's sadness

See where the folks with gladneas

Disguised all are a-coming

Right wantonly a-mumming.

In those days they loved, too, to masquerade as animals, bears and unicorns being especially favored disguises. Scott's couplet summed it up:

Who lists may in their mumming see

Traces of ancient minstrelsy.

At last this mumming came to be a (seen as) a menace as well as a nuisance and (in the 16^th Century) King Henry VIII made it a misdemeanor to wear a mask. 

It was George Washington who made the day what it once was in this country. Said he: "Never forget the cheerful and cordial observance of New Year's day." The celebration grew and grew, until a generation or so ago, the scenes enacted at some receptions were simply disgraceful, society having progressed some since it was good form to imbibe until the imbiber quietly slid under the table. 

Of late years there has been a tendency to revive (the custom of) visiting on the first day of the year. But it is all very informal, and every hostess knows each and every one of her guests, which was not always the ease when it was the fashion to have as many as possible…

--from the Anderson Daily Intelligencer,

Anderson, S.C., 12/18/1914

Celebrating the New Year

In honor of New Year's Eve 2016, I wanted to share some thoughts on celebrations of the past, and images of New Year's postcards from the early 20th century. 

New Year's Day

The day devoted is to mirth,

And now around the social hearth,

Friendship unlocks her genial springs,

And harmony her lyre new strings;

While plenty spreads her copious hoard,

And piles and crowns the festive board.

--from The New York Herald, January 1, 1802

 

Excerpt From "A Passing-Bell for New Year's Festivity 

     Aside from the celebration of the day proper, New Year's Eve has usually had a celebration of its own. On this holy night the Druids cut the sacred mistletoe from an oak in the sacred forest, for distribution among the people the next day.

     The Eve has been called "Singing E'en," from the carols that made it vocal. Some churches call it "Watch Night". The congregations meet and pray till five minutes of twelve; there is complete silence and prayer then trill the clock tolls in the New Year, and with its last stroke a joyous hymn bursts forth. The Catholics and many other denominations mark the night with special service.

     In ancient Gallic times, crowds of fantastically garbed men and women ran about begging. They disturbed the vigils of the churches so much , that in 1598  an edict was published forbidding their entrance. Then they roved so freely under their chief "Rollet Follet," and caused such anguish to the sedate and the timid that the legislature forbade their frolic altogether in 1668. Among the French the day is far more hilariously treated than among us. They call it the day--"le jour de l'an."

     The Wassail-bowl was the fountain of all English drinking-songs, and an altar of poetry and mirth generally. It comes from an old Saxon greeting , wes hal!--be hale! A bowl of special ale or other cheering liquor was passed around among the family, and each, as he drank, toasted the rest with a beaming wes hal! The poor used to carry about a brightly beribboned bowl, wherein the charitable would throw money, which the wizard at the tavern would transform into good stout drink.

     In Nottinghamshire the young women, in their best smocks, carried a bowl to friendly doors and sang especial songs. in Derbyshire, the hostess drops her wedding-ring into the punch or "posset," and each of the party, as he takes his ladleful, tries mightily to scoop up the ring to insure marriage before the New Year is itself rung out....

--by Marmaduke Humphrey, 

from Godey's Magazine, January 1896

    

A New Year's Eve Frolic

(As shared by Mamie Dickens, 

daughter of Charles Dickens)

     One morning--it was the last day of the year, I remember--while we were at breakfast at "Gad's Hill," my father suggested that we should celebrate the evening by a charade to be acted in pantomime. The suggestion was received with acclamation, and amid shouts and laughing we were then and there, guests and members of the family, allotted our respective parts. 

     My father went about collecting "stage properties," rehearsals were "called" at least four times during the morning, and in all our excitement no thought was given to that necessary part of a charade, the audience, whose business it is to guess the pantomime. At luncheon someone asked suddenly: "But what about an audience?" "Why , bless my soul," said my father, "I'd forgotten all about that." 

     Invitations were quickly dispatched to our neighbors, and additional preparations made for supper. In due time the audience came, and the charade was acted so successfully that the evening stands out in my memory as one of the merriest and happiest of the many merry and happy evenings in our dear old home. My father was so extremely funny in his part that the rest of us found it almost impossible to maintain sufficient control over ourselves to enable the pantomime to proceed as it was planned to do.

     It wound up with a country dance, which had been invented that morning and practiced quite a dozen times through the day, and which was concluded at just a few moments before midnight. Then leading us all, characters and audience, out into the wide hall, and throwing open wide the door, my father, watch in hand, stood waiting to hear the bells ring in the New Year. 

     All was hush and silence after the laughter and merriment! Suddenly the peal of bells sounded, and turning he said: "A happy New Year to us all! God bless us." Kisses, good wishes and shaking of hands brought us again back to the fun and gaiety of a few moments earlier. Supper was served, the hot mulled wine drunk in toasts, and the maddest and wildest of "Sir Roger de Coverlys" ended our evening and began our New Year.

--from The Ladies' Home Journal, December 1892

 

New Year's Eve Celebration

     Have your decorations in holiday red, holly, poinsettias, etc. Soon after your guests arrive, hand them slips of paper and pencils and ask each one to write slang phrases. Allow five minutes for this, then collect the papers, which should be duly signed, and award the first prize to the one who knows the least and the consolation to the one who knows the most....

     Next provide the guests with paper and pencils, then read aloud ten letters of the alphabet so the guests can write them in the order in which they are given. Now request each one to write a New year's resolution of ten words, each beginning with one of the letters used and in the order in which they were given out.

     About ten minutes before twelve let the hostess seat her guests around a large table, blindfold each one and place a lighted candle in front of each. If candlesticks are lacking one can use apples or turnips hollowed out. On the first stroke of midnight and simultaneously with each stroke of the clock each one of the guests in turn must try to blow out the light before her or him. 

     Only one trial is to be allowed each one. For those who succeed there may be a prize. A pretty Scotch custom that may be introduced here is to put a big dictionary on a bed of holly after midnight, then each one blindfolded should be led to the book and told to open at any page and select a word at random. This word must be read aloud and will be held to predict in some way what the future has in store for the one who makes the test. After this refreshments can be served. It is always a pretty idea to open the windows at the stroke of twelve to let the old year out and the new one in, while all stand to welcome the newcomer and drink to the health of all present.

--from The Book of Frolics For All Occasions

by Mary Dawson and Emma Paddock Telford (1911) 

   

New Year’s Eve in San Francisco During WWI

     “On account of the war there won’t be the usual big New Year’s Eve celebration.” The remark was heard on many sides prior to December 31; but on investigation one found that it was made by habitual stay-at-homes. As a matter of fact, this celebration was the biggest we have ever had. It was not as noisy as some—an indication that we have learned the real carnival style. And it was not as wild as some—proof that we are getting more sensible. But in point of numbers it beat all records. And in point of elaborateness it left the preceding celebrations far, far behind.

     The St. Francis and Palace had larger throngs than ever; the Fairmont had a very large celebration, for the first time; and the Whitcomb celebrated its first New Year’s Eve with every foot of public floor space jammed. So much for the hotels. The cafes were packed to the last seat all night long. The streets were thronged as usual. And the Civic Auditorium held fifteen thousand people, its record gathering. Nobody forgot that we were at war. Indeed, soldiers and sailors, both officers and enlisted men, were numerously in evidence everywhere, having the time of their lives. Patriotism flamed up as the minutes sped from 1917 to 1918. It was a bully night.

     One interesting feature of the celebration was the remarkably large number of strangers who came to town. They came from the dry (alcohol-free) states in droves. Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah and Arizona sent great numbers to our hospitable city.

     Soldiers have learned that they can celebrate and have a good time without the inspiration of bubbling wine; but civilians still feel the need of stimulation when they see the old year out and the new year in. So the dry states gave of their citizenship that night, and San Francisco was host extraordinary.  The records of the police show that there was a very small outbreak of intemperance that night—smaller than ever before. Among those who drank to excess were a good many visitors from dry territory. That of course was to be expected. It is a psychological condition too well known to need elucidation.

--from "Social Prattle" by Tantalus, 

from The San Francisco Daily Times, January 5, 1918

 

 

Song of the Day: The Monkees - "Daydream Believer" (Official Music Video)

"Daydream Believer", released in 1967, is probably the most popular and enduring song by the Monkees. It is happy, hopeful and innocent, and a great timeless pop song. The official video is colorful, fun and could have only been made in the 60's!

Photo of Davy Jones and Maureen McCormick from the television program The Brady Bunch. (November 23, 1971) Photo By ABC Television link

David "Davy" Jones, the cute lead singer (and everybody's favorite Monkee) would have celebrated his 71st birthday today--he was born on December 30, 1945, in Openshaw, Manchester, England. Sadly, he passed away in 2012. 

The Monkees television episodes originally aired from 1966 to 1968, but reruns of the sitcom were broadcast for many years, introducing new generations of fans to their music.  From 1986 to 2011, the band reunited and toured several times, and even recorded new music.

The Monkees in May 1967 link

Fans remember Davy Jones for his distinctive voice, charm and good looks. Davy's official website is www.davyjones.net. It features pictures, merchandise, biographical information and personal stories from people who knew him.

Davy Jones loved horses, and even trained as a jockey in his teens. In later years, he raced as an amateur, and he kept a herd of mostly rescued racehorses. After his death, his family created the Davy Jones Equine Memorial Foundation (DJEMF), which helps to care for his beloved horses. To find out more, or become a supporter, click the foundation link on his official website, or visit www.djemf.com.

New Beginnings

Photo by Pete Linforth link

Hello, and welcome back to The Paper Sunflower!

When I started this blog last year, I had hoped to post something every day. I wanted it to be a daily collection of inspiring images, bits of wisdom, and basically a way to share things that I found interesting and meaningful with friends around the world.

I had the best of intentions...and then life happened! 2016 has been a roller coaster year, politically and personally. My poor little blog took a back seat to reality, and I wasn't able to keep up with it as I had hoped. But I am resolving to do things right in 2017!! 

I am, as my blog header states, inspired by the past but living in the moment.I have a passion for old things: antique, vintage and retro are my favorite keywords! I am especially partial to the Victorian and Edwardian eras and the Roaring 20s, but am inspired by the art, fashion, images, wisdom, food and music of other eras as well. And I love to find people who incorporate inspirations from the past into their current creative projects. 

 

I hope to share more of my favorite things with you in the coming year! I plan to continue to explore the wealth of vintage material I have in my own collection, as well as the amazing texts and images that are available online. I also plan to revise and update some of my favorite blog posts from last year. And I will  share links to websites and blogs that I think you may find interesting, if you like the kinds if things I do. And please share your favorite sites with me!

2016 has been quite a year, but its coming to an end. So let's look ahead to new beginnings! I hope you and your loved ones have a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year 2017!

Photo by Nate Embrey link

Alphonse Mucha

Summer (1899) by Alphonse Mucha (from The Magazine of Art)

Alphonse Mucha (1860-1939) was born on July 24,1860. He was a Czech Art Nouveau painter and decorative artist. He produced many paintings, illustrations, advertisements, postcards, and designs. He was one of the most important artists in the movement  known as Art Nouveau (French for "new art"), which was most popular from about 1890-1910 and his distinctive style was highly influential and often imitated.

Self Portrait by Mucha (1907) (courtesy of  wikiart.org)

Art Nouveau embraced asymmetrical, curved, flowing and often undulating lines, inspired by natural forms and structures, such as those of flowers and plants.

Carnation by Mucha (courtesy of  wikiart.org)

Art Nouveau designs were applied to the graphic arts and print media, as well as architecture, lighting, jewelry, textiles, furniture and ceramics. Everyday objects of the period, such as silverware and cigarette cases, often reflect this style as well.

Art Nouveau Wall Cabinet by Louis Majorelle (Late 19th Century) (link)

The Art Nouveau style was most popular in Europe, and was known by many different names, including Jugendstil in Germany and Scandinavia; Stile Floreale and Stile Liberty in Italy; and Tiffany Style in the United States, because of its association with stained glass artist Louis Comfort Tiffany.

The Tree of Life by Louis Comfort Tiffany (link)

Born in Ivančice, Moravia (currently part of the Czech Republic), Alphonse Mucha initially worked doing decorative painting, primarily painting theater scenery in Moravia and then in Vienna, Austria from 1879-1881. He returned to Moravia in 1881, and did freelance decorative and portrait painting. He was hired by Count Karl Khuen of Mikulov to decorate Hrušovany Emmahof Castle with murals. The Count was impressed with Mucha's work, and agreed to sponsor his formal training at the Munich Academy of Fine Arts.

Amethyst by Mucha (courtesy of  wikiart.org)

Mucha moved to Paris in 1887, and continued his studies at Académie Julian and Académie Colarossi. In addition to his studies, he produced many magazine and advertising illustrations over the next several years.

Advertising Poster by Mucha (1899)
(courtesy of  wikiart.org)

Advertising Poster by Mucha (1896)
(courtesy of  wikiart.org)

Advertising Poster by Mucha (1897) (courtesy of  wikiart.org)

He designed an advertising poster for a play featuring Sarah Bernhardt, the most famous actress at the time in Paris. The advertisement for the play, Gismonda by Victorien Sardou was posted in the city on January 1, 1895, and it attracted positive attention. Sarah Bernhardt was so satisfied with the success of this first poster that she began a six-year contract with Mucha.

Gismonda by Mucha (1894) (link)

In Paris, Mucha found success by producing numerous paintings, posters, advertisements, and book illustrations, as well as designs for jewelry, carpets, wallpaper, and theatre sets. Mucha's work was featured prominently at the 1900 Universal Exhibition in Paris, during which he decorated the Bosnia and Herzegovina Pavilion and collaborated with decorating the Austrian Pavilion.

Austria by Mucha (1900) (courtesy of  wikiart.org)

Mucha used pastel colors in many of his works, which contrasted sharply with the bright colors favored by other poster artists of that time.  His works frequently featured beautiful young women in flowing robes, often wearing flowers in their hair, with flowers sometimes forming halos behind their heads.

Illustration by Mucha (1897) (link)

Calendar--Champagne by Mucha (1897) (courtesy of  wikiart.org)

Calendar--Cherry Blossom (1898) (courtesy of  wikiart.org)

Mucha was often frustrated by gaining fame through his commercial art. He believed that art existed only to communicate a spiritual message, and he wanted to concentrate on artistic projects that were of more importance to him. In addition to his poster art and illustrations, he created sculptures, designs for stained glass, and paintings which depicted historical, mythological and religious scenes.

The Judgment of Paris by Mucha (1895) (courtesy of  wikiart.org)

Mucha spent many years working on what he considered his life's fine art masterpiece, The Slav Epic. It was created as a celebration of Slavic history and given to the city of Prague in 1928. Since 2012, the series has been on display at the National Gallery's Veletržní Palace in Prague.

The Introduction of the Slavonic Liturgy by Mucha (1912) (courtesy of  wikiart.org)

Mucha was married in 1906, in Prague. He and his wife Maruška visited the U.S. from 1906 to 1910. Their daughter Jaroslava was born in New York City. They also had a son, Jiří, born in 1915 in Prague. He later became a journalist, writer, screenwriter, author of autobiographical novels and studies of the works of his father.

Mucha Illustrations from The New York Daily News (1904) (courtesy of  wikiart.org)

After returning to live in Prague, Alphonse Mucha decorated the Theater of Fine Arts, and created murals in the Mayor's Office at the Municipal House, and at other landmarks around the city. When Czechoslovakia won its independence after World War I, Mucha designed postage stamps, banknotes, and other government documents.


 

Alphonse Mucha Designed Artwork on a 1920 Czechoslovakian 100 Korun Note (Courtesy of National Numismatic Collection, National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian Institution (link)

With the rise of fascism during the late 1930s, Mucha's works and his Slavic nationalism were denounced in the press as "reactionary". When German troops moved into Czechoslovakia during the spring of 1939, Mucha was among the first to be arrested by the Gestapo. During his interrogation, he developed pneumonia. Though released eventually, he died in Prague on 14 July 1939, due to lung infection, and was buried there.

Alphonse Mucha's Stained Glass Window in St. Vitus Cathedral Inside Prague Castle Photo by Clayton Tang (link)

Although Mucha's style enjoys great popularity today, at the time when he died, it was considered outdated. His son, author Jiří Mucha, devoted much of his life to writing about him and bringing attention to his artwork. In his own country, there was not much interest for many years. The Slav Epic was rolled and stored for twenty-five years after his death before being displayed publicly, and eventually a Mucha museum was opened in Prague, managed by his grandson John Mucha.

Day by Mucha (courtesy of  wikiart.org)

The Moon by Mucha (courtesy of  wikiart.org)

Mucha's work has continued to experience periodic revivals of interest for illustrators and artists. During the 1960s, Mucha's distinctive art Nouveau style heavily influenced psychedelic poster art. And today, his work continues to inspire, and is appreciated worldwide for its graceful and timeless beauty.

Evening Reverie-Nocturnal Slumber by Mucha (1898) (courtesy of  wikiart.org)

^{Biographical information paraphrased from wikipedia.com https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alphonse_Mucha}
 

Smart Shopping 1911

A Picturesque Village Shop, Berkshire, England (source)

Smart food shopping has always been important. Shoppers have always wanted to get the most for their money, while at the same time making sure the food they buy is safe and nutritious. In the early 20th century, there was a growing awareness of the need to be cautious when buying food. Although there were some food purity laws at that time, there was not as much standardization and quality control as there is today. Most stores were independently owned, and some shopkeepers used unscrupulous practices to make money. It was important for shoppers to be aware of such practices so they could avoid them, to buy known brands, and to get to know their local shopkeepers so they could determine who was trustworthy.  The following article appeared in Every Woman's Encyclopaedia, published in England, in 1911. 

Frauds on Shoppers

In this article I propose to deal with food frauds practised by some grocers, provision merchants, and others, whose business it is to retail the food upon which the people live, and I shall endeavour to show the purchaser how she may avoid the fraudulent, and often the dangerous, article palmed off upon her by unscrupulous shopkeepers when she goes a-shopping.

Drinking Coffee (1903) (source)

First I will take an article which is purchased by nearly every housekeeper—coffee. My readers know that when chicory is mixed with coffee the mixture must be labelled accordingly, and must not be sold as pure coffee. How, then, you may ask, can there be any difficulties about that ? Surely we know that we get either coffee or chicory, or a mixture of both ! The law says the packet must be so labelled—what more do we need? But, please, just a moment. How do you know that the stuff mixed with the chicory is coffee, even though it be labelled so? As a matter of fact, there have been cases tried in the police courts which show that, in spite of the vigilance of public inspectors, there are unscrupulous tradesmen who, if they think they are not likely to be found out, will mix anything with chicory, and call it coffee and chicory. 

American Trade Card, Advertising a Trusted Brand of Tea and Coffee (1883)

Recently, the Inland Revenue Commissioners prosecuted a London grocer for selling as coffee something that was very, very different from the real article. Having received complaints from one or two customers, an inspector visited the man's shop. Stowed away in the cellar he found a huge quantity of carefully packed coarse brown powder; it was alleged to be coffee. Investigation brought to light the fact that the powder was a concoction from Germany made from burnt vegetable matter, and that, beyond a deceptive flavouring, there was no trace whatever of the coffee bean in it. Of course, the grocer was heavily fined, as he deserved to be, but that did not alter the fact that a large number of housewives in the neighbourhood had actually purchased from this fraudulent shopkeeper the German mixture, which he had sold for the purpose of making more than legitimate profit.

Postcard (1907) (source)

 

Neither is tea free from the evil work of the unscrupulous trader, although in this case he practises his nefarious work upon the poorer classes only, who purchase tea-dust because they cannot afford tea. But very little of that dust is tea! The factors and tea-blenders sell cases of tea-dust which is perfectly wholesome, but the dishonest shopkeeper is not satisfied with the profit he may make upon this—he sweeps his own shop floors, and adds the darkest of the sweepings to the chest! What dangers to health must lie in those sweepings! Butter was formerly an article that was the subject of endless fraud upon the unwary shopper; but vigorous work on the part of inspectors has brought about a much better and more frequent exhibition of margarine labels.

Girl Eating Bread- Postcard (1904) (source)

The Standard bread agitation has probably done more than any other food movement of recent years towards purifying bread, for in the face of so much attention, both millers and bakers have doubtless been doing their best to "keep their houses" in order, lest the searchlight of the public eye be turned more particularly upon them as individuals than upon bread as a product of food for human consumption. For the moment we may therefore leave bread to the shopper's own discretion, with the note that the consensus of opinion, both medical and otherwise, is that Standard bread is the correct, most nourishing, and natural article.

Of jam, however, a serious note of warning must be struck, and in saying that I do not allude to the products of the several firms whose names are household words, and who have good names to lose, names valued much too highly to be risked for the sake of a little extra profit. The "jam fraud"—if so I may call it—is a particularly artful and pernicious one, one which amounts to a conspiracy between unscrupulous traders and manufacturers. This is how it is worked. A jam manufacturer buys the cheapest fruit he can get; sound or unsound, he does not mind, so that it may be called fruit. If apples are the cheapest fruit he can get, he buys apples and proceeds to turn them into black currant and other kinds of jam. The apples are dealt with in the ordinary jam-making machinery, and then coloured and flavoured with black-currant essence. Pieces of peel and finely chopped core take the place of the small things you expect to find in black currant jam which are in the genuine article—the skins of the fruit. Even the currant essence itself has most likely had very little acquaintance with the fruit after which it is named—it is more often than not a chemical concoction. You see, in the case I have quoted here an actual one, by the way, which was before the police-court—that the manufacturer by these nefarious methods multiplies his legitimate profit on jam-making many times, for whilst the apples may cost him only about £2 a ton, the black currants would probably have cost him more like £20! 

Little Boy With Jam- Postcard (Circa 1910s)

But this class of jam-maker does not put labels on the jars into which he packs his fraudulent "black currant" jam. He has a better way of distributing it than under the cover of his own or firm's name. Instead of this he deliberately sets about conspiring with grocers throughout the country. His travelers go round and offer the retailer the jam at a low price, with the privilege of putting on his own name, and calling the concoction "home-made"! This is just the scheme that pleases the dishonest grocer, for he wants to buy cheaply, he wants to push his name in the district, he wants to make his customers believe that he makes the jam himself—that he has a fruit farm in the country, and a jam factory in town, and so on. And if he be an unscrupulous man he takes the jam with little or no inquiry as to its quality, providing that its taste will pass muster on the palate. Here he is tolerably safe, for, after all, jam is largely purchased for the children. Well, that is the story of how many shoppers are defrauded when they set out to purchase jam. 

Granny Goes Shopping-Postcard (1908) (source)

Of course, if you know your grocer to be a man of integrity, with a well-established family connection in a district where he values his name, you will be proof against this kind of fraud. But do not be led away from the man you can trust by a wondrous display of cheap "home-made jam." Pay a little more and obtain the article which has a reliable name upon it as a guarantee of good quality. 

Illustration by Coles Phillips (1912)

There is no item apparently too small for the attention of the adulterator, for we find cases on record of grocers being fined for selling pepper adulterated with ten per cent of a foreign powder that had no more relation to pepper than a battleship has to a boot. And so the tale might be continued until we had included nearly every item of food and drink. But the examples I have given will, I think, serve to bring home to women who go a-shopping the great care which they must exercise in making their purchases. They should remember that a penny saved is, in reality, ill spent if the result be a long doctor's bill for one of the children particularly fond of jam.

Postcard (1907) (source)

Advice to Buyers: "But," you may ask, " how am I to know when my shopkeeper is defrauding me? The provisions he gives me look all right."
My answer is this:
Firstly: Don't rush too eagerly to the cheapest market. Remember that a good article cannot be produced for nothing. 

Secondly: Deal from a tradesman who has a name to lose, and who has a personality that impresses itself upon you as that of a fair-dealing man.
Thirdly: Make open complaint to your tradesman the instant you suspect him of foul dealing. That will warn him if he is in the wrong; it will be fair to him if you are mistaken. In any case, it will show that you are not the sort of person to be imposed upon with impunity.
Fourthly: Remember that it is a public duty for you to communicate with your local food inspector if you are certain that your tradesman is defrauding you. Your public-spirited action will be of service to others as well as yourself.
Fifthly: In the case of bottled, potted, or tinned goods, buy only the products of well-known makers who have names to lose. In case of complaint, such firms are usually willing to act with all fairness and proper consideration.

Benham's Shop, Cobham, Surrey, England (1912) (A well-known business; the sign outside advertised that it was "established over a century.") (Courtesy of Library of Congress)

From Every Woman's Encyclopaedia, Vol. 4 (1911)