Boston & Middleboro Retail Clothiers

During the late 19th century, retailers relied upon a number of means of advertising, including colorful trade cards which were distributed to customers.  The Boston & Middleboro Clothing Company which was located on South Main Street in the American Block was one such company and was noted for the seasonal cards it gave to customers each winter such as the one seen here.

Illustration:
Boston & Middleboro Clothing Company, lithographic advertising card, c. 1890

Boston & Middleboro Retail Clothiers

Another winter advertising trade card scene from the Boston & Middleboro Retail Clothiers which operated on South Main Street following 1889. While "Boston" was included in the company's original name in order to add a certain cachet to the apparel which it retailed, it would later be known simply as the Middleboro Clothing Company.

Illustration:
Boston & Middleboro Retail Clothiers, lithographic advertising trade card, c. 1890

Boston & Middleborough Clothing Company

The Boston & Middleborough Clothing Company, founded in 1889, was the forerunner of the Middleboro Clothing Company. Initially owned and managed by Frederick D. Martin and Thomas Ellis, the Clothing Company operated a store in the American Building on South Main Street near the Four Corners. Like many businesses of the period, the Boston & Middleborough Clothing Company advertised through means of colorful lithographic trade cards, including the seasonal one shown above.

Illustration:
Boston & Middleborough Clothing Co., lithographic advertising trade card, E. P. Best Manufacturing Company, New Haven, CT, c. 1890.