Billboard through the ages

When Billboard first hit the streets in 1894 I Believe, it was basically a trade journal for Billposters, Litho Companies and Billing in general. If I remember the story correctly it was actually started by the Donaldsons which also had a Litho and printing company just south of Cincinnati, Ohio.

The Billboard began it's life as a once a month publication. On May 1st, 1900, they published the last issue on a monthly basis and by May 5th had begun the familiar weekly format. Changes were beginning throughout the publication. On May 12th, 1900, this Tent Shows logo started the very first Circus section of the Billboard. For the 6 years prior to this, very little if any circus items were talked about.

The logo for the Circus section changed many times. The following posts will give you just a small idea of the changes over the years.