This is a Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus billing stand taken in Columbia City, Indiana. The show played there July 23, 1910. Notice the billposters at the bottom of the photo. This was in the Billboard July 30, 1910 on page 18.
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4 comments:
Bob- This is one terrific daub- it is fifteen sheets high and thirteen sheets long- do the math -we're talking 195 sheets of paper here.
For the beginner let me point out that this expression "195 sheets of paper" refers to total of poster sizes, not individual pieces of paper; for instance a twelve sheet never consists of twelve individual pieces of paper but is still counted as twelve sheets.
Note how symmetrically laid-out this daub is, particularly on the top row and the row with the portraits.
Also observe the ladders on the sidewalk; a daub this high required more than long-handled brushes.
Also notice the large pile of rope on the groud to tie the ladders together with. I can't tell you how much fun it is to tie the two 20' ladders together and then climb up them. Or maybe they tied the ladder off from the top of the building. I think getting in a cage with lions would be a tad bit safer. lol
Dave,
I have another question for you. The stories have always been told of how the billposters had to "cook" their paste.
How long did they still use this method? What did you use in your day and time?
Thanks,
Bob
The original Kelly-Miller show was the last circus to cook paste. This was done with a boiler and a hose.
You simply mixed up the paste and water in the right proportions, then inserted the hose into the pot and let the steam do its work. Stir occasionally.
Most show billposters were using "cold water" paste by the late 1950s when I got into the biz. I remember when an imported paste (I believe from Holland) was the preferred one; it was recommended that the paste be mixed well in advance and allowed to season (overnight if possible) before using.
Applying paste to a surface was called "doping." The better billposters also washed off the front of the posters with clear water once they were posted.
Some guys could post bills all day and not get paste on themselves.
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