Description
Newport, Kentucky: Donaldson Litho. Co., [ca. 1940-1960]. Color lithograph; identified as No. 7004 and 7005; two blank posters intended for printing show dates on top. 356 by 560mm (14 by 22 inches). Mild to medium creasing; light soiling; very good.
Donaldson Litho. Co. found its niche printing generic posters that buyers could customize by adding names and dates. Their posters advertised circus and other traveling performance acts.
The company was founded in 1863 and at its height employed 300 people. Donaldson printed show posters until 1981.
An integral part of the success of the American circus was advertising. Posters used to be plastered on walls and barns and this was the primary mode of letting the public know that the show was in town.
Sold as a set (two items)