The ephemera Journal Volume 15, Number 3 may 2013 Every Man His Own Physician: Ephemera and Medical Self-Help By Christopher hoolihan The literature of “popular medicine” addresses two issues of vital concern to a lay audience: first, how to treat disease or mend injury; and second, how to keep oneself and one’s family healthy so that disease might be avoided altogether. The need for this genre of printed matter during the 19th century stemmed from at least three sources: first, the remoteness of the places that many North Americans inhabited – places where there was little likelihood of finding a trained physician when the need unexpectedly arose; places where the nearest physician might be a day’s travel or more away. In such places, one often had to rely on oneself (or a knowledgeable neighbor) when illness, injury, or even an event like childbirth occurred. The second factor that encouraged the growth of popular medical literature was the simple fact that most Americans, whether town dwellers or countrymen, tradesmen or mechanics, had limited financial resources – and the cost of engaging a physician for days, weeks or longer was often beyond their means. Many families simply could not support the burden of physicians’ and apothecaries’ bills – even when that treatment was effective. This brings us to a third reason for the growth of popular medical literature: a widespread distrust of the medical profession. A man of the early republic regarded himself as competent to make decisions regarding his own political governance (without interference “Every Man His Own Doctor,” a 1998 on-line exhibit of The Library Company featured from the crown or chartered land companies); this 1861 color woodcut and relief print by Duross Brothers in Philadelphia. The item competent to navigate the dangerous waters is now on exhibit as part of “Remnants of Everyday Life: 19th-Century Ephemera in the of trade (without the strictures of state Home, Workplace, and Street” which will be showcased as part of a conference jointly monopolies, guilds, or trading companies); sponsored by The Library Company and The Ephemera Society in September, “Unmediated and competent to make decisions regarding History: The Scholarly Study of 19th-Century Ephemera” (see calendar for details). Continued on Page 4 1 In This Issue: Plains Indian Art, page 10 ~ New York Milk Committee 1911, page 14 ~ Numbers Gaming in Depression Era Chicago, page 20 The Ephemera Journal Dear Members and Friends: As your new President, it is a pleasure to work with you, to achieve our exciting future goals. My objective, and that of our dynamic Board of Directors, is to continue to fulfill the myriad needs of our members. Your thoughts and participation are warmly encouraged. Under the capable leadership of my predecessors, The Ephemera Society Copyright 2013 of America has achieved international accomplishments and respect. Our The Ephemera Society of America, Inc. programs and publications continue to perpetuate our proud legacy, but, as P.O. Box 95 Cazenovia, NY 13035-0095 we look forward, we know we must also focus on inspiring a new genera- Messages & Fax: 315-655-9139 tion of future collectors, dealers, scholars, and artists. Web Site: www.ephemerasociety.org An exciting aspect of this initiative is the dramatic revitalization of our E-mail: [email protected] website. Please look for imminent changes, which will enable the site to be your easily accessible resource. Adding a contemporary lilt to our step, it Volume 15, Number 3, May 2013 will also engage social media in a positive and useful manner, as it facilitates The Ephemera Journal (ISSN 1543- all communication. 4990) is published three times a year by Our recent conference, Ephemera 33: Art and Commerce, exemplified one The Ephemera Society of America, Inc. focus -- educating for the future. By understanding the historic techniques President: Nancy Rosin (’13) through which ephemera evolved, and the relationship to fine and graphic Vice President: Bruce Shyer (’13) art, we connected it to its use by artists and designers. Segments of the Treasurer: John G. Sayers (’15) program focused on these aspects, while workshops provided an opportunity Directors: to use reproductions of ephemera for crafting. Hands-on usage provided George Fox (’15) insight into the contemporary appreciation of our material. We must evolve David Freund (’15) to expand our audience, and find new ways to be intriguing to young minds. Moira Harris (’13) Our Speakers’ Bureau, Mentor Programs, and involvement in National Thomas Horrocks (’13) History Day, are just some of our enticing educational initiatives. The goal Sheryl Jaeger (’15) David Lilburne (’15) is to ensure that “ephemera” can be more easily viewed as an integral part Barbara Loe (’13) of our surroundings, contributing valuable historic and artistic context. Henry Raine (’15) In recognition of the integral relationship of ephemera, to telling the story Jeremy Rowe (’15) of the Chinese and Chinese Americans in the Hollywood film industry, Donald Zaldin (’15) we are pleased to announce that the 2013 Phil Jones Fellowship has been Ex-Officio: Art Groten awarded to Jenny Cho, and The Chinese Historical Society of Southern California, for their forthcoming book, Chinese in Hollywood. Applications Vermont Agent: Pat Laffin for 2014 are welcomed. APS Affiliate #256 Please mark your calendars for a truly important event next September Administrative Director: 19 and 20, in Philadelphia, PA. Co-sponsored by the Library Company’s Mary Beth Malmsheimer Visual Culture Program and The Ephemera Society of America, “Unmedi- [email protected] ated History: The Scholarly Study of 19th-Century Ephemera” will feature Ephemera Journal Editor: expert speakers and an introduction to their newly digitized ephemera col- Diane DeBlois lection. We invite members and friends to partake of this unique experience P.O. Box 477 and associated activities. West Sand Lake, NY 12196 The year has had an exceptional beginning, and we all look forward to [email protected] a continuation of the momentum and enthusiasm. Thank you for this op- portunity to work on your behalf, and, please become involved. DISPlAY ADvErTISINg rATES: The Journal will accept pdf, jpeg or tiff files as well as camera-ready ads at the Sincerely, following pre-paid rates: Quarter page (3.25” x 4.5”) $ 70 Half-page vertical (3.25” x 9.5”) $105 Half-page horizontal (7” x 4.5”) $105 Nancy Rosin, Full page (7” x 9.5”) $185 President Deadlines: April 1, August 1, 2 December 1. Obituary: Joe Freedman In this issue... The Ephemera of Health On January add a few gems to his collections. 31, 2013 we His smile would give away his joy sheds light on both private lost our good of discovery. and public health issues. friend and fel- His style was understated, Christopher Hoolihan low collector, though he had great passion for reveals the beginnings of Joe Freedman. collecting. He remained humble Joe was as about his finds and accumulations, the American way of self- fine a person despite how wonderful they were. medicating in “Every Man He never bragged about or hyped as ever loved ephemera, possess- His Own Physician” while ing excellent taste for the best and his collections. He let them speak most unusual items, whether for for themselves. He was always Hi’ilei Hobart explores their historic content or graphic willing to share and point others the political implications qualities. Not known for collect- in the direction of great finds if he of an early 20th-Century knew of one’s interests. ing by subject, he sought great urban public health plan color, high quality printing, and He was a fine gentleman, and beautiful composition, whether loved to recount the events leading in “Looking for Babies” large or small. He hunted with to great finds of the past. He was – each author having used zeal, ever scouting for something a teller of jokes, as many of us the resources of a particular know. He was a great presence different, something better than institutional collection. And before. at our shows, one of the best of a If you knew Joe, you knew generation of collectors respon- Betsy Schlabach provides constant motion, as he was ever sible for loving and maintaining a glimpse of the addictive walking the aisles of a show, some superb material no longer world of Policy Gaming in seemingly always carrying some available in the market. treasure he had just purchased, Joe Freedman will be missed. Depression Era Chicago. always happy to share his find, to We offer our deepest condolences The ‘ledger style’ paintings show and tell. Nothing made him to Honey and the Freedman fam- by contemporary Plains ily. happier than to be at the Ephem- Indians, as described by era Fair, or Allentown Paper We received the following lov- Show, where he knew he would ing tribute from Joe’s family. Molly Harris, are not health- related (unless it is cultural Dear Friends, health) but are a fascinating In honor of our dear pop pop Joe Freedman we wanted the world to know intersection of art and how much we loved and respected his knowledge and passion for collecting. ephemera – a celebratory From tobacco tins to powder puffs, from toilet paper to cleansers, from coda to the rich conference perfume bottles to folk are…he loved it all, but especially Ephemera. He was experience at Ephemera 33 in the happiest man on this green earth. The buying and selling kept him a very young 84. March. Honey Grams and his children and grandchildren Laura Joy, Maxx and —Diane DeBlois, editor Samantha will miss him always and in all ways. Speakers on the Fascinating Subjects of Ephemera Event planners looking for experienced speakers on a variety of interesting and intriguing ephemera subjects will find an excellent roster of speakers available on the Society’s website, www.ephemerasociety.org/resources/ speakersbureau.html.