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American Playing Card Company Pamphlet

 Item — Box: 1 of 1
Identifier: RH-A-4312

Scope and Contents

This collection is composed of one pamphlet from the American Playing Card Company in Kalamazoo dating from 1900.

The front cover contains the title “Wholesale Price List of American Playing Cards” along with information regarding prepaid freight pricing. Along the bottom of the front page it states “The American Playing Card Co., Kalamazoo, - Mich.” As well as the address of the company’s New York office. Inside the pamphlet is an extensive list detailing the different classes and types of playing card decks available, as well as their pricing. The back of the pamphlet contains the company’s mission statement.

Dates

  • 1900

Creator

Biographical / Historical

In an article in the Kalamazoo Gazette published April 20, 1890, the American Playing Card Company announced that it would begin construction of a new factory on “Taylor St, the Simpson lot.” The project had a $50,000 budget and included plans for a 3 story factory employing 50 hands. The company manufactured many different types of cards, as shown in the price list brochure, including Golf, Rover, and Sportingman’s brand playing cards. At the time of its construction and operation, the original plant was managed by W.H. Longley of Ohio. In 1926, Upjohn acquired the building after the plant moved elsewhere and used it as a storage facility up until its eventual destruction in 1966. The plot of land where the plant once stood is still owned by the Upjohn company today.

Extent

.05 Cubic Feet

Language of Materials

English

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Purchased with funds from the Starring Endowment.

Physical Description

The collection amounts to .05 cubic feet and is composed of one pamphlet from the American Playing Card Company located in Kalamazoo. This item is 5.5” x 9.5”. The pages of booklet are slightly creased horizontally from being folded to pocket size. The pamphlet is printed on a lightweight, satin-finish paper and has print in blue and red ink on all four sides.

Title
American Playing Card Co. Pamphlet finding aid
Status
Completed
Author
Stephanie Chapman
Date
2022-07-27
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Western Michigan University Archives & Regional History Collections Repository

Contact:
Charles C. and Lynn L. Zhang Legacy Collections Center
1650 Oakland Drive
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5307 US
(269) 387-8490