Images(6)

Block, Printing

Object number2007.3.91 a-d

Date1940-1949

MediumWood; paint; paper

Credit LineGift of Alan Rosenberg

DescriptionSet of printing blocks.Dimensions1 in. (2.5 cm)
Inscriptions(a)
Engraved and written backwards, "[skull] STAGE / SPOOKS [skeleton] / Guaranteed / TO SCARE / THE DAYLIGHTS / OUT OF YOU... / MAKE UP A / SPOOK PARTY / COME / SEE IT! / WE DARE YOU... / CAN YOU STAND 1001 MYSTERY CHILLS?"

(c)
Front: embossed outlines of "STAGE" (top proper right corner) and "Guaranteed" (lower proper left corner), written backwards.

Printed in block letters, "TRIANGLE POSTER & PTG C... / CHICAGO, ILL".

(d)
Front: Engraved backwards, "On Our STAGE / SPOOKS / On the loose / ALL IN PERSON!"
Historical NotesAfter returning from military service in World War II, David Rosenberg, the donor Alan Rosenberg's father, purchased a small printing company in Pittsburgh that had been operating since the early 1900s (originally owned by Shapiro Brothers). Named the Triangle Poster and Printing Company for its original location near the Point of Pittsburgh, Rosenberg's company specialized in printing colorful circus and fair posters using wood blocks and wood type. This printing technique produced rich, saturated colors in comparison to off-set printing, which eventually replaced the wood-block method. As of 2007, Triangle Poster and Printing Company still prints carnival and fair posters using wood blocks that were acquired over 50 years prior.

Related person David Rosenberg

Related institution Triangle Poster Company

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