Cleaning

John D. Rockefeller stands on a ladder, dumping coins into a “Patent Disinfector,” as a member of the clergy opens a slot and coins pour into a bucket labeled “Purified Cash for Missions.” An open trunk labeled “Contributions,” full of money bags, is at the base of the ladder. Caption: The cash purification plant.

comments and context

Comments and Context

S. D. Ehrhart’s modest cover cartoon appears to comment on the growing trend of American moguls donating portions of their fortunes to charities. The most prominent of the day might have been Andrew Carnegie’s stated intention to give away his fortune to causes like Carnegie Hall, Carnegie Free Libraries, and what became Carnegie-Mellon University. For every Carnegie there have been multitudes of Morgans, Vanderbilts, and Rockefellers.

A depressed old man wearing formal clothing sits on the sidewalk on small railroad cars labeled “Street Railways.” In his pocket is a paper labeled “Expiring Franchises” and protruding from a bag another paper labeled “Leases.” A bundle at his feet is labeled “Boodle.” Mayor of Chicago, Edward F. Dunne, is standing in the background with a broom.

comments and context

Comments and Context

This brilliant cartoon by Joseph Keppler Junior — in composition, simplicity, and humor the kind of work that enabled some readers to forget his cartoonist father — would be dispositive if published two years later. That is, the reform mayor of Chicago, Edward Fitzsimmons Dunne, is shown with the broom of reform and a crooked political boss sadly confronts his disenfranchisement from control of municipal utilities, fares, and contracts.

Charles D. Smith sends Theodore Roosevelt a sample of his gun cleaner which he highly regards and sends detailed instructions on how to appropriately use it. If Roosevelt decides he does not like the product he may send it back, stamps are enclosed.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-10-23

William W. Hart asks if President Roosevelt has any game heads or fur rugs that need to be inspected for cleaning, repairing, or moth-proofing purposes. Hart offers to send over a competent man to estimate costs if Roosevelt needs any of these services.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-08-02

Postcard featuring a color illustration of an adult-sized teddy bear and cub cleaning a home.

Collection

Fritz R. Gordner Collection

Creation Date

1907

A maid sits on an overturned washtub with animated cleaning supplies standing around her.

comments and context

Comments and Context

This humorous (rather than political) front-cover cartoon by L. M. Glackens in Puck would be in line for a Lenten theme; or for an Easter, or traditional “Mid-Summer” issue of the weekly, except for date and concept. Rather, it could be considered a “Spring Cleaning” issue by its cover drawing.

Theodore Roosevelt, dressed as the advertising image of Old Dutch Cleanser, carries a large club. Caption: Chases dirt – and everything else.

Collection

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs

Creation Date

1912-06-05