Most companies strive for simplicity when it comes to their logos. For example, just two letters--GE--stand for General Electric. A single yellow seashell represents the Shell Oil Company. A hundred years ago, the opposite was true. Remarkably intricate illustrations were commonplace on company invoices, letterheads and checks, regardless of the type of business. This site showcases more than 85 images that illustrate the point. The logos shown here all relate to a business created more than a century ago by my great-grandfather, Josiah Allshouse.
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Josiah Allshouse (May 24, 1850 - May 19, 1911)
Catharine Elizabeth Beck (Oct. 1, 1855 - Mar. 19, 1933) |
My great-grandparents were born and lived in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. Both were descendants of German families who came to America before the Revolutionary War. Josiah Allshouse built a hardware store on Pennsylvania Avenue in Greensburg, PA, and went into business with his brother-in-law, Michael Mathias Beck, in 1893. Eventually, Josiah operated a quarry and became a successful contractor. The logos that follow came from 1895-96 receipts and checks associated with the operation of Allshouse, Beck & Company, specialists in farming implements, carriages, fertilizers and general hardware.
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Nina Mariah Allshouse (Feb 20 1888 - July 24, 1967)
Robert Alexander Ramsay (Sept. 16, 1884 - June 29, 1970) |
My grandmother, Nina, was one of the eight children of Josiah and Catharine. The family lived in a Victorian home at 443 West Pittsburgh Street in Greensburg. After Nina and Robert married, the home became theirs. They had five children, one of which was my aunt, Marjorie (below). Many years later, I also lived in the house and was raised by my grandparents. This project is dedicated to my "Auntie M" because she has dutifully watched over our family's historical documents and has generously shared them with me. |
Marjorie Ann Ramsay Carson Laing
Greensburg High School senior portrait |
Although all of the subsequent images have been enhanced in some way, I have tried not to alter the original documents any more than was necessary to display them clearly. The sources of some of the checks are unclear and the titles of these documents are indicated by brackets. All backgrounds, lace dividers and other images are my own creations. |
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Bissell Chilled Plow Works |
B. Goetz Manufacturing Co. |
Keystone Farm Machine Works |
The Spicer Manufacturing Co. |
The Kelly & Jones Company |
In keeping with my German ancestry, I chose Beethoven's Fur Elise for your listening pleasure. The piece is a favorite of my husband, Mark, and one that is played beautifully by our daughter, Heather. |
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