Historical Context

This card was made in 1884. To put it in context, 1884 was the first year that the parliament building’s had lights. This trade card was created during the smallpox crisis in Montreal. This is heavily reflected in the use of advertising that “No Montreal goods are kept in house”. Print was the main from of media. The fonts that are used on this trade card vary and are meant to be pleasing to the eye. All of the letters feature the use of serifs. It is believed that these serifed fonts are easier to read than sans-serif fonts. (Gill, Eric 1929) A jobbing house was a business that sold goods to other business. These goods would then be sold on the retail market.