Improved Historical Cards
Copyright 1884 by Freeman & Riddle, manufactured by Peter G. Thomson, Cincinnatti. 5.75 x 4.75 x 1.75 inches. 200 cards, presumed complete (no more could fit!). Generally Very Good with scuffing to the panels, corners worn and insides reinforced with tape at the corners. Signature of Mr. Harry E. Bradley inside the lid. Cards with minor handling wear, but clean and unmarked. Peter G. Thomson was a Cincinnati publisher and manufacturer of children's books, games, valentines, and novelties in the 1880s. His products rivaled the popularity of McLoughlin Bros, who bought out the company in 1889.
Educational flash cards, varied in typography and subject matter--they primarily cover American history and government, plus some religions and major geography. Many biographical cards to teach students the "who's-who" of historical figures, but only one (out of 200!) includes women: "Pocahontas, Indian princess connected with the history of Jamestown; Elizabeth, Queen of England during the time of Raleigh; Mrs. Anne Hutchinson, Woman preacher banished from Massachusetts; and Jane McCrea, Woman murdered by the Indians, during Burgoyne's Invasion." An interesting (and, needless to say, insufficient) selection telling of narrow attitudes regarding ways a woman might be considered historically significant.