McCormick & Co. Advertising Collection,, 1905

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
Newman Library
Virginia Tech
P.O. Box 90001
560 Drillfield Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24062-9001
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (540) 231-6308
Fax: (540) 231-3694
Restrictions:

Collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

Permission to publish material from the McCormick & Co. Advertising Collection must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.

Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: McCormick & Co. Advertising Collection, Ms2011-079, Special Collections, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.1 Cubic Feet 1 Folder
Creator:
McCormick & Co. (Baltimore, Md.)
Abstract:
The collection consists of a letter, booklet, and circular addressed to McCormick & Co. distributors in 1905. All three items address a change in advertising and/or updates on spice markets.
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: McCormick & Co. Advertising Collection, Ms2011-079, Special Collections, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection consists of three components: one letter and an accompanying cut-out, one booklet, and one circular letter.

The letter and accompanying cut-out (March 8, 1905) are addressed to Hull and Staley of Marion, Va. In response to the two men's letter—which is not part of the collection—McCormick awarded them new "attractive advertising manner." One such item—a brass clock premium—was included in cut-out form.

The McCormick booklet from February 23, 1905 summarized market activity for various spices. McCormick failed to list the spices in any particular order, yet the list remained comprehensive. The market summaries themselves are also succinct in detailing prices, stocks, and favorable selling conditions.

The circular letter dates back to March 4, 1905. Within it, McCormick & Co. notified their employees of an upcoming change in packaging. Specifically, starting on March 15th of that year, "3 doz. 2 oz sample packages" replaced the "1/2 dozen extra packages of Jockey Animal Food" in order to increase revenue. McCormick offered its employees personalized advertising material, as well.

Biographical / historical:

Willoughby M. McCormick of Baltimore, Md started McCormick & Co. in 1889. Initially producing flavor extract and syrups, McCormick acquired a Philadelphia spice company in 1896 and later established its own New York City export office. By 1915, company headquarters returned to Baltimore.

Today the company owns several brands including Old Bay, Simply Asia, and Zatarans. Currently, Gordon M. Stetz, Jr., is the CFO and Executive Vice President.

Additional information can be found online at: http://www.mccormickcorporation.com/OurCompany/CompanyHistory.aspx

Acquisition information:
Special Collections at Virginia Tech purchased the McCormick Co. Advertising Collection in August 2011.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the McCormick & Co. Advertising Collection was completed in September 2011.

Arrangement:

The collection is arranged by material type.

Indexed terms

Subjects:
History of Food and Drink