D’Arcy Advertising Collection Index

Index to Products and Brands Represented in The D’Arcy Collection of the Communications Library of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The D’Arcy Collection of the Communications Library of the University of Illinois is a collection of almost one million original advertisements published between 1890 and 1970. The collection, which was donated by the D’Arcy, MacManus & Masius advertising agency (now D’Arcy Masius Benton & Bowles) in 1983, is a rich source of research information on products advertised by many agencies. While the vast majority of these advertisements appeared in newspapers, magazines and trade journals, there are a few in other forms such as brochures, signs, and programs. Most of the clippings advertise standard consumer products, but there are a number of obsolete categories such as spats, bathing shoes, and Prohibition. Included also are ads from organizational and governmental advertisers such as the American Red Cross, New York City’s Lincoln Center, and NATO.

The collection is housed in the Communications Library, 122 Gregory Hall, and fills over 170 file drawers. It is arranged alphabetically by product and brand and by period. Access to the files themselves is limited, but they have been microfilmed, and the black and white microfilm reels circulate both on- and off-campus. In addition, the staff will provide limited research services affiliated with the collection. If photographic reproductions of particular ads are desired, patrons can arrange with the Communications Librarian for these to be made at cost.

The basic arrangement of the index is by product category. Clicking on a letter leads you to an alphabetical list of categories.

NOTE: The reel numbers shown in the index refer to the microfilm reels of the collection that has been cataloged under the call number FILM 659.132 D243. These microfilms are available through InterLibrary Loan but the reel number must be specified. Occasionally the reel numbers are out of sequence because the folders were out of order when they were filmed. When no brand name is specified, the file consists of miscellaneous ads for the years shown.

To begin searching, click on one of the following letters (e.g. M for mattresses).

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