Figure 1.--Here we see some of the boys' clothing offered by Spiegel Cooper in 1904. This ad for Norfolk suits and other styles of boys' suits is from The Youth's Companion (March 17, 1904, p. 139). The sizes are from 7 to 17 years for most. Little boys' suits come in sizes from 2 1/2 to 7 years of age. |
Older boys wore single breasted, double breasted, and Norfolk suits. We see some knicker suits, but kneepants were the most common for boys. Spiegel Cooper offered keepants suits in various materials in sizes up to age 17.
The ad copy read, "Send all orders direct to us. The Big Store, A City by Itself. Siegel Cooper Co., Sixth Avenue at 18th and 19th Streets. Parents find both durability and style correctness embodied in our Boy's Celebrated $3.00 Clothing. These garments are guaranteed to be made only by the most skilled workmen and are perfect in every detail. .... Our catalogue containing a full line of Boy's clothing will be ready March 10th. Mailed free upon application.
The Big Store. A City by Itself. Siegel Cooper Co. Sixt Ave at 18th and 19th Sts. New York City, N.Y. We have no branch Houses or agents." We're not sure if Spiegel Cooper is related to the later Spiegel compny, a major clothing catalog company.
This ad for Norfolk suits and other styles of boys' suits is from The Youth's Companion (March 17, 1904, p. 139). The publication described itself as "An Illustrated Weekly Paper For Young People and the Family." It was established in 1827. The magazine was published in Boston, Massachusetts, by the Perry Mason Company, 201 Columbus Avenue. It appeared under this title until 1929. It was in the late 19th century one of the most popular weekly periodicals in America and known for the quality of the writing. The magazine catered to teen-age boys and girls especially, containing articles on sports, on hobbies, and on various literary and cultural interests. But it was really a family magazine and had many advertisements for clothing, both adult and children's. The magagazine had a very strict policy about the advertising carried because its readers were mostly children.
Spigel Cooper offered three styles of suits for older boys up to age 17.
The Spigel Cooper ad copy read, "No. 197, only $3.00.
Our Boy's Celebrated Norfolk two-Piece Suit, made of the following fabrics all of which are tested and recommended for their wearing qualities--Navy Blue soft finished Serge, Black or Blue Cheviots, Oxford Gray, Brown, Tan or Olive Mixtures, also Over-plaids and fancy stripes. The trousers of these suits have double seat and knees and patent waistband. Sizes 7 to 17 years. $3.00."
The Spigel Cooper ad copy read, "No. 198--Same quality and colors as above, only the suit has a double-breasted jacket instead of Norfolk style. Sizes 7 to 17 years. $3.00.
In ordering Boy's Clothing give age and state whether large or small for age.
The Spigel Cooper ad copy read, "No. 199--Our Celebrated 3-boys, sizes 11 to 17 years (not illustrated), made with cutaway sack coat, single breasted vest, and short trousers of black and
blue cheviots, dark mixtures, neat stripes or over-plaids, positively the greatest value ever offered at $3.00."
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