SC Rewind: Looking Through An Old Catalogue

In this week's Rewind, Robert Smith centers the story around his findings from an old horse supply catalogue from over 100 years ago.  His piece is mainly pictorial in nature as he has selected a number of items of interest contained in this very old publication.  If anyone ever wondered where you could purchase items needed by a horse owner or trainer back in 1913-14, here is one possible answer.   

I recently came into possession of a great old catalogue featuring "Horse Goods" supplied by the once famous Sell Company of Canton, Ohio.  This vintage publication was dated 1914, thus printed almost 110 years ago.  It contains just over 200 pages of purchasable items and many great photographs of users of the company's products.  It was customary in those days to publish testimonials from satisfied users of the items listed for sale.  The Sell Company advertised itself as "The largest horse boot and turf goods plant in the world."

At this time horses occupied a very large part of everything that was happening.  While those engaged in racing interests were big users of this Company's products, many others who kept and used horses also needed their wares.  There were a few items that specified "Indicate whether for horse or mule." 

In the mid to late 1800's catalogue shopping came into being as large companies printed books containing pictures and descriptions of their goods for people to peruse at their own leisure.  Shipping was handled through freight, express or parcel post.  A stipulation was issued to all prospective buyers that stated "We do not guarantee the safe delivery of parcel post shipments, unless they are insured,  which will cost ten cents additional." 

For most older Canadians the memory of the beloved Eaton's Catalogue is entrenched in their minds as part of everyday life.  The first Eaton's catalogue was distributed in the fall of 1884 at the annual Industrial Exhibition, precursor to the Canadian National Exhibition. It remained as a popular shopping alternative for over 90 years until it was discontinued in 1976. 

A view of the shipping room which was just a small part of the company's stock and shipping facilities. 

I have chosen a few items to include in today's offering as they appeared in the catalogue.  

The Dan Patch era was in full swing at the time this catalogue was in effect.  Shown is a testimonial letter from the famous horse's owner stating that they have used the Company's boots for many years. 

At this time a set of harness would set you back about $30.00 

Overshoes for winter time use came in the above form.  Perhaps when people installed chains on their cars they also put them on their horses. 

They had a nice selection of Bell Boots shown with their price. 

A letter from the famous American horseman Frank Caton who went from the U.S. to Russia to train horses for the Czars. 

Quote For The Week: "It's too bad I'm not as wonderful a person as people say I am, because the world could use a few more people like that." - Alan Alda, actor and comedian 

Who Is It? 

Can you identify this person who was out for a stroll with a pretty famous horse? Let us know who you think it is. 

Who Else Is It? 

This could be a tough one because of the picture quality so will offer a few clues.  This picture was taken at Blue Bonnets in 1959 as this fellow had a pretty good colt in an upcoming stake event.  He was a longtime top driver at the Montreal tracks and was truly a great "P.R." man throughout his lifetime.  (Montreal Gazette archives) 

Where Is It? 

Can you correctly identify the location of this pretty scene with a field of horses following the starting gate? This picture was taken about 65 years ago. Nice starting gate.