A.Z. Orstrom Song Plugger Cards Collection
Content Description
The approximately 86 cards in this collection range in date from 1906 to 1928. They advertise events including receptions, parties, picnics and boat excursions hosted by groups such as the Chicago Substitute Letter Carriers’ Association and the Chicago Cloakmakers Union. Some of the cards feature advertisements for dance halls. A few of the advertisements are written in Polish. All the of the cards feature song lyrics in English on the back of the card.
Dates
- 1906 - 1928
Conditions Governing Access
Materials are open without restrictions.
Conditions Governing Use
Please consult staff to determine ability to reuse materials from collection
Biographical Note
Albert Zakarias Orstrom was born in Chicago on January 20, 1893. According to the 1910 census, his father Zakarias and his mother Amanda were both born in Sweden. The 1910 census also lists his occupation as a toolmaker, although at the time he was just 17 years old and still living with his family, which included his parents and his younger siblings Arvid, Martin, and Lillian. By 1920 he was living with extended family on 46th street and listed his occupation as a machinist. In 1930, the census lists a 37 year-old Albert Orstrom living at a lodging house at 4521 Irving Park Road, and his occupation is once again listed as a toolmaker. He listed the same address on his World War II draft registration card, which he filled out in 1942, and also gave his employer's name as Ritholz Optical Co. He died in Chicago on January 18, 1982.
Extent
.5 Linear Feet (in 1 box)
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
The A.Z. Orstrom Song Plugger Cards Collection contains approximately 86 song plugger cards. Song plugger cards contained an advertisement for a dance or picnic on the front and lyrics from popular songs on the back. The cards are generally 2-3 inches tall and 4-5 inches wide, come in a variety of colors, and sometimes contain small illustrations.
Arrangement
Cards are grouped chronologically in folders by the following date ranges: 1906-1909; 1910-1914; 1915-1919; 1920-1928.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Albert Z. Orstrom left the song plugger cards to Hild Regional Library (now Sulzer Regional Library) in his will.
- Community life -- Illinois -- Chicago -- History -- Sources. Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Songs -- Texts Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
Source
- Orstrom, Albert Z. (Donor, Person)
- Title
- Guide to the A.Z. Orstrom Song Plugger Cards Collection
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Original author unknown. Updated and ingested into ArchivesSpace by Allyson Smally and Julie Lynch, 2022.
- Date
- 2022
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Northside Neighborhood History Collection Repository
Sulzer Regional Library
Chicago Public Library
4455 N. Lincoln Avenue
Chicago IL 60625 United States
(312) 742-4455
northsidehistory@chipublib.org