SC Rewind: Looking Through An Old Catalogue

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.   

Sell cover, 1914

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. 

Sell's shipping room

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.  

Dan Patch in Sell

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. 


Sell harness ad

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


Chainovers in Sell

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. 


Sell's bell boots

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


Frank Caton writes Sell

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? 

Who Is It photo question

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? 

Who Else Is It photo question

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? 

Where Is It photo question

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. 

Comments

Percy Robillard with Splurge and also the dog in the picture is named Lassie I have the same pic in my home. BTW Percy is my Grandpa.

The Who is it? photo was correctly identified by several people. That was Marie Carson (now Dr. Marie Gill, a veterinarian)  and her charge,  the famous Niatross. She was often pictured with this great horse and also frequently quoted during his glorious career. I believe that was taken at Greenwood.
The Who else is it? photo apparently turned out to be pretty easy . The "PR" man was Percy Robillard and the horse was the  two year old Splurge.
The Where is it? photo was taken at the picturesque Goshen historic track located in Goshen, N.Y. sometimes referred to as "The cradle of the trotter." Thanks to our picture identifiers and thank you to Bert Clish for your comment about Goshen.

(1) Marie Gill with Niatross
(2) Percy Robillard
(3) Historic Track, Goshen New York

Goshen, New York. A nice picture and a lot of history at this track. Thank you for showing. Bert Clish

Where is it? With the hills in the background it reminds me of Saratoga.

Marie Carson groom of Niatross

Can't think of her name. Niatross, Percy Robilard, just a guess Delaware.

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