BPCL.MC. Material Culture
Collecting Area
Identifier: BPCL.MC
In the context of popular culture studies, Material Culture refers to the physical objects and artifacts that embody everyday cultural practices, trends, and values, such as toys, clothing, advertisements, packaging, fan merchandise, household goods, and media-related products—objects that reflect how popular culture is produced, circulated, and consumed. These collections provide insight into the lived experiences of people, the influence of media and commerce, and the shifting trends in identity, leisure, and social norms.
Found in 35 Collections and/or Records:
Advertising Ink Blotters
Collection
Identifier: SC-100
Abstract
This is a collection of advertising ink blotters, an absorbent paper used to blot the excess ink off paper and prevent smearing when using fountain pens. With strong visual images on the front of the blotters, manufacturers and businesses gave them away to customers as free promotional items. Advertising ink blotters were used from the 1900s through the 1940s until the ballpoint pen was invented.
Dates:
Other: Primarily from the early 1900s through the 1940s
Found in:
Browne Popular Culture Library
Advertising Proofs Collection
Collection
Identifier: SC-035
Abstract
This is a collection of advertising proofs dating from the mid-to-late 1960s.
Dates:
Creation: Majority of material found in 1964-1968
Found in:
Browne Popular Culture Library
Advertising Trade Cards
Collection
Identifier: SC-32
Dates:
Creation: 1800-1968; Creation: undated
Found in:
Browne Popular Culture Library
Andrew Anthos Titanic Collection
Collection
Identifier: SC-23
Introduction
The R.M.S. Titanic, the largest and most luxurious ocean liner of its time, began its maiden voyage on April 11, 1912 and sank on April 14, 1912, two hours after hitting an iceberg, taking over 1500 souls with it to the bottom of the North Atlantic. The ship was seen as unsinkable, a testament to technology and man's superiority. The ship and its tragic ending have fascinated generations of people worldwide for over a century. Many books, movies, and songs have been...
Dates:
Creation: 1996 - 2003
Found in:
Browne Popular Culture Library
Ann & Billy Wilkinson Ice Cream Card Collection
Collection
Identifier: SC-11B
Introduction
This collection of ice cream themed greeting cards was donated by Ann Wilkinson and varies in topics ranging from Birthday to Get Well and even Valentine's Day. The collection also includes some iconic characters such as Snoopy and the characters of Peanuts, Cathy from the comic strip of the same name, Barbie, and the ever lovable Garfield. The cards span the late 1980s through 1990s and are comprised of publishers such as Portal, Hallmark, and Tenderness as well as some homemade cards. The...
Dates:
Creation: 1980s - 1990s
Found in:
Browne Popular Culture Library
Beanie Baby Collection
Collection
Identifier: SC-101
Introduction
In the 1990’s, the Beanie Baby craze swept through America. First appearing in 1993 at the World Toy Fair in New York City, these small stuffed animals were filled with P.V.C. Pellets and came in all shapes in sizes -- from common animals to characters from popular culture. Many collected them, seeking out the rarest versions they could find. Some displayed their Beanie Babies, others played with them and made clothes for them. The “Original Nine” Beanie Babies were: Legs the Frog, Squealer...
Dates:
Creation: 1993-2000
Found in:
Browne Popular Culture Library
Beauty Pageant Collection
Collection
Identifier: SC-001
Abstract
Collection of materials relating to Beauty Pageants culture.
Dates:
Creation: 1923-2010
Found in:
Browne Popular Culture Library
Bernard L. Karr Political Pinback Button Collection
Collection
Identifier: SC-102
Abstract
Advertising is a common facet of modern life and it appears in various forms. From the billboard on the morning commute, the five second blurb before a YouTube video, to the commercial break during a podcast, advertising is an extremely powerful tool that is utilized by many entities. While frequently attempting to sell a product, ideas or movements are also regularly the basis of these messages, many of which are politically motivated.Political advertising is the backbone of any...
Dates:
Creation: 1976-2016
Found in:
Browne Popular Culture Library
Bicentennial Collection
Collection
Identifier: SC-40
Introduction
This collection of printed materials and realia (e.g. objects from everyday life) commemorates the American Bicentennial celebration in 1976. The collection includes pamphlets, brochures and other printed materials about regional bicentennial celebrations, special edition reprints for the bicentennial and official information from the American Revolution Bicentennial Administration. The collection also includes realia themed with American iconography, such as the Liberty Bell, Flag, Bald...
Dates:
Creation: 1972 - 1976
Found in:
Browne Popular Culture Library
Calendar Collection
Collection
Identifier: SC-10
Introduction
According to Funk and Wagnall's, a calendar is a "system of measuring time for the needs of regular daily life, by dividing time into days, weeks, months, and years." The Browne Popular Culture Library has a selective collection of all kinds of calendars, from various decades and covering various topics, as seen below.
Dates:
Creation: Primarily 20th century
Found in:
Browne Popular Culture Library
Cavalcade of America radio scripts collection
Collection
Identifier: SC-150
Introduction
These are the titles that we own of The Cavalcade of America radio program series. For more information about the program, take a look at the record in LibrarySearch.
Dates:
Creation: 1940 - 1953
Found in:
Browne Popular Culture Library
Cigarette Pack Collection
Collection
Identifier: SC-112
Introduction
Primarily purchased by sound recordings archivist Bill Schurk between the years 1958 and 1962, from Sam Klein Cigar Company in Cleveland, OH, this collection represents a sampling of the foreign and domestic cigarette brands available to consumers at the apex of cigarette consumption in the United States. Showcasing an assortment of packaging styles, an array of eye-catching graphic designs, and a variety of smokable tobaccos cultivated from around the globe, this collection provides a...
Dates:
Creation: Approximately the 1950s through the 1960s
Found in:
Browne Popular Culture Library
Cookery Vertical File Collection
Collection
Identifier: SC-106
Description
This collection consists of printed recipe booklets and brochures for various food brands and kitchen products from the 1900s to the present. Historically in American society, cooking has been within the domestic sphere and this collection reflects that with representations of traditional gender roles. The collection is sorted by primary ingredients (baking soda, yeast, etc.), as well as categories (desserts, fried foods, etc.) and some major brands (Betty Crocker, Kraft, etc.)....
Dates:
Creation: 1900 - 1980
Found in:
Browne Popular Culture Library
Cookie Cutter Collection
Collection – Box 1
Identifier: SC-107
Description
While debate remains surrounding the precise origin of the cookie cutter, the kitchen utensil’s influence on American culinary culture has only grown since it rose to popularity in the mid-1800s. Initially folk objects and handicrafts created by tinsmiths or other metal workers, the mass production of cookie cutters at the end of the nineteenth century ushered in their ubiquity and made the desserts created with them a common sight on dinner tables across America. This collection contains an...
Dates:
Creation: Collection mainly seems to cover most of the 20th century
Found in:
Browne Popular Culture Library
Dave Simmons Flip Movie Collection
Collection
Identifier: SC-44
Introduction
Flip movies or flip books have great cultural significance in American culture since the first one was introduced in 1868. In addition to their role in the birth of cinema, flip books have been used over the years as promotional items as well as toys for children.
Dates:
Creation: 1949 - 2011
Found in:
Browne Popular Culture Library
Display Photos Collection
Collection
Identifier: SC-003
Abstract
A 3-box collection of 8" x 10" black and white photographs of window displays from the Best & Co. store in New York City from 1933-1934 (taken by Worsinger Photo, NYC). The displays garnered the Socrates' High Award of the Year (an advertising campaign competition) in 1934, defeating department stores around the country. Photographs of the display manager, Richard Terhune, and his assistant, Mary Clark, are included as well as information on the competition in Modern Display from October...
Dates:
Creation: 1933 - 1934
Found in:
Browne Popular Culture Library
Greeting Card Collection
Collection
Identifier: SC-011
Scope and Contents
More than 14,000 greeting cards comprise a major portion of the graphic arts collections of The Browne Popular Culture Library, including cards commemorating Valentine's Day, Christmas, New Year's and other holidays, and birthdays, anniversaries, and other celebrations and life events. This collection is arranged by occasion and date.
Dates:
Creation: Dates vary, but the collection covers approximately the late 1800s to the 2010s
Found in:
Browne Popular Culture Library
Hong Kong Laser Disc Collection
Collection
Identifier: SC-130
Introduction
LaserDisc (LD) debuted to the American consumer electronics market in December 1978 and it represents the first home video format to employ the storage capabilities of an optical disc. The technological precursor to audiovisual formats like DVD and Blu-ray, LD offered viewers superior analog picture quality, when compared to Betamax and VHS videocassette tapes, and unparalleled digital sound. Originally, LDs contained analog signals for both video and audio. However, as the format and its...
Dates:
Creation: Primarily the 1980s through the 1990s
Found in:
Browne Popular Culture Library
Laura M. Mueller Bridge Tally Card Collection
Collection
Identifier: SC-27
Scope and Contents
This collection, donated by Laura M. Mueller, contains mainly bridge tally cards and score pads from the early part of the 20th century to the 1960's. For a virtual display of some of these sets, check out the slideshow below.
Dates:
Creation: Approximately
Found in:
Browne Popular Culture Library
Liebig Card Collection
Collection
Identifier: SC-116
Introduction
The Liebig Company is an English firm that started widely producing “meat extract” after it was created by Justus von Liebig. The meat extraction process created a concentrate and preservation of the essential nutrients and flavors of beef in the form of paste or bouillon cubes. The production of the meat extract was started in 1850 and was named after its inventor. “Liebig Fleischextrakt” was soon sold all over the world with its main production taking place in Fray-Bentos and Colon, South...
Dates:
Creation: Dates are approximately from the late 1800s to the 1970s
Found in:
Browne Popular Culture Library
Matchbook Covers Collection
Collection
Identifier: SC-14
Introduction
Patented in 1892 by lawyer Joshua Pusey, the matchbook, a seemingly insignificant piece of cardboard enclosing a handful of disposable paper matches, quickly became the staple advertising space at the dawn of the 20th century. Beginning with beer company Pabst and tobacco company Bull Durham, businesses big and small started to purchase printings of books from match companies such as Diamond and Ohio which found their way into millions of coat pockets, hotel rooms, and restaurant...
Dates:
Creation: 20th century
Found in:
Browne Popular Culture Library
Mike Douglas Collection
Collection
Identifier: SC-28
Introduction
The Mike Douglas Show, originating in Cleveland, Ohio and later moving to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was a 90-minute program that dominated the ratings during the important weekday afternoon time slot. At its peak, the show was seen on 171 television stations and an average audience of six million viewers. From 1961 to 1981, Mike welcomed many diverse guests, from show business, politics, and current events. The Mike Douglas Show offered viewers a mixture of thoughtful conversations and...
Dates:
Creation: Collection covers approximately the 1960s-1970s
Found in:
Browne Popular Culture Library
Paper Doll Collection
Collection
Identifier: SC-118
Introduction
This is a collection of a variety of paper doll sets dating from the twentieth century. Most of the dolls are of motion picture celebrities, such as Betty Grable and Rita Hayworth. Famous child celebrities are also represented, including Shirley Temple, Margaret O’Brien and the Dionne Quintuplets. The dolls and their accessories have been cut out and show use, yet are still in good condition.
Dates:
Creation: Primarily 20th century
Found in:
Browne Popular Culture Library
POGs Collection
Collection
Identifier: SC-29
Introduction
Pogs, also known as milk caps, was a children’s game played with cardboard milk cap disks, usually decorated with pop culture graphics. The name ‘Pogs’ came from a brand of juice, in which the juice caps were used to play the game. The game is played with types of disks: the actual pogs, which are stacked, and slammers, which are heavier objects in similar shape as the pogs, which are dropped on top of the stacked pogs to try to knock it over. The rules of the game are simple:...
Dates:
Creation: Approximately 1990s
Found in:
Browne Popular Culture Library
Pokemon Collection
Collection
Identifier: SC-41
Introduction
The Pokémon Collection consists of American and Japanese Pokémon memorabilia circa 1998-2002, approximately. The collection is composed of trading cards, stickers, advertisements, toys, cookie cutters, origami and much more from the beginning surge of Pokémon's popularity in the United States. Pokémon's launch into American culture occurred in the fall of 1998 with the release of the first two Game Boy games. Since then, more games, television shows, films, and toys grew out of the...
Dates:
Creation: 1996 - 2002
Found in:
Browne Popular Culture Library