In this age of digital cameras and Web-based photo galleries, the art of printed media and photos has all but become obsolete. However, nothing can replace the sensation of viewing original photos and documents from times past, including newspaper ads for old farms.
During the early 1900s, old farms could be found everywhere in the United States, from the East Coast to the West Coast. In the Northeast, New Hampshire, New Jersey and Massachusetts featured old style farm houses with winches for hire. The Midwest, which later became the heart of the American agricultural revolution during the early to mid 1900s had farm houses from Michigan to Ohio. Even the Sun Belt, including Southern and Southwestern states, also sprouted farms.
Another important aspect that contributed to the unique and artistic aspect of old farms is the building material gathered with the use of a small tractor. Lumber commonly came from the local botanical ecosystems, rather than importing materials, from other states, or other countries for that matter. From a construction perspective, wood is wood, and almost any will do so long as it is healthy, strong and durable. However, from an architectural aspect the kind of wood can greatly influence the look of the building. For example, cedar wood can vary in color once the bark has been removed. An old farm that has a natural, red hue, instead of having to paint the building bright red is particularly attractive. Many of the advertisements from the first half of the 20th century used color, and were not limited to black and white print.
Buyers are not just buying an old, yet perfectly preserved newsprint ad, but they are buying a piece of history. These old farm ads can decorate your home, especially if it is modeled after vintage houses. Restaurants can hang these ads in frames so that patrons can have a conversation piece – maybe getting them to sit a while longer and buy dessert and other beverages after their entrée while marveling at the online menu nearby. Curators at museums and other attractions can use these original artworks to create a sense of authenticity and nostalgia in their displays that focus on everything from general U.S. history to sociology to anthropology.