Signs of the Times

December 1907 Signs of the Times Cover Features Advertising Crusader

Plus, what his son did, and you don’t find names like this anymore.

Published

3 weeks ago

May 1, 2024

Signs of the Times Staff Signs of the Times May 2024 Issue

A Crusader for Truth in Advertising

THE COVER FOR the December 1907 issue of Signs of the Times was the first to use color. Its subject, W.N. Aubuchon, “Chairman of the Committee having charge of Advertising Legislation … introduced [a bill] into the last session of the Missouri Legislature … providing penalties for all kinds of fraudulent advertising,” a major concern then as now. See this and other issues dating back to 1906 at signsofthetimes.com/archive.

Yep, That’s His Name!
Page 4 of this issue features Smith B. Queal, president of the Associated Advertising Clubs of America, and president of the Cincinnati Advertising Men’s Club. His article, “The Purpose of Advertising Clubs” touches on fighting billboard bans, sponsoring advertising legislation and more.
An Apple Fell Far from His Tree
Unrelated but related: On May 13, 1909 W.N. Aubuchon, Jr. was pictured under a St. Louis Post-Dispatch headline, “Young St. Louisan Who Cleared $100,000 in ‘Sure Thing’ Wheat Deal.” Sketchy!

Introducing the Sign Industry Podcast

The Sign Industry Podcast is a platform for every sign person out there — from the old-timers who bent neon and hand-lettered boats to those venturing into new technologies — we want to get their stories out for everyone to hear. Come join us and listen to stories, learn tricks or techniques, and get insights of what’s to come. We are the world’s second oldest profession. The folks who started the world’s oldest profession needed a sign.