Sweat vs. Suits

I Feed You All! Milwaukee: American Oleograph Co., 1875/1876.

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Founded in 1872, the American Oleograph Co. printed chromolithographs in oil colors (hence the name of the firm).  They advertised show cards, chromos, labels and job work and stated that they were the “only establishment of its kind in the northwest.”  This print was issued during the Granger Movement when farmers in the region banded together against monopolies held by railroads and grain elevator operators.  The banker gets short shrift in the lower margin – everyone else is contributing to the greater good while he is “fleecing” them all.

Adopted 2013 by Carol and John Kanis to honor the 100th year of the family's Pine Hill Farm, Lancaster, Mass.