A Valentine for Chicago

In the early months of 1893, Chicago was a busy place. The opening day of the Columbian Exposition was just few months away and the city wanted everything to be perfect for the millions of visitors that were anticipated. One socially conscience soap manufacturer, Jas. S. Kirk & Company, addressed Chicago's dirty streets by incorporating the issue into its February 14, 1893 advertising:



The dead cat and the rats are a nice touch. But, is Lady Republic asleep (unaware of the issue), hanging her head in shame over the mound of garbage, or just tired from picking up the refuse? One thing is certain - All it would take is a bar of Kirk's American Family Soap to clean up the city.

Clean up your act and have a very Happy Valentine's Day!