Presented here is the Newton Free Library trade card collection. In the late 1800's advanced industrial technology meant major reduction in the cost of printing and producing advertising. Trade cards were given away by shopkeepers with the purchase of a product. Consumers collected trade cards, accumulating the cards in scrapbooks or boxes.
The City of Newton owns a wealth of historic materials that speak to the community’s social, cultural and governmental past. These materials reflect the civic life of and provide insight into Newton from the 19th through the early 20th century, a time when Newton was transforming from agriculture to industry and becoming a suburban Boston residential community.