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In order to market the play the production
companies published various types of advertising ephemera.
Playbills and advertising cards are the most frequently
found items.
Trade Cards
a. Atkinson Comedy Company
The Atkinson Comedy Company was the authorized production
company for the Peck's Bad Boy play. It was written by
Charles Pidgin and approved by George W. Peck. I have seen
two formats of advertising trade cards. These two cards
below note the Peck's Bad Boy play taking place at the
Wagner Opera House. Both of these cards have the same
reverse advertising. I am not sure in what year these
cards were used. May 30th was on a Friday in 1884, 1890
and 1902.
The other Atkinson trade cards are much more commonly
found. There are a number of cartoon fronts. The ads on
the back are not set with any particular front but rather
appear to be randomly placed.
These three cards were used to advertise productions at
the People's Theatre in St. Louis. One of the cards
actually is dated: Feb'y 21, 1886.
1895
Roland's book store was located at 625 Penn St. in
Reading, Pa.
On these dates in 1895 the Atkinson Comedy Company
presented "Peck’s Bad Boy" at the “Grand Opera House"
Below is a trade card advertising the play.
Also here is a clipping from the Reading Times Saturday
December 21, 1895.
b. Geo. W. Heath Manager trade cards
George W. Heath had the rights to the Peck's Bad Boy play
in the 1890's. Here are several examples of trade cards
used to promote his productions. The ads on the back of
the cards were randomly placed on the cards.
I assume that I have not seen all of the cards produced.
Here are five that I know exist.
c. This card is of interest because it notes "Forbes Co."
at the bottom right and it is very similar to a large
poster advertising Peck's Bad Boy. (See: George
W. Peck - Peck's Bad Boy Posters) I would not be
surprised if these were more cards that were the same as
some other Forbes' posters.
d. Unknown theatrical company
This 4" x 2.5" card advertises a Peck's Bad Boy play at
the People's Theatre. No theatrical company is noted.The
front cover of the card appears generic and not directly
related to Peck.
Unknown productions:
Peck's Bad Boy was produced by numerous small companies
during the 20th century. Here is an interesting trade card
(5.5 x 3.5). I have no idea about its origin.
(This may be advertising one of the Peck movies.)
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