Merry's Windows

The Haberdasher and The Clothier and Furnisher would regularly run contests for the best window displays in the country, and I noticed, after scanning through several issues, that a certain window dresser from the midwest kept appearing in the winners' circle. He stood out, because while all the other winners usually had their hair slicked back, or to one side, the talented Mr. Merry, was always pictured with his locks piled into a wonderful pyramidal structure, daringly perched on the top of his head.

There he is, on the right, above some of the other winners of The Haberdasher's Display Championship. In 1921, he would win the championship for a second time. 

Here he is some years earlier, winning 2nd place in The Clothier and Furnisher's 1912 window dressing contest. 

And Here he is again, winning a Clothier and Furnisher competition in 1913, giving a little credit to his school. This bit was printed in Merchants Record and Show Window.

Below are some more examples of Mr. Merry's prize-winning work from The Haberdasher's 1920 Contest:

So, after seeing this shining star of window dressing pop up in periodical after periodical, you can imagine my excitement, when I saw the headline: "The King of Display Men Speaks!"In the following article, Mr. Merry sets down his guidelines for success: 

Meet Style, and Quality

A history professor of mine once said "you just don't see male personifications in art." Well, maybe not in "art", but they certainly pop up quite a bit in old advertising illustrations. Style and Quality, here, are upholding the statement that the Hat is the finest in all the land. Of course, if they are questioned, we are assured that the Hat will back them up. A formidable trio!    

This ad is from a 1912 issue of The Clothier and Furnisher.

Young at Heart

Wise words from the Wolfer Press:

Ad from a 1912 issue of The Clothier and Furnisher.