User:Walt Gilbert

The History of Direct Advertising In America The history of direct advertising begins in the 1880's with the advent of the advertising cover. Which was an envelope with the product imprinted on the left outside of the envelope. Next came the advertising trade card, which was usually handed over the counter to the end user. Blotters were next with the advent of the fountain pen. The postcard was used as a direct mail piece around 1900. The next direct mail piece was the advertising poster stamp (printed early 20th century), which were applied to the outer envelope with the company and product on the stamp. This stamp had no postage value. The greatest companies of the 19th & 20th centuries incorporated direct advertising into their marketing programs, these companies include Gillette, Watkins, Eveready, Stetson, Shell, Fisk Tires, Johnson Motors, Chevrolet, Elgin Watches, Maytag, Hire's Root Beer and many others.