Advertising Spiritualism & Occult
in America
Spiritualism & Occult Practices in Virginia
Understanding the Context
As a well-known authority in their field of study, Advertising Spiritualism is recognized for a myriad of scholarly accomplishments and a commitment to continually developing their teaching practice. With a passion for discovering new findings and sharing knowledge, they’ve made a significant impact on their field and higher education as a whole.
About
This website was created for NVCC HIS 218 Digital History final project.
It documents newspaper advertisements for the popular occult practices in America, starting with Virginia. By no means is this collection of ads complete and may be updated if this project is continued further beyond the class.
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My name is Allyson Kelley, and I will be your author. I received my BFA from Ringling College of Art and Design and am currently a part of Northern Virginia Community College's Historic Preservation and Public History program.
Alexandria Gazette
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May 22 & 26, 1868 - Advertisements for Mrs Thompson. She offers her services in the removal of corns as well as psychology and the pseudo science of physiognomy, which is the reading of person's character based on their facial features and their aspect ratios. It is very similar to phrenology. It can safely be assumed this ad did run everyday for a week as per the note at the bottom of the ad space. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85025007/1868-05-26/ed-1/seq-4.pdf
http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85025007/1868-05-22/ed-1/seq-3.pdf
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July 15, 1871 - Advertisement for a book on Psychomancy by Herbert Hamilton. It boasts about 400 pages on "soul charming" and "psychologic fascination" with instructions of Divination, Spiritualism, mesmerism and much more. Published by a T. W. Evans at 41 South 8th St. Philadelphia PA and costs $1.25 by mail.
http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84024670/1871-07-15/ed-1/seq-3.pdf
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January 1, 1910 - Advertisement for The Great Houdon. It promises a "Weird, Startling, [and] Sensational" night for 10 cents, showing for 3 nights only. There will be spirit rapping, manifestations, and messages from the dead, all scientific of course. His name is most likely derived from Harry Houdini who's career began in 1863.
http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85025007/1910-01-22/ed-1/seq-2.pdf
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Ad for Mrs Thompson
Ad for Mrs Thompson
Ad for book on Psychomancy
Ad for the Great Houdon
Bristol News
September 22, 1871 - Ad for book on Psychomancy by Herbert Hamilton. It is the exact same ad which was run in the Alexandria Gazette, just 2 months later. It is still selling at the same prices. The ad is more difficult to read due to the scanning of the Bristol News. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85026955/1871-09-22/ed-1/seq-3.pdf
Newport News Daily Press
December 21 1909 - Advertisement for the Great Houdon. He seems to be traveling from the south up north, preforming his scientific seances along the way. His prices were a considerably higher in Newport News; 25¢, 50¢, and 75¢ as opposed to the mere 10¢ in Alexandria. The multiple ads were run a few days prior to the single performance on the 21st.
http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83045830/1909-12-18/ed-1/seq-6.pdf
Roanoke Times
April 23, 1893 - Advertisement for Dr. Henry. Both ads were run the same day in the same newspaper and ran until the 29th of April. While not occult, many occult performers offer "mesmerism" which is Dr. Henry's entire show.
http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn86071868/1893-04-23/ed-1/seq-1.pdf
http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn86071868/1893-04-23/ed-1/seq-3.pdf
http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn86071868/1893-04-29/ed-1/seq-5.pdf
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October 30, 1897 - Ad for Dr. W.R. Price. Both ads pertaining to his performance were run the same newspaper, and began running on the 28th of October. His performance includes mesmerism, occultism (which seems to be a very broad term), and mind reading. And each one is said to be scientific. The price of 25¢ seems to be the going rate to attend any performance.
http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn95079490/1897-10-30/ed-1/seq-2.pdf
Bibliography
"Animal magnetism." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 09 July 2017. Web. 16 July 2017.
"Fox sisters." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 09 July 2017. Web. 16 July 2017.
"Phrenology." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 14 July 2017. Web. 16 July 2017.
"Spiritualism." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 09 July 2017. Web. 16 July 2017.
Header Image: William Marriott Seance
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:William_Marriott_seance_levitation_trick.png
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