Early Day Ads

A revealing glimpse into the the life of early America can be found in the classified ads that appeared in the newspapers of the day.

The first ad in the Boston News-Letter in 1704 asking readers to list any houses, ships or goods for sale met with resounding success. The concept spread like wildfire, adopted by a growing number of newspapers throughout the colonies.

The ads you see here are from newspapers in our archives — including The Columbian Centinel, The Pennsylvania Gazette, The Boston News-Letter and The Connecticut Courant.

Click any of the images below for a larger view.
WANTED. A "Lad About Fourteen Years of Age As An Apprentice To The Hair Dresser." Boston, January 1792.WANTED. A "Lad About Fourteen Years of Age As An Apprentice To The Hair Dresser." Boston, January 1792.
FOR SALE. "Very Good Ground Coffee for Eight Shillings a Pound." Boston, May 1761.FOR SALE. "Very Good Ground Coffee for Eight Shillings a Pound." Boston, May 1761.
"Just Arrived From Ireland — Corduroys Low Priced" Boston, January 1788."Just Arrived From Ireland — Corduroys Low Priced" Boston, January 1788.
Dwelling House For Sale. Includes "A Store, A Good Barn and Four Acres of Land" Hartford, Connecticut, November 1787.Dwelling House For Sale. Includes "A Store, A Good Barn and Four Acres of Land" Hartford, Connecticut, November 1787.
FOR SALE: Noted Stallion Eclipse. "Full Blooded, a Bright Bay and 15 Hands High." Philadelphia, May 1789. FOR SALE: Noted Stallion Eclipse. "Full Blooded, a Bright Bay and 15 Hands High." Philadelphia, May 1789.
FOR SALE. New Garden Seeds. "To Be Sold Cheap." Boston, January 1792.FOR SALE. New Garden Seeds. "To Be Sold Cheap." Boston, January 1792.
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