Antique Framed Advertising Linen Titled ‘Strenuous Life’ – Circa 1905 – Dogs Playing Poker –

There is two scenes on this linen and the top scene depicts dogs playing poker and it is titled, ‘Strenuous Life – By Teddy’. “The Strenuous Life” is the name of a speech given by Teddy Roosevelt in 1899 and an essay he wrote in 1900. The featured quotation, “Last night at twelve I felt immense, Today I feel like thirty cents!” is from the tune “R-E-M-O-R-S-E” in the comic operetta “The Sultan of Sulu,” written by George Ada in 1902.
This textile was originally sold as fabric to be made into a pillow cover. This textile has been framed, and the frame measures 27″ x 28 1/2″.
This framed textile advertising linen was made by Campbell, Metzger & Jacobson manufactured textiles in New York City in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The company was founded by Jasper A. Campbell, David Arthur Metzger, and Charles A. Jacobson. This linen is marked by these makers in the lower left hand corner and is dated 1905.
Notice that on the lower scene there is wordage that reads, ‘The water wagon for mine’. The original saying from the 19th century is “to be on the water wagon,” and it referred to the horse-drawn water towers used by people back in the day. Men who swore off drinking would say they’d prefer to jump on the “water wagon” for a drink, instead of using liquor. Note that there is one last wordage that states, ‘I feel like sixty! Bring on the Chloroform. There is also a book, titled ‘The Simple Life’ and a doctor’s prescription for headache by a Dr. R.C. Morse’. This is a comic type advertising piece that will bring a smile yet states a realistic truth to challenge you. Note the clear colors and the wonderful condition of this textile that dates right at 120 years old.