Two-Sided Sign for Shop Created by Martha Matilda Harper, Pioneer of Franchising

View Similar Items

Three Dimensional Double-Sided Wooden Hovis Tea Shop Sign

Vintage Swiss Two Sided Train Signal Sign

Very Rare Double Sided Glass Raleigh Bike Advertising Shop Sign

Matched Pair of Edwardian Milk Glass Shop Signs

Wood Framed Glass Two-Sided Electric Sign, circa 1930

Vintage Czech Shop Sign, 1960s

1900s, French Zinc Shop Sign

Large Weathered Trade Sign "Carriage Shop"

Vintage Hand Painted British Motorcycle Shop Sign

Belgian Vintage Tole Free Mounted Shop Sign

Mid-20th Century French Shop Sign

Iron Swordfish Created by a Nebraksan Farmer, circa 1940s

1 of 10

Two-Sided Sign for Shop Created by Martha Matilda Harper, Pioneer of Franchising

About the Item

Rare two-sided sign for a shop created by Martha Matilda Harper. Framed in wood with worn black paint. The signage is paint on metal with white lettering against black and traces of blue coming through. There's a fascinating back story surrounding this sign and its origins. Martha Matilda Harper is considered the Pioneer of franchising for her system that took hair dressing out of homes and into salons. Bound into servitude from the time she was seven, she immigrated from Canada to Rochester, NY., where in 1888, she opened her first salon for healthy hair and skin care for woman. Her most enduring publicity tool and inspiration was her luxurious mane of floor-length chestnut hair. Harper's "Method" was a health-conscious salon experience embraced by the social elite, counting among its devoted clientele socialites, theatrical celebrities, presidents, and first ladies. Using scientific techniques and applications, salon operators sought to bring out the inner beauty of customers by promoting healthy skin and hair and by reducing the stress of everyday living; neck, shoulder, and head massages were part of the package. Her franchise network grew to 500 around the world, each shop empowering and enriching poor women like herself. While campaigning for suffrage, Susan B. Anthony often cited Harper as a model example of women's empowerment through financial independence. Harper applied her creativity and sensitivity to every aspect of the Harper Method, including the design of the first reclining shampoo chair and washing sinks with a cut-out for the neck. She prohibited hair dyes and other products that she considered unhealthy in her shops and manufactured only organic products. Interesting to note that the word “franchise” comes from the French meaning “to free from servitude.”.

Dimensions:
Height: 24 in (60.96 cm)Width: 36 in (91.44 cm)Depth: 3 in (7.62 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Metal,Paint,Wood
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
Early 20th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1990s
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Excellent condition for its age and years of use and exposure.
Seller Location:
Madison, WI
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU92354309103