- Distributed by
- Poro System, American, 1902 - 1951
- Printed by
- St. Louis Embossing Inc., American
- Subject of
- Poro College, American, 1918 - 1950s
- Owned by
- Brown, Lucille, American, 1892 - 1960
- Date
- ca. 1925
- Medium
- ink on cardboard
- Dimensions
- H x W: 10 7/16 × 13 9/16 × 1/8 in. (26.5 × 34.4 × 0.3 cm)
- Description
- A cardboard sign advertising Annie Malone’s “Poro” System agency. The advertisement is red, white, blue, and yellow. The product name is centered at the top of the sign in a blue rectangular field with white text outlined in light blue that reads, [“PORO” / REG. U.S. PAT. OFF.]. Below is a rectangular field bordered in a blue and green floral motif. The field itself is dominated by a red and white vertical striped banner outlined in gold and blue, resembling an American flag bunting. At the top of the banner is a light blue oval with decorative flourishes. In the center of the oval is dark blue text in varying fonts that read, [For / HAIR AND SKIN]. At the bottom of the banner is a yellow rectangular box with dark blue text that reads, [AGENCY]. There are two holes punched along the top, middle edge for hanging the sign. On the bottom left corner of the sign is blue text that reads [This sign remains the property of / PORO COLLEGE, ST. LOUIS, MO.]. The embosser’s mark is on the bottom right corner. There is an inscription in pencil on the back of the sign.
- Place made
- Saint Louis, Missouri, United States, North and Central America
- Classification
- Memorabilia and Ephemera - Advertisements
- Type
- advertisements
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Object number
- 2016.90.4
- Restrictions & Rights
- No Known Copyright Restrictions
- Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.




