[Photo collection – Iowa State Fair Lunch Stands

[Photographic talley of placement of 7-UP advertising].

[Iowa: 1952-1958].

Collection of sixty two vintage black and white or color gelatin silver photographs (individually approx. 9 x 12.5 cm.), most mounted on eight loose photo pages with handwritten dates to rectos and some with captions on the versos. Age-toning to the color photographs with a few items with corner chips from mounts. Several loose photos, and several spaces on the pages where photos appear to have been removed. Still, overall very good as a collection. ~ A collection of photographs depicting hamburger stands and luncheonettes between the years 1952 and 1958 taken at the annual Iowa State Fair. Although the food served at each stand varies from hamburgers to fried chicken; each stand has a 7UP logo. These photos were likely taken by a representative of 7UP or someone from the State Fair committee as some of the handwritten captions mention how long the sign was in existence, most are dated with the year of the State Fair. A photo caption of the sign for the stand of Christ Church Evangelical United Brethren reads “2nd year for sign”; another of a stand with signs on the front and sides reads “first year for both signs.” The color photos have a Kodak stamp on the verso and are mostly taken between 1952 and 1954. While the intention may have been to document the 7UP advertising, there is more recorded in the photos as well. The signs announce the offerings of each stand: “Hot Lunches”, Fried Chicken”, “Good Coffee!”, and “Ice Cream Sandwiches”, as well as the owner’s who appear to be small family or single-owner operations, such as Opie’s, Funroy and Wheeler, Graham’s, CEC & PEG, Don’s, Larsen’s, Turner’s, Jean & Shirley, the aforementioned Christ Church Evangelical United Brethren, and the White Front Café. Some that are not identified by name on the same, have a short manuscript note indicating the proprietors. Styles of seating vary, with stool, low benches, or no seating and just a walk up wooden counter. A more official looking business is the State Fair Store, housed in a permanent wooden building, and offering “Groceries, Meats, Picnic Supplies”. The people of the fair appear in some images, either working behind the counter, sitting at the stools or benches, or just milling about. An interesting collection of 1950s state fair food stands with a tie to the renowned fizzy beverage.

Price: $750.00