The Fireside game cards are known as Quartet cards and do not even appear in the Amercican Encyclopedia of Playing Cards. Quartets are played with three or more players, with the aim to win all the quartets (sets of four).
But, to me, the interesting thing about the company was August G. Wilson. If you search for him in the history of Fireside you won't find him. His connection, due to lack of interest by game researchers, never comes up. I only came across him while working on the history of the National Card Company.
Seeking to entice business away from New York City in the 1880s New Jersey Governor Leon Abbet promoted a rather revolutionary plan by rewriting its incorporation laws to make creating a business in New Jersey far easier than any other states. Incorporations in New Jersey could now be done quickly and easily, even by non-residents. In return New Jersey collects a franchise tax on the businesses which helps replenish its coffers drained mainly by Civil War debts.
October 9, 1888 The name “The National Card Company” is trademarked. The next day the National Card Company is incorporated in New Jersey with $100,000 in capital stock. Shares are $100 each. The company was comprised of Samuel J. Murray, August Crusius (both still employees of Russell & Morgan) and New York City businessman Robert H. McCutcheon, who was also an agent for the Russell & Morgan Printing Company. But the odd thing is the incorporation assignor/agent is a 19 year old bookkeeper named August G. Wilson. He lives in Montclair, New Jersey, and works for the Samuel Crump Label Company that was located at 20 Label Street there.
But, to me, the interesting thing about the company was August G. Wilson. If you search for him in the history of Fireside you won't find him. His connection, due to lack of interest by game researchers, never comes up. I only came across him while working on the history of the National Card Company.
Seeking to entice business away from New York City in the 1880s New Jersey Governor Leon Abbet promoted a rather revolutionary plan by rewriting its incorporation laws to make creating a business in New Jersey far easier than any other states. Incorporations in New Jersey could now be done quickly and easily, even by non-residents. In return New Jersey collects a franchise tax on the businesses which helps replenish its coffers drained mainly by Civil War debts.
October 9, 1888 The name “The National Card Company” is trademarked. The next day the National Card Company is incorporated in New Jersey with $100,000 in capital stock. Shares are $100 each. The company was comprised of Samuel J. Murray, August Crusius (both still employees of Russell & Morgan) and New York City businessman Robert H. McCutcheon, who was also an agent for the Russell & Morgan Printing Company. But the odd thing is the incorporation assignor/agent is a 19 year old bookkeeper named August G. Wilson. He lives in Montclair, New Jersey, and works for the Samuel Crump Label Company that was located at 20 Label Street there.
According to "Industries of New Jersey, Part V" (Historical Publishing Company, 1882) "The Crump operation became entirely self-sufficient on-site, manufacturing its own paper and inks and furnishing its own power. It employed some 190 skilled workmen. One contemporary description states that Crump labels “are printed in from one to ten colors inclusive, and present an attractive appearance. The higher grades are given a fine gloss or glaze, which greatly enhances their beauty. In fact, they surpass, in merit of design and beauty of finish, many chromos occupying places on the walls of some American homes.”
A trade paper also called the company very progressive..."The Samuel Crump Label Company employs in works at Montclair New Jersey about 230 hands. In 1887 they manufactured 273,000,000 labels. In July 1887 Mr. Crump proposed to pay his employees the earnings 10 per cent of the capital stock which remained his property. All the hands of both sexes, salesmen, artists, engravers, electrotypers, paper makers, color makers and cutters were qualified to share in it if employed for twelve continuous months"
Why would the newly formed National Card Company (NCC) have a 19 year old bookkeeper file the incorporation papers? First of all NCC had no factory to make cards yet. That was over a year away. But the Crump Label Company could have possibly been a place they were thinking about using. Crump was not set up for playing cards yet but later would be.
A year later in October 1889 The Crump Label Company is purchased by Hinds, Ketcham & Co. of Brooklyn. Hinds’ building had been destroyed by a fire that started in their varnish shop and they needed a new place quickly. Mr. Wilson now becomes a bookkeeper for the new company.
A trade paper also called the company very progressive..."The Samuel Crump Label Company employs in works at Montclair New Jersey about 230 hands. In 1887 they manufactured 273,000,000 labels. In July 1887 Mr. Crump proposed to pay his employees the earnings 10 per cent of the capital stock which remained his property. All the hands of both sexes, salesmen, artists, engravers, electrotypers, paper makers, color makers and cutters were qualified to share in it if employed for twelve continuous months"
Why would the newly formed National Card Company (NCC) have a 19 year old bookkeeper file the incorporation papers? First of all NCC had no factory to make cards yet. That was over a year away. But the Crump Label Company could have possibly been a place they were thinking about using. Crump was not set up for playing cards yet but later would be.
A year later in October 1889 The Crump Label Company is purchased by Hinds, Ketcham & Co. of Brooklyn. Hinds’ building had been destroyed by a fire that started in their varnish shop and they needed a new place quickly. Mr. Wilson now becomes a bookkeeper for the new company.
On December 31, 1886, A. O. Russell had addressed a letter to the other members of the Label Manufacturers' Association withdrawing as a member. Now the Russell & Morgan Printing Company proposed a new deal, by which all of the label manufacturers of the country shall again control the label business. Russell had already obtained control of Hines, Ketcham & Company and two Cincinnati label firms. Joseph E Hinds had become a Vice President of the United States Printing Company after Russell & Morgan starts taking over the trade. Do you see where this is going?
In February 1891 label manufacturers come together under the umbrella of the newly incorporated United States Printing Company. This included the Russell & Morgan Printing Company, Guggenheimer, Weil & Co., Hinds, Ketcham & Co., the Samuel Crump Label Company, the Gunn-Curtis Company, the National Bureau of Engraving and Manufacturing Company, the Frey Printing Company, the Schmidt Label and Lithographic Company and Woodward & Tiernan as members. Its object was to regulate prices, but it was found that some were breaking the agreement by cutting rates.
The Frey Printing Company (Cincinnati, Ohio), The Hinds & Ketcham Printing Company (Brooklyn, N Y) and The Samuel Crump Label Company (Montclair, NJ) are now merged into a new corporation called The United States Printing Company of Ohio.
In August 1894 The United States Printing Company becomes The United States Playing Card Company. They buy the Hinds & Ketchem Card & Paper Co. of Montclair, New Jersey. The factory is stripped of all of its machines and distributed to other companies that were purchased. New machines solely for coating paper and playing cards are installed. Also at this time the annual meeting of the National Card Company is announced. Their company address is listed at 20 Label Street in Montclair and A. G. Wilson is listed as the Secretary.
On November 22, 1895 The Fireside Game Company of Montclair, New Jersey is incorporated. The agent is, once again, A. G. Wilson, who is now with the United States Printing Company. He is now Secretary of the Samuel Crump Label Company. He will soon be the plant manager of Fireside.
The American Stationer
Sept 10, 1896
New Card Games
The United States Playing Card Company has placed on the market a collection of card games which has brought forward substantial orders wherever it been shown. The games are all based the principle involved in the game Authors and one of them, Oak Leaves, is herewith illustrated. The card's fine illustrations of the various kinds of in their natural colors. In the game The Pines the various pines all in natural colors are illustrated. In Maple Grove the illustrations are of maple in natural colors while in Chestnut Burrs there are grouped illustrations of the fruits of forest trees such as walnut hickory chestnut & c. In White Squadron the representative vessels of the American navy are set forth in fine pictures each being accompanied by a description. While in Our Union the cards bear colored maps of all of the States and Territories together with statements of population dates of admission of States into the Union principal cities & c. The game of Population gives fifty three maps of the various countries of the world with population and other interesting data. Another game is known as Flags the cards bearing the many flags of the world reproduced in their proper colors. While Fraction Play is a game which will appeal to every student of fractions. The fifty two cards show fractions which are made up into combinations by addition and subtraction forming a game which possesses peculiar educational advantages. In Castle Land the cards are beautified with handsome half tone illustrations of the Old World's most famous castles. All of these games are made up in the finest style. The cards themselves are of beautifully enameled and highly finished board and the workmanship both mechanical and artistic is of a very superior order. Each game is equipped with a printed set of rules the whole outfit being contained in a box having an artistic label on its cover. The company will be pleased to furnish any inquirer with any needed information.
In February 1891 label manufacturers come together under the umbrella of the newly incorporated United States Printing Company. This included the Russell & Morgan Printing Company, Guggenheimer, Weil & Co., Hinds, Ketcham & Co., the Samuel Crump Label Company, the Gunn-Curtis Company, the National Bureau of Engraving and Manufacturing Company, the Frey Printing Company, the Schmidt Label and Lithographic Company and Woodward & Tiernan as members. Its object was to regulate prices, but it was found that some were breaking the agreement by cutting rates.
The Frey Printing Company (Cincinnati, Ohio), The Hinds & Ketcham Printing Company (Brooklyn, N Y) and The Samuel Crump Label Company (Montclair, NJ) are now merged into a new corporation called The United States Printing Company of Ohio.
In August 1894 The United States Printing Company becomes The United States Playing Card Company. They buy the Hinds & Ketchem Card & Paper Co. of Montclair, New Jersey. The factory is stripped of all of its machines and distributed to other companies that were purchased. New machines solely for coating paper and playing cards are installed. Also at this time the annual meeting of the National Card Company is announced. Their company address is listed at 20 Label Street in Montclair and A. G. Wilson is listed as the Secretary.
On November 22, 1895 The Fireside Game Company of Montclair, New Jersey is incorporated. The agent is, once again, A. G. Wilson, who is now with the United States Printing Company. He is now Secretary of the Samuel Crump Label Company. He will soon be the plant manager of Fireside.
The American Stationer
Sept 10, 1896
New Card Games
The United States Playing Card Company has placed on the market a collection of card games which has brought forward substantial orders wherever it been shown. The games are all based the principle involved in the game Authors and one of them, Oak Leaves, is herewith illustrated. The card's fine illustrations of the various kinds of in their natural colors. In the game The Pines the various pines all in natural colors are illustrated. In Maple Grove the illustrations are of maple in natural colors while in Chestnut Burrs there are grouped illustrations of the fruits of forest trees such as walnut hickory chestnut & c. In White Squadron the representative vessels of the American navy are set forth in fine pictures each being accompanied by a description. While in Our Union the cards bear colored maps of all of the States and Territories together with statements of population dates of admission of States into the Union principal cities & c. The game of Population gives fifty three maps of the various countries of the world with population and other interesting data. Another game is known as Flags the cards bearing the many flags of the world reproduced in their proper colors. While Fraction Play is a game which will appeal to every student of fractions. The fifty two cards show fractions which are made up into combinations by addition and subtraction forming a game which possesses peculiar educational advantages. In Castle Land the cards are beautified with handsome half tone illustrations of the Old World's most famous castles. All of these games are made up in the finest style. The cards themselves are of beautifully enameled and highly finished board and the workmanship both mechanical and artistic is of a very superior order. Each game is equipped with a printed set of rules the whole outfit being contained in a box having an artistic label on its cover. The company will be pleased to furnish any inquirer with any needed information.
Opera Glass Magazine, Volume 3
1896
Another novelty that has proved an instant success is the new game of Poker Dice No #1107. This game is designed for poker players and is played the same as poker with dice. The card faces show facsimiles of dice spots. Rules for play accompany each pack. Highly enameled and finished 25 cts.
1896
Another novelty that has proved an instant success is the new game of Poker Dice No #1107. This game is designed for poker players and is played the same as poker with dice. The card faces show facsimiles of dice spots. Rules for play accompany each pack. Highly enameled and finished 25 cts.
1898 Ad
Many children are led into idleness through improper forms of recreation. Hence the necessity for a careful selection of amusements. Fireside Card Games amuse and instruct at same time. Endorsed by leading Educators and Superintendents Teach geography, history, arithmetic, art, literature, poetry, natural science, etc.. Adapted for all ages.
Many children are led into idleness through improper forms of recreation. Hence the necessity for a careful selection of amusements. Fireside Card Games amuse and instruct at same time. Endorsed by leading Educators and Superintendents Teach geography, history, arithmetic, art, literature, poetry, natural science, etc.. Adapted for all ages.
On September 13, 1900 the Cincinnati Game Company of 20 Label St., Montclair, NJ, is incorporated in New Jersey. John Omwake, of the United States Playing Card Company, is listed as the president. The operation is moved to Cincinnati and is located at Beech Street opposite of Park Avenue,
(In another connection Mr. Frank A. Cleleand, Firesides West Coast Sales Manager, tried to start his own card company in 1905. You can read all about him on my other website "At Least I Tried".)
(In another connection Mr. Frank A. Cleleand, Firesides West Coast Sales Manager, tried to start his own card company in 1905. You can read all about him on my other website "At Least I Tried".)
Mr. Wilson remained in New Jersey running the plant for a few more years. In 1908 he started the New Jersey Coated Paper Company and also became Director of the Essex National Bank of New Jersey.
Here is the list of Fireside and Cincinnati Game Company decks
STRANGE PEOPLE #1100
Three different photograph groupings and two back motifs. The most commonly found back motif has a young Japanese couple kissing behind a fan. The second version features a floral motif on the back.
ELECTION #1101
WILD ANIMALS #1102
OAK LEAVES #1103
THE PINES #1104
MAPLE GROVE #1105
CHESTNUT BURRS #1106
POKER DICE #1107 (The only playing card deck)
STRANGE PEOPLE #1100
Three different photograph groupings and two back motifs. The most commonly found back motif has a young Japanese couple kissing behind a fan. The second version features a floral motif on the back.
ELECTION #1101
WILD ANIMALS #1102
OAK LEAVES #1103
THE PINES #1104
MAPLE GROVE #1105
CHESTNUT BURRS #1106
POKER DICE #1107 (The only playing card deck)
WHITE SQUADRON #1108
This game has 2 versions. The first in 1896 shows the USS Maine on card A4. After it's sinking in 1898 in the harbor at Havana, Cuba, that started the Spanish-American War it was replaced by another ship.
OUR UNION #1109
POPULATION #1110
FLAGS #1111
FRACTION PLAY #1112
CASTLE LAND #1113
PROGRESSIVE NILOE #1114 (The cards consist of topic cards and letter cards, and players compete to identify words fitting the topic that begin with the specified letter.)
IN THE WHITE HOUSE #1115
NATIONALITIES #1116
ARTISTS #1117
IN DIXIE LAND #1118 (The Black Americana Deck)
FIRESIDE AUTHORS #1119
YOUNG FOLKS FAVORITE AUTHORS #1120
THE MAYFLOWER #1121
YELLOWSTONE #1122
POEMS #1123
NEW TESTAMENT #1124
The Cincinnati Game Co. 1900
ARITHMETIC PLAY #1125
FLOWERS #1126
BIRDS #1127
FORTUNES #1128
MYTHOLOGY #1129
SHAKESPEARE #1130
ASTRONOMY #1131 (Card back is very similar to a United States Playing Card Company Congress #606 lacquer back card)
1903 Non-Quartette titles:
Addition and Subtraction
Domestic Animals
Fractions
Constructive Geometry
Multiplication and Division
Our National Life
Word Play