Ipswich, Massachusetts is a town I know well having spent many a summer day at Crane Beach and eating fried clams at the famed Clam Box. So I was delighted to find these vintage 1920s ads for Ipswich Hosiery.
The town has been home to numerous industries throughout the
years including lace and stocking making. In 1868 the Ipswich Hosiery Mills was
founded and by the turn of the century was the largest stocking mill in the
country.
The symbol for the company was a witch (it should be noted that the last witchcraft trial in America was held
in Ipswich in 1878). At first the company's witch was portrayed as an old hag but by the 1920s
had morphed into a pretty, modern witch.
It's certainly an interesting marketing plan, comparing women to witches. Not sure if it led to the company finally closing in 1929 but there's no denying the ads are awfully attractive.
For more witch and other Halloween-themed ads check out the Vintage Halloween Treats! tumblr here.
