Item Specifics:
- Type of Advertising: Thermometer
- Brand: Vernon / Thomas B. Merwin
- Color: Light Blue / White
- Date of Creation: Circa 1940s–1950s
- Original/Reproduction: Original
- Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
- Measurements: 10in X 3.5 in
Description:Up for sale is a wonderful piece of vintage Americana: an original, mid-century metal promotional advertising thermometer.This piece features the classic, highly collectible \"Go To Church Next Sunday Somewhere\" graphic and scroll design at the top, depicting a scenic rural church in winter. The bottom features a localized advertisement insert for \"Thomas B. Merwin - Woodstock, Illinois,\" a prominent historical furniture and undertaking business in McHenry County active during the mid-20th century.
Features & Details:
- Material: Stamped enameled metal / tin.
- Markings: Clearly marked \"Made in U.S.A.\" below the temperature grid.
- Dimensions: Standard vintage wall plaque size (approx. 12\" x 3\").
- Graphics: Vibrant light blue and white enamel frame with detailed contrasting black typography.
Condition Report:
This is an authentic, untouched estate find showing great vintage character and a beautiful natural patina. The metal plaque has minor paint chipping along the outer edges and light surface speckling/wear consistent with its age, but all text, numbers, and the central church graphic remain completely legible and sharp. The glass thermometer tube is unbroken and working but not tested.
History:Based on historical records for the business listed on the sign and the design style of the metal plaque, this promotional thermometer was manufactured in the late 1930s to early 1950s (most likely around 1940–1952).
- The Business History: Local town square records show that Thomas B. Merwin entered the furniture and undertaking business in Woodstock, Illinois, in 1918. He later established the independent \"Thomas B. Merwin Furniture and Undertaking\" company on Main Street. The business was actively promoting under this exact phrasing through the 1940s. Mr. Merwin passed away in 1956.
- The Thermometer Blank Style: The arched, stamped metal design featuring the \"Go to Church Next Sunday Somewhere\" graphic at the top was a popular pre-made promotional blank produced by advertising specialty companies during this period. Similar versions using this identical layout from other regional distributors are precisely dated to 1952.
Please look closely at the photos to evaluate the condition for yourself. A fantastic addition to any vintage advertising, Illinois history, or Americana collection!Shipping & Handling:
Will be packed with extreme care using heavy-duty bubble wrap and a sturdy box to ensure safe transit. Ships promptly with tracking.Offers are welcome—feel free to use the \"Best Offer\" button to submit a reasonable offer!
I\'m happy to combine shipping on ANY of my items; please check out my site for other antique and vintage collectibles!
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