Vintage WWI Home Front Agricultural Conservation Pamphlet - St. Joseph, Missouri
Up for sale is a fascinating, original World War I-era agricultural conservation pamphlet titled "Stop! Look! Listen!". Printed by the prominent Combe Printing Co. of St. Joseph, Missouri, this rare piece of home front ephemera was produced circa 1917–1918 to aid the wartime food production effort.
The booklet cleverly repurposes the iconic railroad crossing safety phrase to deliver a patriotic message to American farmers. It urges thresher, tractor, and steam engine operators to meticulously maintain, oil, and repair their machinery. The text frames equipment care and grain preservation as a vital patriotic duty to prevent food waste and keep the mobilization effort moving forward.
The front cover features a beautiful, clean black ink illustration of a man in a wide-brimmed hat standing before a railroad crossing sign and train tracks. The reverse side is completely blank, suggesting this may have been distributed as a standalone insert or educational handout by a local midwestern bank, grain elevator, or farm implement dealer.
A spectacular crossover piece perfect for collectors of WWI Home Front memorabilia, vintage agricultural/farming advertising, or regional Missouri ephemera.
• Publisher: Combe Printing Co., St. Joseph, MO
• Era: World War I (circa 1917-1918)
• Subject: Agricultural Machinery Maintenance & Food/Grain Conservation
• Format: Fold-out single-sheet pamphlet / booklet
Condition Description
• Overall Condition: Good vintage condition, showing wear consistent with age and careful handling over the last 100+ years.
• Paper Integrity: The paper remains stable with a nice, natural aged patina. No heavy musty odors or major staining.
• Edges & Corners: There is minor edge wear, minimal corner bumping, and a slight crease/soft spot along the right vertical margin (as shown in the close-up photos).
• Binding/Fold: The central fold is intact but shows light softening from storage.
• Interior Text: The inside text remains incredibly crisp, dark, bold, and fully legible with no modern ink markings or highlights.
• Please review all high-resolution photos carefully to accurately assess the exact physical condition before offerding.
Shipping & Handling
• Shipped securely in a rigid mailer with an acid-free backing board and protective sleeve to prevent bending during transit.
• Combined shipping is available if you purchase multiple items from our store.
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