Author: Bartok, Dr. Milton
Title: Bardex "Radio" Minstrels Stationary
Description: S. l. (Columbus, Ohio), By the author, 1940. Single sheet of stationary, n. d. (late 1940s); 11 x 8 1/2; off-white stock, printed in red and illustrated with an exaggerated caricature of an African-American; a few small creases to corners and a very minor spot to upper margin; in very good condition. Founded in the early 20th century by quack "Doctor" Milton Bartok, the Bardex Medicine Company's miracle cures specifically targeted ailments of the liver, the kidneys, and the bowels (this somewhat set them apart from the products of other quacks, which generally claimed to heal one and all in the human body). As a way to promote and distribute his wares, Dr. Bartok would become part of an interesting cultural phenomenon - the American Medicine Show. He, and many other quackery representatives, would travel through the country with their own troupes, set up shops in certain locations for a few days, and entertain potential customers with shows, concerts, etc. while selling their potions. In his case, the entertainment was provided by the Bardex Radio Minstrels - an all-African-American band - singing, dancing, playing instruments, and joking - which would become famous nationawide. Very good .

Keywords: Minstrel


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