This old porcelain sign once laid down the law in no uncertain terms: DO NOT SPIT ON SIDEWALK - FINE $20.
Straightforward, bold, and impossible to ignore, it was part of a public health campaign from the early 1900s aimed at curbing the spread of disease, especially tuberculosis. You'd find signs like this posted around cities as a reminder to keep things clean-and to avoid a hefty fine.
This one has definitely seen some things. The enamel has chipped away in spots, and there's rust where the metal's been exposed, but the type still pops, and the message is mostly intact. It's marked at the bottom by H.M. Rich of Beaver Falls, PA, a company known for producing industrial porcelain signage during that time.
This old porcelain sign once laid down the law in no uncertain terms: DO NOT SPIT ON SIDEWALK - FINE $20.
Straightforward, bold, and impossible to ignore, it was part of a public health campaign from the early 1900s aimed at curbing the spread of disease, especially tuberculosis. You'd find signs like this posted around cities as a reminder to keep things clean-and to avoid a hefty fine.
This one has definitely seen some things. The enamel has chipped away in spots, and there's rust where the metal's been exposed, but the type still pops, and the message is mostly intact. It's marked at the bottom by H.M. Rich of Beaver Falls, PA, a company known for producing industrial porcelain signage during that time.
