Question: 1910 Tip Top Bread (D322) Pittsburgh - Why the "H" ?

[VoodooChild]

Interesting question and I do not have a real answer, just a guess that is similar to yours. George T. Oliver was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1909. Since 1890, residents of Pittsburgh wanted the "h" back. Senator Oliver is given credit as the main person responsible for getting the "h" added back in 1911. I have a feeling that his efforts were well known at the time as he was also a prominent Pittsburgh Newspaper owner too. I'm betting that George S. Ward, owner of the Ward Bakery (Tip-Top brand), who is also from Pittsburgh knew in 1910 that the "h" would be added back soon so the cards were printed that way. I'm also betting that Mr. Ward knew residents of Pittsburgh wanted the "h" back so he decided to add it to help sell his product. From what I can see, one card was included per loaf and you could also redeem 50 labels for the entire set. Maybe seeing the "h" in the spelling on the cards helped sell more bread in Pittsburgh in 1910 since I'm pretty sure it was known at the time that the spelling would be changing officially in 1911?

Anyways, those are just my "semi" educated guesses. Welcome to the board!

[markf31]

Evan after the United States Board on Geographic Names changed the city's name to "Pittsburg" you could still find the use of "Pittsburgh" in many places such as the pin and World Series panoramic found below.

But my potential theory is that despite the fact that the city's name was changed, the registered name of the ball club itself never changed, and the club in those days was technically called the "Pittsburgh Baseball Club" operated or owned by the "Pittsburgh Athletic Company" as you can see from the 1908 Honus Wagner contract also pictured below. So perhaps this is why it was spelled with the "h" on the Tip Tops?

But it is also interesting to note that on the contract, the city is spelled with the "h" as well at the top. So even a legal document being signed in 1908 was spelled with the "h".

[CLEcollector]

Wow, thanks a lot! Those are both some really great takes with a lot of interesting information on the topic. Mark, thanks for the photos! That contract is incredible to read.

I guess it could just be one of those things where some people followed the rules, and some didn't. It's not like there were any consequences for spelling Pittsburgh with or without the "H." And, it makes a lot of sense that someone in a powerful position back then, such as a wealthy business owner, would be well aware of their clout and impact on society, and would most likely take much pride in doing as they pleased.

[Jobu]

I don't have anything to add other than to say "welcome to the board" to Adam. Your first post was a hell of a lot better than whatever it was that I posted as my first!

[CLEcollector]

Originally Posted by Jobu

I don't have anything to add other than to say "welcome to the board" to Adam. Your first post was a hell of a lot better than whatever it was that I posted as my first!

Bryan, thanks a lot! This has been driving me nuts for a few days. I can't seem to find a definitive timeline, but I'm beginning to realize this may be a case of people, newspapers, and companies spelling it whichever way they wanted to regardless of what the rule was at the time.

The vibe on this forum is awesome and I'm excited to be a part of it. Love the Jobu pic btw. I'm a huge Tribe fan.

[gnaz01]

Here is a piece that dates to the 1870's. Notice the postmark and the spelling...

Oh, and welcome to the board....

[Mark]

I know that this is anecdotal, but... I grew up in the Pittsburgh area long after the 1900's, and it was my experience that some of us were not always assiduous about our spelling.