April Fools' Day

• American Advertising Card for W F Mclaughlin & Co - The Best Coffee on Earth!
• One of a set of 12 cards of different holidays
• Printed by Shober & Carqueville Lith Co, Chicago 
• Late 19th century,
• 140 x 178mm (5½ x 7in).
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April 1 is celebrated in various countries and marked by the playing of practical jokes. In the picture above a playful little boy lays in wait with intent to commit mischief. With one end of a piece of string in his hand and the other tied around a purse he awaits for this month's fool to come along.