1883: Hyas close ictas at Mattoon’s
One of several ads for a western Oregon store in the late frontier era was in Jargon:
Hyas close ictas at Mattoon’s.
— from the Corvallis (OR) Gazette of December 14 (& 21), 1883, page 3, column 1
I.e. ‘Very good items at Mattoon’s.’
Bonus fact:
Here’s a fuller ad from Mattoon’s in column 4 of the same page, giving you more of an idea of their line of trade & their attitudes. Ever heard this phrase “a bush business”?
C. H. MATTOON,
(Successor to Buford & Campbell,)
— DEALER IN —
Candy, Nuts,
Cigars, and Tobacco,
Aud all goods kept in a Variety Store. Agent for
Universal Fashion Co.
Of New York. Also agent for the
Albany Soda Works,
By fair and honorable dealing I hope to merit a share
of patronage. Don’t ask for credit at present, as I
will do a bush business.
