Newspaper Brand Announcements
c. 1942
Elizabeth Johnson's delightful 1942 illustration brings the Old West to life with a herd of cows sporting everything from initials like 'JEB' and 'TOM' to a literal bullseye target. These weren't just random doodles; they were practical drawings used in early Arizona newspapers to announce cattle brands, helping ranchers identify their livestock in the open range. One particularly adventurous cow even sports a saddle and a cheering cowboy rider! It's a charming glimpse into how the rugged business of ranching was communicated to the public, turning legal notices into mini-masterpieces of Americana.