| Description |
SHIPPING AVAILABLE > A die-cut advertising calendar from 1899, measuring 5 x 8.5 inches, printed on embossed medium-weight cardstock with glossy lithographed designs. This example features the text COMPLIMENTS OF G. W. HAIL, DEALER IN FINE BUGGIES, WAGONS, IMPLEMENTS AND WIND MILLS, HICO, TEX., prominently displayed at the top.
The scene depicts a tranquil winter landscape with a large windmill in the center background, surrounded by snow-covered trees and quaint cottages. In the foreground, a figure dressed in period attire carries a bucket, walking along a snowy path lined with rustic fencing. The detailed floral embellishments and scrollwork framing the scene add to the Victorian charm of the piece.
The January 1899 monthly calendar sheet is intact and attached at the base, showing all dates clearly, including lunar phases such as FIRST QUARTER, FULL MOON, and LAST QUARTER.
The vivid lithographed colors and embossed details remain striking, making this a wonderful example of late 19th-century advertising and a charming historical artifact for collectors of Victorian ephemera or Texan memorabilia.
CONDITION REPORT > A remarkably well preserved example, nearly 125 years old.
G.W. Hail, associated with Hico, Texas, was likely a member of the Hail family, notable in the region during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. A prominent figure was William Robert Hail (1855–1944), who married Emma Carolina Dry in Hico in 1877. They had several children, including George Webster Hail (1889–1938). Given the initials "G.W.," it's plausible that George Webster Hail is the individual in question. However, specific records detailing his business activities in Hico are limited. The Hail family was among the early settlers in the area, contributing to the community's development.
Hico, Texas, is a small town located in Hamilton County, with its origins tracing back to the late 19th century. It was first settled in 1856 and named after the Hico Creek in Kentucky, the hometown of its founder, Dr. John R. Alford. The town grew modestly during its early years, with farming and ranching serving as the primary economic activities.
In 1880, Hico was officially incorporated, and the arrival of the Texas Central Railroad in 1885 significantly boosted its development. The railroad transformed Hico into a shipping hub for agricultural goods such as cotton, corn, and livestock. The economic growth brought by the railroad also spurred the establishment of businesses, schools, and churches, further solidifying Hico as a thriving community in the region.
During its heyday in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Hico boasted a vibrant downtown area with mercantile stores, banks, and other businesses. The town also gained some historical notoriety due to local legends. One of the most famous stories involves "Brushy Bill" Roberts, a Hico resident who, in the 1940s, claimed to be the notorious outlaw Billy the Kid. This claim remains a point of intrigue and contributes to the town’s unique identity.
Hico has preserved much of its historical charm, with many of its early buildings and structures still standing today. The town continues to celebrate its rich history through local museums, historic markers, and annual events that attract visitors interested in Texas heritage. Today, Hico remains a small but proud community, offering a glimpse into the past while embracing its role as a quiet rural town in central Texas.
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