{"id":2958,"date":"2025-11-21T18:57:25","date_gmt":"2025-11-21T23:57:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.shu.edu\/americanhistory\/?post_type=project&#038;p=2958"},"modified":"2025-11-21T18:59:46","modified_gmt":"2025-11-21T23:59:46","slug":"lyman-h-howes-high-class-moving-pictures-new-magic-pictures-courier-co-litho-buffalo-n-y","status":"publish","type":"project","link":"https:\/\/blogs.shu.edu\/americanhistory\/project\/lyman-h-howes-high-class-moving-pictures-new-magic-pictures-courier-co-litho-buffalo-n-y\/","title":{"rendered":"Lyman H. Howe&#8217;s High-Class Moving Pictures &#8211; new magic pictures \/ Courier Co. litho., Buffalo, N.Y."},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-2959\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.shu.edu\/americanhistory\/files\/2025\/11\/HIGH-CLASS-300x231.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"445\" height=\"343\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The evolution of cinema has come a long way, as it is an art form where films can now be easily created and shared. In the early 1900s, motion pictures were the new talk of\u00a0the town as it was a new form of entertainment. Traveling shows brought excitement to those who were unfamiliar with moving pictures. Moving pictures gave audiences the opportunity to witness history, playing a crucial role in the development of\u00a0cinema. Lyman H. Howe made history as one of the most influential traveling exhibitors of his time. Lyman H. Howe is known for his High-Class Moving Pictures, which combines film with music, sound effects and narration.\u00a0Howe would then bring this cinema on the road, introducing people to motion pictures and leaving a lasting impact on them and the future of cinema.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559731&quot;:720,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240,&quot;335559740&quot;:480}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Lyman H. Howe\u2019s \u201cHigh-Class Moving pictures- New Magic Pictures\u201d was a promotional poster in which advertised Howe\u2019s traveling exhibition of films. This poster was created in the 20<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">th<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> century around 1898-1910 by a firm called Courier Lithograph Company in Buffalo, NY. This firm was known for producing posters for travel shows, and Howe essentially hired them to produce posters for his exhibition. This poster was created to inform the public about Howe\u2019s work and attract audiences to the motion\u00a0pictures, mainly in towns that did not yet have theaters. Upon seeing the exhibition, many agreed that it was \u201cby far the best in the moving picture line ever seen in these parts\u201d according to \u201c6 Hard Times for the Roadmen: Lyman H. Howe, the Premier Traveling Exhibitor.\u201d This\u00a0proves that many were pleased with the opportunity to see the exhibition, and it was greatly appreciated. Upon his exhibition he began gaining praise and recognition for his work, as one review noted, \u201cHe has come to be recognized as the most enterprising and most successful moving picture exhibitor in America.\u201d (6 Hard Times for the Roadmen: Lyman H. Howe, the Premier Traveling Exhibitor.\u201d). This not only changed the trajectory of many American lives but also became a pivotal success in his career. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559731&quot;:720,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240,&quot;335559740&quot;:480}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In the beginning of the 20<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">th<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> century, technology, industrialization, and society were changing rapidly. One of the newer technologies that brought excitement to people was motion pictures, as it was a completely new form of entertainment. Lyman H. Howe was a key pioneer in this field, as he brought motion pictures to life in his exhibition which gave those who did not have permanent theaters a chance to experience film. Howe promoted his shows as respectable and family friendly, which would set them apart from cheap Nickelodeons. When understanding American history, it is important to know that motion pictures were this new era of entertainment, but they also reflected the rise of mass culture and consumerism. This reflected the beginning of new forms of public leisure. During this time,\u00a0Americans were eagerly embracing the new forms of entertainment and the technological advances being made. Howe\u2019s exhibitions were designed to excite audiences and according to the \u201cAudio Visual Reviews 1986\u201d it states \u201cHis roadshows took gasping audiences for a tour of the Panama Canal and their first ride in an airplane,\u201d showing how he was able to excite audiences while educating them, leaving a lasting impression.\u00a0Howe\u2019s poster gives viewers a glimpse of how people experienced early cinema along highlighting their excitement and cultural values.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559731&quot;:720,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240,&quot;335559740&quot;:480}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">When viewing Lyman H. Howe\u2019s poster, he combines both visual composition and word choice to get his message across. In the poster, the words \u201cHigh Class\u201d and \u201cNew Magic Pictures\u201d are evident on purpose. \u201cHigh Class\u201d portrays that Howe\u2019s motion pictures are meant to be shown to those who are respectable and families. He wanted to make clear that his traveling exhibition is nothing like cheap nickelodeons. \u201cNew Magic Pictures\u201d is in large to show the audience that this is new technology of motion pictures, this also gave the audience something new to look forward to. In the poster, Howe is shown in the top left corner, indicating his responsibility for this exhibition. Another aspect to look at is the audience in the poster looking at these new motion pictures with a bit of happiness as some have smiles on their faces. This shows that audiences are going to enjoy the new motion pictures and appreciate\u00a0having even experienced something like this. The advertising on Howe\u2019s poster did a good job of influencing others as it reassured people that they would be entertained, and it would be educational and appropriate. Howe\u2019s poster gave people a glimpse into the beginning of what the future of cinema can hold.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240,&quot;335559740&quot;:480}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Works Cited:<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Lyman H. Howe&#8217;s high class moving pictures &#8211; new magic pictures \/ Courier Co. litho., Buffalo, N.Y. <\/span><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.loc.gov\/item\/97520513\/\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">https:\/\/www.loc.gov\/item\/97520513\/<\/span><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240,&quot;335559740&quot;:480}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"Aptos\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Aptos&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;-&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">High-Class Moving Pictures: Lyman H. Howe and the Forgotten Era of Traveling Exhibition, 1880-1920 on JSTOR. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jstor.org\/stable\/j.ctt13x18p7.10?searchText=ti%3A%22High-Class+Moving+Pictures%3A+Lyman+H.+Howe+and+the+Forgotten+Era+of+Traveling+Exhibition%2C+1880-1920%22&amp;searchUri=%2Faction%2FdoBasicSearch%3FQuery%3Dti%253A%2522High-Class%2BMoving%2BPictures%253A%2BLyman%2BH.%2BHowe%2Band%2Bthe%2BForgotten%2BEra%2Bof%2BTraveling%2BExhibition%252C%2B1880-1920%2522%26so%3Drel&amp;ab_segments=0%2Fbasic_phrase_search%2Fcontrol&amp;refreqid=fastly-default%3A6e792e2c49ae68c339090b9c2c0cac7c&amp;seq=1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">https:\/\/www.jstor.org\/stable\/j.ctt13x18p7.10?searchText=ti%3A%22High-Class+Moving+Pictures%3A+Lyman+H.+Howe+and+the+Forgotten+Era+of+Traveling+Exhibition%2C+1880-1920%22&amp;searchUri=%2Faction%2FdoBasicSearch%3FQuery%3Dti%253A%2522High-Class%2BMoving%2BPictures%253A%2BLyman%2BH.%2BHowe%2Band%2Bthe%2BForgotten%2BEra%2Bof%2BTraveling%2BExhibition%252C%2B1880-1920%2522%26so%3Drel&amp;ab_segments=0%2Fbasic_phrase_search%2Fcontrol&amp;refreqid=fastly-default%3A6e792e2c49ae68c339090b9c2c0cac7c&amp;seq=1<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Date Accessed: November 20<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">th<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, 2025<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0&#8211; <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This source goes into depth about Howe\u2019s role as a pioneer in his exhibition of traveling films and shares insights on how he shaped early cinema. Also, informs about the historical significance of his poster.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"Aptos\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Aptos&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;-&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Research Databases, EBooks, Discovery Service. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/research.ebsco.com\/c\/dq7v4l\/viewer\/pdf\/nedw7q2whj.\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">https:\/\/research.ebsco.com\/c\/dq7v4l\/viewer\/pdf\/nedw7q2whj.<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> EBSCO, <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Date Accessed: October 2<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">nd<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, 2025<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&#8211; This source sheds light on Howe\u2019s traveling exhibition calling it the \u201cturn of the century\u201d and shares his accomplishments and what he has done with these films. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Traveling Exhibits: Howe\u2019s Early Years, 1856-1890. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jstor.org\/stable\/j.ctt13x18p7.6?seq=1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">https:\/\/www.jstor.org\/stable\/j.ctt13x18p7.6?seq=1<\/span><\/a> <span data-contrast=\"auto\">Date Accessed: October 2<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">nd<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, 2025<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&#8211; <\/span> <span data-contrast=\"auto\">This source discusses how Howe\u2019s goal was not only to entertain but to teach and shows how much he wanted to educate. Also showed how these exhibitions shaped entertainment choices.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The evolution of cinema has come a long way, as it is an art form where films can now be easily created and shared. In the early 1900s, motion pictures were the new talk of\u00a0the town as it was a new form of entertainment. Traveling shows brought excitement to those who were unfamiliar with moving [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5856,"featured_media":2959,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"project_category":[8,747,7,748],"project_tag":[110,157,753,754,752,390,749,751,750],"class_list":["post-2958","project","type-project","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","project_category-1900-1920","project_category-motion-pictures","project_category-post-civil-war-to-1900","project_category-traveling-films","project_tag-1900s","project_tag-american-history","project_tag-cinema","project_tag-early-cinema","project_tag-entertainment","project_tag-film","project_tag-lyman-h-howe","project_tag-motion-pictures","project_tag-traveling-exhibitions"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.shu.edu\/americanhistory\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/project\/2958","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.shu.edu\/americanhistory\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/project"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.shu.edu\/americanhistory\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/project"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.shu.edu\/americanhistory\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5856"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.shu.edu\/americanhistory\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2958"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.shu.edu\/americanhistory\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/project\/2958\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2960,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.shu.edu\/americanhistory\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/project\/2958\/revisions\/2960"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.shu.edu\/americanhistory\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2959"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.shu.edu\/americanhistory\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2958"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"project_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.shu.edu\/americanhistory\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/project_category?post=2958"},{"taxonomy":"project_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.shu.edu\/americanhistory\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/project_tag?post=2958"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}