Comprises the largest series in the collection and includes scrapbooks, advertising cards, postcards, letterhead stationery, labels, proof sheets, advertising forms, portfolios, printed advertisements, newspaper advertising schedules, television commercial storyboards, and packaging. Researchers can trace the evolution of Hills Bros. advertising campaigns using a variety of formats promoted through newspaper, magazine, radio, and television. In addition, there are materials that document the decision-making process. Records show the amount of money allocated on an annual basis for advertising and budget proposals. This information supports evidence of the percentage of advertising costs versus the total overall operating budget. Correspondence between Hills Bros. and NW Ayer Advertising Agency provides insight into the client and advertising agency relationship. The series is arranged into eleven subseries: Subseries 4.1, Scrapbooks, Subseries 4.2, Historical albums, Subseries 4.3, Ephemera, Subseries 4.4, Portfolios, Subseries 4.5, Proof sheets, Subseries 4.6, Advertising forms, Subseries 4.7, Newspaper and magazine advertising, Subseries 4.8, Sampling campaigns, Subseries 4.9, General files, Subseries 4.10, NW Ayer Advertising Agency, and Subseries 4.11, Foote, Cone & Belding Advertising Agency.
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research but the negatives and audiovisual materials are stored off-site and special arrangements must be made to work with it. Contact the Archives Center for information at archivescenter@si.edu or 202-633-3270.
Collection Rights:
Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives Center makes no guarantees concerning copyright restrictions. Other intellectual property rights may apply. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.
Collection Citation:
Hills Bros. Coffee Company, Incorporated Records, 1856-1989, undated, Archives Center, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution.
