Title: Theodore R. Sills, Inc. Advertising Programs
Inclusive Dates: 1947-1956

Creator:

• Theodore R. Sills, Inc.

Call Number: U.S. Mss 162AF

Quantity: 2.4 c.f. (6 archives boxes)

Repository:

Wisconsin Historical Society, Division of Library, Archives, and Museum Collections

Archival Locations:

COLLECTION MAY BE STORED OFF-SITE: see catalog entry to request materials and for additional information.

Wisconsin Historical Society (Map)

Abstract:

Bound advertising programs prepared by a Chicago public relations firm. Incorporating reports, press releases, photographs, and articles, the programs represent a cross-section of Sills' clients, among them the Inland Steel Company, Baking Soda Institute, and the National Pickle Packers Association.

Language: English

URL to cite for this finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-whs-us0162af

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One of the oldest and best-known public relations firms in the Chicago area, Theodore R. Sills, Inc., dates from the early 1930's, although the agency has experienced several name changes during the period. In 1933 Theodore Sills, formerly an advertising manager for a carpet company, organized Press Relations, Inc. In 1934 he became a partner in a new firm, Seaberg-Sills. Two years later the name changed again, this time to Theodore R. Sills and Company. The firm represented the steel companies during negotiations in 1942 which resulted in the so-called “Little Steel Formula.” This formula, which tied wages to the cost of living, subsequently served as the basis of wage decisions for all workers by the War Labor Board. Because of expansion into the international market, the name was changed to Theodore R. Sills, Inc. in 1965.

The collection consists entirely of bound advertising programs, 1947-1956, which provide a representative sample of the agency's clients. The volumes include a variety of materials such as press releases, spot ads, photographs, articles, radio scripts, and reports. Some of the more interesting advertising campaigns concern the Baking Soda Institute, Inland Steel Company, and the National Pickle Packers Association. Other than the 1948 program for Inland Steel, however, the collection contains no other information relating to Sills' connections with the steel industry.

Acquisition Information

Presented by Theodore R. Sills, Inc., Chicago, Ill., November 18, 1966. Accession Number: MCHC66-100

Processing Information

Processed by Carolyn J. Mattern, May 1977.

	1947
Box   1 Folder   1	National Kraut Packers Association
	1948
Box   1 Folder   2	Brunswick Billiards
Box   1 Folder   3	Inland Steel Company
Box   1 Folder   4	National Pickle Packers Association
Box   2 Folder   1	Sunshine Biscuits Incorporated
Box   2 Folder   2	United States Potters Association
Box   2 Folder   3	Wirebound Box Manufacturers Association
	1951
Box   3 Folder   1	Gypsum Association
	1952
Box   3 Folder   2	Gypsum Association
Box   4 Folder   1-2	National Macaroni Institute
	1953
Box   4 Folder   3	Paper Plate Association
Box   5 Folder   1	Tuna Research Foundation
	1955
Box   6 Folder   1	Baking Soda
	1956
Box   6 Folder   2	National Garden Bureau
Box   6 Folder   3	Chocolate Milk Research Foundation