c.1950s Ricketts Restaurant Chicago Famous Guest Autographs Poster

Date: c.1950s
Artist: Unknown   
Size (in): 21.5” x 14.5”
Size (cm): 54.6 cm x 36.8 cm 
Condition: B+/A- 
Linen Backed: No 

This vintage original poster was issued as an advertising piece by Ricketts Restaurant located at 103 Chicago Avenue, at Michigan Avenue, in Chicago, Illinois.  This poster has about 129 facsimile signatures of famous guests that had been patrons of Ricketts Restaurant along with text that reads Let us present the autographs of other famous guests who have enjoyed the finest foods obtainable, prepared as only we can prepare them – Ernest A. Ricketts, Ashley H. Ricketts.  

This poster isn’t dated but the facsimile autographs are for actors, celebrities, sports figures and others that were most famous in the 1930s to 1950s such as Bob Hope, Basil Rathbone, Red Grange, Bob Feller, Anne Seymore, Jack Benny, Jack Dempsey and others.  One name on the menu is “Lou Holtz” but I believe it is the actor and not the football coach.   Information found online indicates Ernest Ricketts sold his restaurant in 1955 so we date this probably sometime prior to 1955.   

This vintage original poster shows some toning from age and light handling wear including a lateral crease across the bottom.   These are facsimile or printed signatures and not actual hand signed autographs.  Overall condition is very good.