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Antique Cyclone / Tornado Damage Photo Advertising Booklet – Great American Insurance Co – c.1900
Offered here is an original antique cyclone (tornado) insurance advertising photo booklet issued by the Great American Insurance Company of New York. These booklets were used by insurance agents around the turn of the 20th century to demonstrate the destructive power of tornadoes and encourage property owners to purchase cyclone insurance.
The booklet contains multiple real photographs of tornado / cyclone damage across the Midwest, making it both an interesting historical advertising piece and an early example of disaster photography used in marketing.
Inside the booklet are photographic panels showing storm destruction in several locations, including:
• Clifton, Illinois – Farm buildings wrecked by cyclone
• Delavan, Illinois – Sun Hill School House after storm damage
• Cleveland, Ohio – Brewery building damage on Vega Avenue
• Langdon, North Dakota – Cyclone path destruction
• Rock County, Wisconsin – Example of insured property loss
• Clermont, Iowa – St. Peter’s Catholic Church damaged by cyclone (insured loss example)
• Omaha, Nebraska – 33rd Street tornado destruction scene
These photographs were used by the company as real examples of storm destruction and insurance claims being paid, demonstrating the importance of cyclone insurance coverage.
Item Details • Publisher: Great American Insurance Company, New York
• Western Department: Chicago
• Type: Cyclone / tornado insurance advertising booklet
• Estimated date: circa 1895–1915
• Format: Folding/accordion style photo booklet featuring storm damage images
Condition Good antique condition for its age. Normal wear from age and handling including light creasing, edge wear, and paper toning. The front cover has a small tear and damage along the top edge near the right corner (not directly on the corner) as shown in photos. The booklet remains intact and the interior photo panels are readable. Please review photos carefully for exact condition.
This is a great collectible for advertising collectors, insurance memorabilia collectors, weather history enthusiasts, or those interested in early tornado disaster photography.
