VegaCal: Difference between revisions
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==References== | ==References== | ||
* Ginger (January 14, 2008) "[ | * Ginger (January 14, 2008) "[http://www.deepfriedkudzu.com/2008/01/pics-from-lawrence-morgan-and-cullman.html Pics from Lawrence, Morgan, and Cullman County AL]" ''Deep Fried Kudzu'' | ||
* Save Outdoor Sculpture, Alabama survey (1993) "[http://siris-artinventories.si.edu/ipac20/ipac.jsp?uri=full=3100001%7E%21328915%210 The Ironman (sculpture)]". Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture, Smithsonian American Art Museum | * Save Outdoor Sculpture, Alabama survey (1993) "[http://siris-artinventories.si.edu/ipac20/ipac.jsp?uri=full=3100001%7E%21328915%210 The Ironman (sculpture)]". Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture, Smithsonian American Art Museum | ||
==External links== | |||
* [http://www.flickr.com/photos/deepfriedkudzu/2214445213/?addedcomment=1#comment72157622373706499 VegaCal iron man] photo on Flickr.com | |||
[[Category:Pharmaceuticals]] | [[Category:Pharmaceuticals]] | ||
[[Category:Bessemer products]] | [[Category:Bessemer products]] |
Revision as of 22:27, 1 October 2009
VegaCal was a liver tonic concocted and sold by W. D. Taylor, a Bessemer pharmacist in the early 20th century. The tonic was marketed as containing a vegetable-based alternative to the mineral calomel (mercury chloride), which, though toxic, was popularly used as a medication through the 19th century. By contrast, VegaCal contained extracts of cascara (chitticum), senna, peppermint and cassia in a sugar syrup, bottled with 12% alcohol by volume.
The product is also notable for its cast-iron roadside signs that took the form of flattened life-size male figures standing with arms outstretched and a slogan in relief on each side. The two-sided heads were more rounded and were topped by a hat with a deeply-pinched crown. The 6'-4" tall signs were cast in a local foundry and erected in various locations around the state. The slogans read "VegeCal GETS THE BILE" on one side and "VegeCal FOR THE LIVER" on the other.
A well-preserved example of a VegeCal sign was moved from its original location to a concrete plinth outside the Ironman Grocery in Hartselle.
References
- Ginger (January 14, 2008) "Pics from Lawrence, Morgan, and Cullman County AL" Deep Fried Kudzu
- Save Outdoor Sculpture, Alabama survey (1993) "The Ironman (sculpture)". Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture, Smithsonian American Art Museum
External links
- VegaCal iron man photo on Flickr.com