Oleomargarine, an emulsion of fat with evenly-distributed water molecules, was first produced in France – to win a scientific competition to meet the war needs of Emperor Napoleon II.

The name of the substance was derived from the Latin root for “olive oil” and from the Greek root for “Pearl”.

The substance was Pearl-colored – and a long series of legal battles ensued when producers sought to add coloring to mimic the appearance of butter.

Oleomargarine, now “Margarine”, was initially made with animal fat.

(Today, all margarine is made with vegetable oils).

The Swift Company, one of the nation’s largest meat processors in 1910 (and, as the courts found, one of five companies that held an illegal monopoly on the Chicago Stockyards) had an abundance of animal fat.

In 1914, Swift & Company began an advertising campaign to market oleomargarine – through postcards.

The postcards featured illustrations of children from many countries and the postcards were collectible, possibly with the sale of Swift products.

This postcard, not mailed, depicts a boy in the traditional garb of Italy.

Apart from a depiction of the National flag, the country could be identified in a verse that borders on ethnic caricature.

Two postcards from this series were given to me; I will also share the postcard representing Spain.

I was unfamiliar with this advertising effort, but will be keeping a lookout for additional postcards from the series.