Antique 100 Year Old 1910 Swamp Root Almanac, Dr. Kilmer, Binghamton

Antique 100 year old 1910 Swamp Root Almanac, Dr. Kilmer & Co. Binghamtom N.Y.

Dr. Kilmer's almanac and weather forecasts for 1910 is an almanac published by Dr. Kilmer for promoting Swamp Root, an herbal compound that was created in his private medical practice in the early 1880's. The name, swamp root, sounds curious and strange today, but it made reference to a common name for malaria, swamp fever, and pointed to the fact that this is a curative tonic for that and other swamp related diseases.

This remedy tonic (initially called a cure before 1904) is still sold today with claims that it is a medical wonder for the digestive system and an equally excellent treatment for prostate and other urinary infections.

From 1890 to 1940, Swamp-Root was marketed and sold internationally by the doctor's nephew, Willis Sharpe Kilmer. Since then, it has been in continuous production and is still available, produced in the same way as the original formula. I have read that it is an approved medicine of the Federal Drug Administration and there are testimonials as to its effective benefits for anyone suffering from digestive problems, obesity, water retention, kidney disease, bladder problems, bowel irregularity, or liver ailments. However, and I'm sure it's no surprise, I've also read that it is medical quackery.

Dr. Kilmer, of Binghamton, NY, was heralded in his day as a leading physician of the sick. The result of his investigations and experiments was a compound of natural herbs known for over a century as "Swamp-Root".

This almanac has a full color picture of a Native American Indian Woman on the front and an Indian in full headress with arrow drawn on the back covers. However, the back cover of this almanac is partially missing. In addition, the almanac has been cut from the center top to right above the native american indian (through the front to the back of the almanac). Some wear, foxing, bends, tiny tears but all pages (other than the back cover) are intact and whole.

It is unfortunate that this almanac has the damage that it does and yet for 100 years old, it is a fabulous item for the insight that it provides into the history and culture of the very early 1900's, not too long before World War I would break out. It was printed in Binghamton, New York and the back page that is partially missing would have had an ad on the back showing the pharmacist and location of distribution.

The almanac measures 6" x 8.5".