We’ve seen a simpler ad from J.W. Osborn, from 1858, before. When this ran in 1863, he was selling not only slate roofing but also kerosene oil, benzole, etc. He was also dealing in newfangled felt, gravel and cement roofing, not so different from today’s asphalt shingles in concept, and he listed a number of members of the flat roof society who could vouch for the quality of this new material. His yard was right smack in the middle of downtown, on James Street at the corner of State.