Although photographs were introduced in 1839, the technology to reproduce them on the printed page did not exist until the end of the century. Instead, images were reproduced by engraving or woodcut, printing processes that were labor intensive and relatively expensive.

Light was by far the most important of lithographic comic weekly to be published outside of New York or San Francisco during the last quarter of the 19th century. It provided the first or early employment to a host of talented cartoonists, illustrators, and at least one writer who would later go on to successful careers.

The digital version of the exhibition Ohio Cartoonists: A Bicentennial Celebration highlights the accomplishments of six of the state's most notable late nineteenth and early twentieth century newspaper and magazine cartoonists.

Sam Milai was an artist and cartoonist for the Pittsburgh Courier for 33 years. He won the National Newspaper Publisher's Association Russwurn trophy for the best cartoon 8 times during his career. Milai also created a feature titled Facts about the Negro that celebrated the accomplishments of people of color.