"The American Boy" was a monthly magazine published by The Sprague Publishing Co. of Detroit, Michigan from November 1899 to August 1941. It was a publication aimed at young American boys and featured a variety of content including action stories, adventure, heroism, sports, and advertising relevant to its audience. At its peak, the magazine had a significant circulation of 300,000 copies.
The magazine was founded by William C. Sprague and became the largest magazine for boys in the United States during its time. The format of the magazine was quite large, measuring 16 inches high by 12 inches wide. A single copy in 1911 cost $0.10, and an annual subscription was available for $1.00.
Throughout its history, "The American Boy" saw several key figures in its management and editorial team. Griffith Ogden Ellis took over as president and editor in 1908, with J. Cotner Jr. serving as secretary and treasurer, H. D. Montgomerie as managing editor, and Clarence Budington Kelland as assistant editor.
In 1929, Ellis merged the magazine with its rival, Youth's Companion, and in 1939, he sold his interest to business manager Elmer Presley Grierson. Franklin M. Reck was the managing editor from 1936 to 1941, and George F. Pierrot, a well-known traveler, became half-owner and co-publisher in 1940.
The magazine ceased publication in August 1941, but it left a lasting legacy as a significant part of American children's literature and culture during the first half of the 20th century.
Sources:
en.wikipedia.org
onlinebooks.library.upenn.edu
digitalcommons.usf.edu
garrisonhousebooks.com