Yesterday and today I've done posts at Tattered and Lost Photographs (here and here) showing old Zenith Trans-Oceanic radios. How fortuitous that today I found an old ad in a August, 1947, National Geographic.
Click on image to see it larger. (SOURCE: National Geographic, August 1947)
To see more about cruising aboard a Matson Liner click here.
And don't forget to not follow my newest and most boring blog, Tattered and Lost: Traveling with Charlie. The site where nothing exciting will ever happen. I'm not kidding.
So far we've tried plane and ship. If those didn't strike your fancy, how about the train; specifically the Sunset Limited on the old Southern Pacific Line?
I rode the line several times, but it was always at night so I saw very little. Only once did I have a private room which was quite nice, though amazingly small. It was sufficient for me with a convertible couch, toilet, and sink. I was sick at the time, so I really didn't get to take advantage of much of anything.
Now, sadly, there was no real dining car when I rode the train. It was a snack car with a microwave. I sat up for hours one night eating microwave popcorn and talking to a friend while others sat at a nearby table playing cards. Elegant dining with great service it was not. But then, we're going back in time so the heck with how it is today.
What I really love about this ad are the illustrations; wonderful 1950s modern.
Click on any image to see it larger.
Sadly, as in yesterday's vintage ad, people of color were always relegated to service positions, never as patrons. Jarring to the eye now, it's actually good these ads exist to remind people of our history. Though the railroads offered good jobs for African-Americans, it's heartbreaking to think that they were relegated to only certain positions. People today need to remember how far we've come and how, without vigilance, we could slip back to the old days.
And now, how about taking the train even farther back in time. I give you 1937.
Perhaps air travel is not for you. You find airports and flying tedious and unpleasant. How about a ship? With a ship once you set food on board you are where you're going to be. You know where you'll sleep, eat, and party for the entire vacation. The excursions off the ship are just the bonus. The getting from point A to B is the trip.
Let's step back in time once again to November 1954 thanks to National Geographic. A cruise of the Pacific awaits you aboard a ship in the American President Lines. Not one of those hideous behemoths that set sail today, but a real cruise ship with style. Today's ships look like ugly cheap consumer items where more more more is the mantra. In the old days it was less less and just enough.
(SOURCE: National Geographic, November, 1954)
Now, there is one drawback to cruising in 1954 which might make this not right for you. You can't wear flip-flops to the dinner service. Obnoxious behavior is frowned upon, not celebrated. You had better pack some boring clothes that aren't particularly comfortable. And learn to love martinis.
If you're female don't expect men to be willing to carry on lengthy conversations with you about politics, finance, or anything else they deem outside your purview.
And when you see a guy wearing an eye patch on the high seas...don't ask him where his parrot is.
Click here to see two vintage American President Line post cards.
I don't know about you, but I think it's time to run away from home. I mean, really pack a bag and get out of Dodge!
Oh sure, the only time I ran away I got no further than outside the front door. My mother took my threat as a challenge and said, "Okay!" as she grabbed a paper bag. She told me to put seven days of underwear in the bag and I could take one doll. I was stunned. Who runs away and takes underwear? Plus, I had a lot of dolls, my favorite being Rosie who I'd had since I was around four. She told me I couldn't take Rosie so I had to choose second best. I have no idea which doll I chose, but I do know they did not have a change of underwear.
I was determined to leave with the idea of heading to Ala Moana Shopping Center, which in my mind seemed like a great place to take up residence. I grabbed my bag and stomped down the stairs to the front door. My mom and dad said, "Goodbye!" then shoved me out the door and shut it behind me. Reality quickly set in as I stood there crying before going around the house and coming in the back door. I never ran away again; not that I didn't think about it a lot.
So grab a paper or plastic bag, your choice, and stuff in seven days of underwear unless you go commando. I will now offer some time traveling travel adventures. It's up to you to choose. Just know, once you're out the front door and on one of these trips there's no back door to sneak in.
Click on image to see it larger. (SOURCE: National Geographic, November, 1954) I should probably warn you that some people in the past dressed like dorks. There's just no other way to put it. Families wore matching outfits. My family wore matching shirts so I remember all of this very well. And if you ever visit Awkward Family Photos you know that in some sections of society this is still an uncured disease. But hey, if a dorky outfit puts a "bounce in your step" why not? Oh, and if you do find a travel agent willing to book you a flight on TWA...better make sure they don't look like Rod Serling. If you don't know who Rod Serling is you're definitely not up for one of these adventures, underwear or no underwear.
It was easy for a manufacturer of airplanes to run an ad during World War II. They were obviously part of the war effort. This ad is from the November 1943 National Geographic.
Click on image to see it larger.
I will give you some ads this week that didn't have it as easy as Martin Aircraft. In fact I'd say one company was nearly pulling at loose threads in order to show they were doing their part. But more of that tomorrow.
I would have loved this ad as a child because of the miniature people and the fact that they showed a whole little world inside the train. Okay, it reminds me of the little buildings a friend and I used to build in tiny boxes. Take the lid off and a whole tiny world was inside. But this nonsense is not why I'm posting this vintage ad.
Click on image to see it larger.
Another World War II ad from the November 1943 National Geographic. This ad is full of war time talk including the apparent need to remind customers to be polite and not steal. Oh, and Buy War Bonds.
The New York Central is no more. To read the history of this railroad click here.
Is this ad corporate propaganda? I think we can figure out what's going on here without reading the text, but the text does add more color. Try to imagine a large corporation running an ad like this today? The idea that through their efforts the enemy is being killed. I don't recall seeing any defense contractors going to the general public with this message today. They don't need our approval. They've got representatives bought and paid for. I think they'd rather we not know how they are profiting from the wars.
The nation was different in World War II. The citizens were united in one effort. Not today. From today's perspective I find this ad unnerving. Perhaps in 1943 I'd have felt different. I don't know. I have a hard time demonizing a group of people instead of just individuals.
Click on image to see it larger.
To read a brief history about the now defunct Milwaukee Road click here.
Keeping with the theme from yesterday about companies advertising their products during World War II, even if they weren't available to the general public due to rationing, I give you Bell and Howell. The copy is pretty interesting. Try to imagine a company saying this to customers today.
From the November 1943 National Geographic.
Click on the image to see it larger.
To read an interesting bit of history about the use of Bell and Howell cameras during WWII go to The World at War.
Yesterday I found a November 1943 National Geographic at the flea market. The country was at war and the advertisers were on board. Corporations were often pulled into production for the war with few of their products available to the general public. Were people making blood money from the war? Sure they were, but it wasn't as blatant as what we have today. I'll say no more.
The illustration in this ad is stunning. What an interesting way to sell something as mundane as tires. A glamourous girl and, might I say, a truly stunning looking tire! Sadly there is no signature by the illustrator. I'd love to know who did this. If anyone has information about the illustrator please let me know so I can credit them.
Click on image to see it larger.
UPDATE: Leif Peng, from Today's Inspiration, a wonderful site about 20th century illustrators, has sent me some links and verified the artist to be Dal Holcomb. To see more General Tire ads by Dan Holcomb click here, here, and here. And click here to go to Leif Peng's Flickr account to see thousands of wonderful vintage illustrations.
As to who was Dal Holcomb? I found the following biographical information at wilnitsky.com.
Are you standing around in your socks waiting to go through the security check? Are you wondering if you'll get the official government TSA "excuse me sir, but do you have an M.D. to do that" grope?
You could have taken the bus you know. Leave the driving to Greyhound.
And instead of going to North Dakota you could have gone to Miami. This couple has the whole beach to themselves while you're getting an icy pat down in Fargo.
Maybe next year. By then we'll all be flying in white plastic suits provided by the airlines. All of our clothes will need to be stored in the overhead compartment. Oh yes, it's going to start feeling like high school locker rooms before you ever get on a plain. A plastic suit and a paper bag for your clothes. That will be the only carry-on you'll be allowed.
Good times. Good times.
Now, back to that couple on the beach.
The very nice illustration is signed, but I can't read it which is a shame. I'd like to see some more of their work. This is from the December 1939 National Geographic. I love the colors, the movement, and the nice use of white to outline certain areas to give it a glow. Hope to find more by this illustrator.
In July 1941 you could still buy a car, but not for long. Soon the metal and rubber of this beauty was being used to build planes, tanks, jeeps, and ships. If you needed a new car during the war, good luck with that.
Click on image to see it larger.
This is a really nice drawing. From the looks of it I'd say scratchboard.
I can easily imagine a driver at the wheel with a fussy matron in the back. I can also imagine some pompous politician in the backseat puffing on a cigar.
Once upon a time cars were very distinctive. Now, they're all silver and look the same. Oh well. At least once upon a time a car could be a piece of art when it drove by. Now, not so much. Pure function, no form.
The time is soon here. The work will be done and the elves will get a few days off and then they can party. Elves go wild! They're counting the minutes. Otherwise...
Click on image to see it larger. (Source: National Geographic December 1953)
In 1959 I asked Santa for a toy train and I got one. We had just moved from our house outside D.C. and were spending Christmas in Harrisburg with my grandparents before driving across country on our way to Hawaii. There under the tree Christmas day was my train. An HO with two Plasticville buildings. I LOVED it! Over the years I'd put the train up each Christmas under the tree. As years went by the layout became more and more elaborate with more and more buildings and lots of snow. It was my idealized white Christmas.
I still have the train in all of its original boxes along with the little green bottle of whatever it is to put in the engine to make it puff smoke as it goes around the track. I haven't put it up in a very long time and I miss it. I think of the little box of people I used to place in the same position each year. The rest of the year they were stuck in a little plastic box, but for a few weeks they were out and about in my wonderland beneath the tree. It took me days to put the whole thing up, but only a few hours to break it down.
The ad below sort of ticks me off. Trains were always marketed as a toy for boys. The only time they marketed them for girls they made them...and I get ill thinking about it...Pepto-Bismol pink. What were they thinking? I imagine if you can get a mint pink train (hmmmm...note to self, possible odd candy to manufacture) in the original box it costs quite a pretty penny. Sorry, don't want one. I love my original with the black metal engine. Yeah, I miss it, but...
A few years ago my best friend, knowing my love for toy trains, gave me a DVD for Christmas entitled "Toy Trains & Christmas: Parts 1, 2, 3". I savored every moment of it. If you like toy trains or know someone who does I'd bet they'd love this video. I watched it over a series of nights with the glow of my Christmas tree in the room. Made me long for my train even more, but it's a good substitute. I've put a link to the video in the left column at the top of the Amazon listings.
Click on image to see it larger. (SOURCE: National Geographic December 1954)
Yup, a boy toy. Little girls weren't supposed to have any interest. I guess I just didn't fit the restrictive mold. But I will say that the train brought my father and me closer each Christmas. For years it was a tradition that we'd head out some evening to the hobby store to buy a new building to add to the village. Some of the buildings were Plasticville that I'd put together each year. Other, more elaborate buildings, were kits that my dad would meticulously put together. Good times. Good times.
Last year I did a post about the iconic Coca-Cola Santa painted by Haddon Sundblom. Of course not a living soul outside my own brain new this blog existed so I'll give a link to that post.
What you see below is the cover of a wonderful book of these very Santas. I've put a link to the book in the left-hand column. It's a book with beautifully reproduced vintage Coca-Cola ads. Brings back the Santa I remember from my childhood.
And here is the oldest Santa Coca-Cola ad I have. It's from the December 1939 National Geographic.
Click on image to see it larger.
Now, to read a bit about Haddon Sundblom and see some of his other work click on the following links:
American Art Archives (Dave, make sure you click on this one. There's a surprise there for you.)
Recently I was thinking back to the old Coca Cola machines that used to sit outside gas stations in the 50s. I saw one in a movie sitting outside an old store. I was suddenly drawn back to hot days in the car, pulling into a gas station, and hearing the "ding ding" as you drove across the bell cord announcing your arrival. Then the begging to get a cold drink would start. My mom or dad giving me a nickel for a coke. That red metal box was an oasis. Lift the lid and look down to see what was available. Sometimes what was inside was cold, just as often it wasn't. Decide which bottle you wanted, deposit your coin, and then drag the bottle along the rack to the end where, if the coin had deposited just right, you'd be able to lift your bottle up and out. Then sticking the cap into the bottle opener hole, pressing down, and wait for the sound of it popping off and falling down into the machine amongst the other caps. The sound of the soda's effervescence escaping from the bottle soon followed. Put the bottle to your mouth and usually you could feel the fizziness against your noise. If you finished the bottle while still at the station you'd put it in a wooden box next to the machine so it could be returned to the bottler to be filled again and again and....
I found this ad on the back of the February 1954 National Geographic. It brings back memories of trips to the lunch counter at Woolworth's with my grandmother and mom in Harrisburg, PA. Having a burger and a Coke while out shopping. Good times. Good times.
Click on image to see it larger.
I do not know who the illustrator was. If anyone ever reads this and knows I'd be happy to add the information.
One other thing, the ad copy. "Because its goodness never changes" sure couldn't be said these days. Yes, I drank Coca Cola as a child and teenager, but not a lot. But when they stopped using sugar and went with the high fructose corn syrup...aaaakkkkkk!!!! Hate the stuff. Can't get it down. I remember for awhile my best friend had a "stash" from Mexico where they still used sugar. The difference in flavor is amazing. These days the only time I drink a soda is when I'm sick. Then I crave 7-Up or root beer. The rest of the year I won't go near the stuff. So Coke screwed up. They lost me as a customer a very long time ago. New Coke didn't even come close to old traditional Coke. You had a good thing going until you let ADM convince you "corn syrup" were the words of the future.
A journey via vintage snapshots through the world of dolls and their owners from the early part of the 20th century to the 1960s. This is volume 7 in the Tattered and Lost Vernacular Photography series.
BUCKAROOS AND BUCKARETTES
Tattered and Lost: Buckaroos and Buckarettes is a collection of vintage snapshots for those who remember riding the range when they were kids. These adventures usually consisted of sitting in front of a black and white television or running around the neighborhood with our shiny six-guns strapped to our sides. Our imaginations created entire worlds that never existed. We sang along with our heroes, convinced that with a song in our heart and a six-gun on our hip we could vanquish evil. This book is dedicated to all the other buckaroos and buckarettes who rode their imaginations into the sunset while humming Happy Trails.
CAKES, PICNICS, AND WATERMELON
Collecting vintage photographs starts out innocent enough with a few snapshots here and there, but at some point it becomes a bit more obsessive and you find yourself longing for the next image that makes you laugh or ponder the irrefutable confusion of being human. This book, Tattered and Lost: Cakes, Picnics, and Watermelon, the fourth in a series, shows the quirky world of sharing food from the 1890s to the 1970s in the United States. Sit back and enjoy watching people cut cakes (some people do it with such style!), go on picnics without your relatives, and watch people eat watermelon. Yes, eat watermelon. An odd category for sure, but one sure to make you smile.
Vernacular Photographs
Tattered and Lost: Vernacular Photographs, is volume 1 in my self-published books showing photos from my collection. Photographs play off each other on facing pages asking the viewer to come to their own conclusion as to what they are looking at. Included is a photo of the Pennsylvania Railroad S1 steam locomotive, designed by Raymond Loewy, on display at the 1939 New York World’s Fair. And one of the few known copies of a photo taken by Rudolph D’Heureuse in 1863 proving there were indeed camels used by the U. S. Cavalry is included. So take a step back in time and visit with some folks who long ago smiled and said “cheese” never knowing how long those smiles would last.
TELLING STORIES
In need of writing prompts? Looking for a gift for a friend who loves vintage photographs? Tattered and Lost: Telling Stories is now available from CreateSpace and Amazon. Click on the image to find out more!
CHILDHOOD
A new and expanded edition of Tattered and Lost: Childhood. Available at CreateSpace and Amazon. Better price, more pages, larger trim size. Click on the image to read more about it.
BOOKS FOR THOSE WHO LOVE EPHEMERA AND VERNACULAR PHOTOGRAPHY
WHAT IS TATTERED AND LOST EPHEMERA?
Tattered and Lost EPHEMERA is about some of the items in my collection including: letters, postcards, valentines, menus, recipe books, children's books, magazines, greeting cards, paper dolls, vernacular / found photos, and whatever odd things I find stuck in the nooks and crannies of this house.
This site is affiliated with Tattered and Lost PHOTOGRAPHS.
Photographs of the ordinary by the ordinary.
All photos are from my private collection. They may NOT be used in any manner without my permission. I retain all copyrights for everything published on this site unless specified as belonging to someone else.
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