As someone who wasn't around for the 1950s, I have to ask, is this what it was like?
I recently stumbled upon Plan59, "the museum (and gift shop) of mid-century illustration." While Plan59 has all manner of illustrations and advertisements from the 1950s, what really drew me in was the Gallery of Demonic Tots and Deeply Disturbing Cuisine. That's where I found the charming young lady you see here. I thought of including a different illustration, but I didn't want to freak anyone out too much right off the bat. Personally, I think these images are great (they sort of have an eerie, Loretta Lux quality). However, I don't know what the original advertisers were thinking. I don't have kids, but I don't think I'd ever want them to feel the frenzied, lock-jawed type of glee this little girl seems to be experiencing. Especially not over a loaf of bread or a can of beans.
Oh, and if the kids are too much for you, there are ads with just pictures of food. Truth be told, these no less disturbing (ok, maybe a little less). But really, the Velveeta Golden Glory Casserole? It appears to be a bowl of mac and cheese, topped with hard boiled eggs and more Velveeta, all ringed by some less than ideal tomatoes. Oh, and remember, keep the box of Velveeta on the table for good measure.
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